Fulfill Your Faith Mission with an R-1 Visa

Serve Your Calling in the U.S.

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram’s R-1 Visa video for Religious Workers! We’re thrilled to guide you through this unique visa, empowering foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. while advancing their faith-based mission.

What Is the R-1 Visa?

The R-1 visa is tailored for religious workers of any faith, enabling ministers, professionals, and others to serve in U.S. religious organizations. Designed to meet the unique staffing needs of faith-based institutions, it supports roles like ministers, theology professors, or missionaries that don’t fit standard work visas.

R-1 Visa Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be a member of your religious denomination for at least two years.

• Be sponsored by a U.S. nonprofit religious organization.

Three R-1 Classifications

1. Ministers of Religion: Ordained clergy authorized to conduct worship and perform duties like those in the Anglican Church. Only ministers can later apply for a Special Immigrant Green Card while in the U.S.

2. Religious Professionals: Faith members with degrees (e.g., theology professors, religious counselors, or nurses in faith-based clinics) serving specialized roles.

3. Other Religious Workers: Missionaries, translators, or religious order members in faith-based vocations, no degree required.

Religious Occupation vs. Vocation

• Occupation: Roles directly advancing the religion’s creed (e.g., religious translator), not administrative tasks like clerical work.

• Vocation: A lifelong commitment to religious life (e.g., taking vows), proving 24/7 dedication to the faith’s beliefs without needing to show the role advances the creed.

Family Benefits with R-2 Visas

The R-1 visa, valid for up to 30 months and renewable once for another 30 months, allows your spouse and children under 21 to join you in the U.S. on R-2 visas for the same duration, keeping your family united while you serve.

Navigate the Process with Ease

The R-1 visa process can be complex, but our expert team ensures your application shines, meeting USCIS’s flexible criteria for all bona fide religions. We’ll guide you every step to secure your U.S. religious mission.

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to serve your faith in the U.S.? Contact us for a free consultation to assess your R-1 visa eligibility and explore your options. Let’s make your spiritual calling a reality in America!

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted