Package 3: Religious Visas (Catholic R-1 / EB-4)

📑 Includes forms and processes

• Form I-129 (R-1): Petition for a temporary religious worker visa (R-1), allowing ministers, priests, nuns, religious brothers and sisters, and other religious workers to enter the U.S. to perform religious duties.
• Form I-360 (EB-4): Petition for permanent residence through the Special Immigrant Religious Worker category. Enables the religious worker and their family to obtain a Green Card.
• Site Visit (mandatory inspection): Conducted by USCIS at the sponsoring organization’s U.S. location to verify its legitimacy as a bona fide non-profit religious entity.
• Asylum Program Fee waiver: For non-profit religious organizations, this fee is waived, reducing government costs.‍
  

Service description

This package provides comprehensive assistance for religious workers—such as priests, deacons, consecrated religious, ministers, or missionaries—seeking to come to the U.S. under a temporary R-1 visa or to apply for a Green Card through the EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Worker category.

The package includes thorough verification of the sponsoring organization, full preparation of petitions, guidance during the mandatory site visit, and complete support until permanent residence is granted.

• Designed for parishes, dioceses, Catholic congregations, religious orders, and other faith-based organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) non-profits.

Estimated timelines

•  Initial case preparation: 1 – 2 months
    
• I-129 (R-1) processing: 3 – 5 months (standard processing)
   
• USCIS site visit: may add several weeks to overall processing time
   
• I-360 (EB-4) processing: an additional 12 – 24 months
   

Total estimated timeframe (R-1 → EB-4): 18 – 30 months, depending on USCIS workload and consular availability.

Steps (process)

1. Evaluate the sponsoring religious employer’s eligibility (non-profit status, 501(c)(3) designation, proof of genuine religious activities).
2. Collect organizational documentation: bylaws, articles of incorporation, IRS determination letters, financial statements, religious programs, etc. 
3. Prepare and file Form I-129 (R-1) with USCIS. 
4. Undergo the mandatory USCIS site visit at the sponsoring institution.
5. Receive approval of the R-1 petition → obtain the R-1 visa for temporary entry into the U.S.
6. Prepare and file Form I-360 (EB-4) to begin the permanent residency process.
7.  Complete adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad, depending on the worker’s location, until the Green Card is issued.

Package benefits

✔️Full-service management from R-1 to EB-4

✔️Minimized risk of delays or denials due to documentation errors

✔️Personalized support for USCIS compliance and the site visit

✔️Peace of mind for both the sponsoring organization and the religious worker