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R1 Visa Interview Documents

The R1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States to work in a religious capacity. This visa allows individuals employed by religious organizations to work within the U.S. for up to five years. Applicants for the R1 visa must attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, during which they are required to present a range of documents. Ensuring you have all the necessary documentation is crucial to a successful interview. Here is an in-depth look at the key documents you will need for your R1 visa interview.

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1. Valid Passport

A valid passport is the first essential document for your R1 visa interview. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If your passport is set to expire soon, it’s important to renew it before attending the interview.

2. Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) Confirmation

You must complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) before scheduling your interview. After completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode. You must print this confirmation page and bring it to the interview as it serves as proof that you have submitted the application.

3. Visa Appointment Confirmation

Once you have scheduled your visa interview, you will receive an appointment confirmation letter. This letter, along with your visa interview date and time, must be printed and presented during the interview. The visa appointment confirmation is also a requirement for entering the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

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4. Passport-Size Photographs

Most U.S. embassies and consulates require passport-sized photographs as part of the visa application process. The photos must meet specific criteria, such as being 2×2 inches in size, taken within the last six months, and against a white background. Be sure to review the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines for acceptable photos to avoid delays.

5. Approved Form I-129 Petition

One of the critical documents for the R1 visa interview is the approval of Form I-129, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. This form must be filed by the U.S. employer, typically the religious organization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to bring the original or a copy of the I-797 Notice of Action, which indicates that the Form I-129 petition has been approved by USCIS.

6. Proof of Employment Offer

You must present documentation from your religious organization that confirms your offer of employment in a qualifying religious position. This documentation should include the job offer letter or a contract outlining your position, duties, salary, and the duration of employment. The religious organization should clearly state how your role will directly serve the religious mission.

7. Evidence of Religious Qualifications

To qualify for an R1 visa, you must prove that you meet the religious qualifications necessary for the position. This could include documentation such as:

  • Certificates or diplomas from religious training programs or theological schools.
  • Proof of ordination or a license to perform religious duties.
  • Letters from religious leaders or organizations verifying your role and qualifications.
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8. Evidence of Religious Organization’s Nonprofit Status

The U.S. religious organization sponsoring the R1 visa applicant must be a bona fide nonprofit organization. To prove this, you will need to present documentation such as:

  • A letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirming the organization’s 501(c)(3) status, which grants tax-exempt status.
  • Financial records or annual reports that demonstrate the organization’s nonprofit activities.
  • Organizational bylaws, constitution, or other founding documents that outline its religious nature and nonprofit status.

9. Proof of Previous Religious Work Experience

In some cases, applicants may need to demonstrate that they have previous experience working in a religious capacity. Documentation for this may include letters from previous employers, pay stubs, or employment contracts that verify your past religious employment.

10. Proof of Financial Support

It’s essential to demonstrate that you will be financially supported during your time in the U.S. This can be achieved through several forms of documentation, such as:

  • Proof of salary or stipend provided by the U.S. religious organization.
  • Housing arrangements made by the religious organization, including documentation such as a housing allowance or accommodation offer.
  • Financial support letters from the religious organization that detail how your living expenses will be covered.

11. Previous U.S. Visa (If Applicable)

If you have previously held a U.S. visa, particularly an R1 visa, you should bring your previous visa and any related documents. This could include prior I-94 arrival and departure records, especially if they pertain to your past religious work in the U.S.

12. Travel Itinerary

Although not always required, it’s a good idea to have a travel itinerary that outlines your expected arrival in the U.S. and any travel plans you may have for the duration of your stay. While this is more relevant to tourist visas, some embassies may request details of your initial travel to the U.S.

13. Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificates (If Applicable)

If your family members are applying for R2 visas to accompany you to the U.S., you will need to provide their birth certificates (for children) or marriage certificate (for spouses) to prove their relationship to you. Ensure that these documents are officially translated into English if they are in another language.

14. Visa Fee Payment Receipt

The visa application fee, also known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, must be paid prior to your interview. The receipt proving that the fee has been paid is a required document, and you must bring the original receipt to the visa interview.

15. Supplementary Documents

In some cases, additional documents may be required to supplement your application. These could include letters of recommendation from senior religious leaders, proof of the religious organization’s ability to financially support your work, or documentation of specific religious projects or activities you will be involved in during your stay in the U.S.

16. Evidence of Residence Abroad

Because the R1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, you must demonstrate that you have a residence outside the U.S. and that you intend to return to your home country after completing your religious work. Documents to support this could include:

  • Property deeds or rental agreements for your home.
  • Utility bills or financial records showing your ongoing ties to your home country.
  • Family ties, such as school enrollment records for children or employment letters for a spouse.
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