Yes, an R1 visa holder can work, but there are specific conditions and limitations associated with their employment. The R1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for foreign nationals coming to the U.S. to work in a religious capacity. The work they perform must be directly related to their religious occupation. Here are the key details regarding employment for R1 visa holders:
Visa Sponsorship & Remote Jobs Free Training.
1. Employment in a Religious Occupation
The R1 visa allows the holder to work for a U.S.-based nonprofit religious organization. The employment must be in a religious capacity, which includes roles such as:
- Ministers: Individuals who are authorized to conduct religious worship and other functions typically carried out by members of the clergy.
- Religious Workers: Individuals involved in religious activities or religious vocations, such as missionaries, religious instructors, or those working in a religiously affiliated organization in a professional role.
The work must be directly connected to the religious organization sponsoring the visa. It should involve duties that are consistent with the religious mission of the organization.
2. Types of Religious Work Permitted
R1 visa holders can engage in various types of religious work, such as:
- Religious Teaching: Teaching the doctrines of the faith, leading study groups, or serving as a religious educator.
- Missionary Work: Engaging in activities that involve proselytizing or promoting the religious beliefs of the organization.
- Clerical Work: Performing religious services, including officiating at religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
- Administrative Roles: If the role is primarily religious in nature, R1 visa holders can also work in administrative positions within the religious organization (e.g., managing religious programs or overseeing worship services).
Happy Face Academy Soft Tech Free Training.
3. Restrictions on Other Employment
The R1 visa is job-specific, meaning the visa holder is only authorized to work for the religious organization that filed the petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The following restrictions apply:
- No Non-Religious Employment: An R1 visa holder cannot work in secular or non-religious jobs. They must stick to roles that are strictly religious in nature and related to the sponsoring organization.
- No Self-Employment: R1 visa holders cannot start their own business or engage in self-employment. Their employment must be under the direct supervision of the religious organization sponsoring them.
4. Part-Time Work
R1 visa holders are permitted to work part-time or full-time in religious roles. However, the job must involve at least 20 hours per week of religious duties to meet the visa requirements.
Happy Face Academy Premium Subscribers
5. Employment for Dependents
While R1 visa holders can work in their designated religious roles, their dependents (spouse and children) who are on R2 visas are not allowed to work in the U.S. R2 visa holders can attend school but cannot engage in any form of employment.