Yes, the R-1 visa can be issued as a multiple-entry visa, but it depends on the specific terms of the visa issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate. A multiple-entry R-1 visa allows the visa holder to travel in and out of the United States freely during the visa’s validity period without needing to reapply for a new visa each time they travel.
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Key Points about Multiple-Entry R-1 Visa:
- Multiple Entry vs. Single Entry:
- The U.S. consulate or embassy may issue the R-1 visa as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa allows only one entry into the U.S., while a multiple-entry visa permits multiple entries during the visa’s validity.
- When issued as a multiple-entry visa, R-1 holders can leave and re-enter the U.S. as many times as necessary, provided they continue to meet the conditions of their visa.
- Validity Period:
- The initial validity period for an R-1 visa is up to 30 months (2.5 years). It can be extended for another 30 months, up to a total of 5 years. During this time, a multiple-entry R-1 visa holder can travel outside the U.S. and return as long as their visa and the underlying status are valid.
- After 5 years, the visa holder must leave the U.S. for at least one year before reapplying for another R-1 visa unless they apply for a different visa type or pursue permanent residency.
- Re-Entry Conditions:
- Each time an R-1 visa holder re-enters the U.S., they must continue to demonstrate that they are entering for the same religious work and that they still meet the visa’s requirements.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask questions related to the visa holder’s employment and religious activities during re-entry.
- Impact on Dependents:
- Dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21) of R-1 visa holders, who hold R-2 visas, can also be issued multiple-entry visas, allowing them to travel in and out of the U.S. during the visa’s validity period.
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Important Considerations:
- Maintain Visa Status: R-1 visa holders should maintain their religious duties and employment with their sponsoring organization, as this is a requirement for continued entry into the U.S. on the R-1 visa.
- Expired Visa: If the R-1 visa expires while the holder is outside the U.S., they must apply for a new visa to re-enter, even if their overall status is still valid.
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Conclusion
An R-1 visa can be issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to travel in and out of the U.S. during the visa’s validity period. However, whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry is determined by the U.S. consulate or embassy when the visa is issued.