An R1 visa is typically granted for an initial period of up to 30 months (2.5 years). After this initial period, it can be extended if needed. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the duration of an R1 visa:
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1. Initial Period of Stay
- Validity: The R1 visa is initially issued for up to 30 months.
- Duration Based on Employment: The exact length may depend on the religious organization’s needs and the job assignment’s duration.
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2. Extensions
- Extension Period: R1 visa holders can apply for an extension for an additional period of up to 30 months.
- Maximum Total Duration: The maximum total stay on an R1 visa cannot exceed 5 years (60 months) in total, including the initial period and any extensions.
3. Conditions for Extension
- To extend an R1 visa, the religious organization must continue to sponsor the visa holder, and the individual must continue to fulfill their role as a religious worker.
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4. After the Maximum Duration
- After reaching the maximum 5-year limit, the individual must leave the U.S. for at least 1 year before they can apply for another R1 visa, unless they have transitioned to a different visa status (such as applying for a green card through the EB-4 process for religious workers).
The R1 visa initially lasts for up to 30 months and can be extended for a maximum stay of 5 years.
