1. What are the green card options available for religious ministers and workers?

The green card options available for religious ministers and workers are the Special Immigrant Religious Worker and the R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Worker visas.

The Special Immigrant Religious Worker visa allows qualifying religious ministers to remain in the United States and obtain lawful permanent resident status. The applicant must have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years prior to applying and must intend to carry out a full-time religious vocation or occupation in the United States.

The R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Worker visa allows religious workers to enter the United States for a temporary period to work in a religious capacity subject to approval of a petition by an applicable religious organization. A person can stay in the United States on an R-1 visa for up to five years, depending on the length of their contract.

2. Can I apply for a green card based on religious work?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a green card based on religious work. The applicant must be sponsored by a recognized religious organization or affiliated organization and they must have been a member of the organization for at least two years. The applicant must also demonstrate that they will be performing religious work while in the United States. The religious work must be full-time and compensated.

3. What is the process for applying for a green card as a religious worker?

The process for applying for a green card as a religious worker is as follows:
1. Determine if you qualify for the religious worker visa.
2. Gather necessary documents, such as proof of membership or employment with a qualifying organization and proof that you have worked in a religious vocation or occupation for at least two years.
3. Fill out an I-360 Petition for American Worker.
4. Submit the petition along with additional required documentation, such as evidence of financial support and evidence of a valid employment offer.
5. Wait for the petition to be approved.
6. You may be eligible to apply for permanent residence (a green card) if USCIS approves your petition.
7. If you are eligible to apply for a green card, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS.
8. After your application is approved, you will attend an interview and receive your green card.

4. Are there any special requirements to obtain a green card as a religious worker?

Yes, there are special requirements for obtaining a green card as a religious worker. To be eligible, you must have been a member of a religious denomination that has a bona fide, non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least two years before applying for the green card. You must have been working in a religious vocation or occupation regularly for at least two years before applying and you must intend to continue to work in a religious vocation or occupation after obtaining the green card. Additionally, you must be coming to the United States specifically to work as a minister or in another religious vocation or occupation with the sponsorship of the denomination’s non-profit religious organization in the United States.

5. Can religious workers sponsor family members for permanent residence?

Yes, religious workers can sponsor family members for permanent residence. U.S. immigration law allows religious workers to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) for lawful permanent residence in the U.S. This is done by filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant with the USCIS.

6. What documentation do I need to provide as part of my application?

You will need to submit proof of your identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, and other documents depending on your individual circumstances. You may also need to provide proof of income or employment history and any other documents related to your application.

7. Are there any restrictions on how long I can stay in the US with my religious worker green card?

No, there are no restrictions on how long you can stay in the US with a religious worker green card. Once you obtain the green card, you can stay in the US as long as you maintain your immigration status.

8. What rights and benefits do I gain by obtaining a green card as a religious worker?

A green card as a religious worker confers upon you a variety of rights and benefits, including the right to work and live in the United States on a permanent basis, eligibility for certain benefits such as Social Security and Medicare, access to healthcare services, protection from deportation and access to government benefits such as student loans, public assistance, and certain tax incentives. Additionally, with a green card as a religious worker you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residence.

9. Is there an annual limit on the number of religious worker green cards issued?

Yes, there is an annual limit of 25,000 religious worker green cards issued.

10. Is there a particular job title I must have in order to qualify for a religious worker green card?

No, there is no particular job title that you must have in order to qualify for a religious worker green card. However, there are certain job duties and occupations that may qualify you for a religious worker green card, including religious leaders, religious instructors, liturgical workers, counselors, cantors, and missionaries.

11. Are there any additional qualifications I must meet to obtain a religious worker green card?

Yes. You must demonstrate that:
• You have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years;
• You have been working as a minister in the religion for at least two years;
• You have a pre-existing, bona fide, non-immigrant religious worker visa;
• You have been working in a religious vocation or occupation for at least two years; and
• Your activities must be primarily related to the religious denomination or organization.

12. How long does it take to obtain a religious worker green card?

It typically takes 6 to 8 months from the time a religious worker green card application is filed until the card is issued. However, processing times vary from one case to another, so it may take longer or shorter than this.

13. What fees are associated with the application process for a religious worker green card?

The cost of applying for a religious worker green card is $545 USD. This includes the $190 USD base fee, the $85 USD biometrics services fee, and the $270 USD USCIS Immigrant Fee.

14. Are there any other forms of nonimmigrant visas available to religious workers wishing to enter the US?

Yes, in addition to an R-1 visa for a religious worker, other nonimmigrant visas may be available, depending on the individual’s specific situation. Some other types of nonimmigrant visas include: H-2A visa for temporary agricultural workers, H-2B visa for temporary nonagricultural workers, B-1 visa for business travelers, E-3 visa for Australian professionals, and O-1 visa for individuals of extraordinary ability.

15. Do I have to report to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after my green card is approved?

Yes, all lawful permanent residents are required to report any changes of address to the USCIS within 10 days of moving. This can be done by filing Form AR-11 or online.

16. How often must I renew my religious worker green card?

You must renew your religious worker green card every 10 years.

17. Is it possible to change my status from temporary to permanent residence with my religious worker green card?

No, it is not possible to change from a temporary religious worker green card to a permanent residence green card. However, you may be eligible for a different green card through the permanent residency (green card) process, which would grant you permanent residence in the United States.

18. Does having a green card as a religious worker entitle me to health care benefits in the US?

No, you are not automatically entitled to health care benefits in the US simply because you have a green card as a religious worker. In order to be eligible for health care benefits, you must be enrolled in an approved health care program or insurance provider. In addition, some states may have their own eligibility requirements for health care benefits.

19. If I am found to be inadmissible, can I still apply for a religious worker green card?

No, you cannot apply for a religious worker green card if you are found to be inadmissible. In order to be eligible for a religious worker green card, you must meet all of the criteria set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act and you must not be inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.

20. Are there any additional requirements after I receive my permanent residence status as a religious worker?

Yes. You must maintain your permanent residence status by meeting the requirements of an immigrant religious worker. This includes: maintaining active religious work, continuing to be employed in a religious vocation or occupation, and continuously adhering to the religious practices of the denomination you are affiliated with. You must also comply with all U.S. laws and regulations.