Can R1 Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?

If you have an R-1 visa and want permanent residency, you may wonder if a green card is possible. The answer is yes, but you must meet specific requirements and follow a detailed process to transition from a US R1 visa to green card​.

The R-1 visa allows religious workers to live and work in the US for a temporary period. Many use this visa as a stepping stone to a green card, but the process requires careful planning. In this guide, you will find everything you need to transition from a US R1 visa to green card.

Eligibility Criteria

Not every R-1 visa holder qualifies for a green card. You must meet the following requirements to transition from a US R1 visa to green card:

• You must have worked in the US for at least two years under a religious employer. This work must be full-time and continuous. Part-time or temporary positions do not count.
• You must also belong to a religious denomination with a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the US for at least two years before filing Form I-360. Your employer must prove its nonprofit status and agree to sponsor your petition.
• Your role must fit into one of these categories:
  • A minister of religion
  • A religious worker in a professional or non-professional capacity
  • A religious vocation worker
• You must continue working in the same religious role after receiving your green card. The government must see proof that your job is permanent and ongoing.

How to Change an R-1 Visa to a Green Card

Moving from a religious visa to green card involves multiple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transition from a US R1 visa to green card :

Step 1: Employer Files Form I-360

Your U.S.-based religious employer must file Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with USCIS. This step establishes your qualifications. Your employer must submit these R1 visa to green card requirements:

• Completed Form I-360 – The petition must include sections about both the employer and the employee.
• Employer Attestation – The employer must provide detailed information about the organization, including:
  • Membership size and affiliations
  • Past religious worker petitions
  • Offered job position and duties
  • Proof of ability to pay the required wages
• Proof of Nonprofit Status – The organization must show IRS documentation confirming its tax-exempt status.
• Proof of Ability to Pay – Acceptable documents include:
  • W-2 forms for the employee or other workers
  • Financial statements
  • Tax returns
  • Annual reports
• Proof of Membership – You must provide evidence that you have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years before applying. A letter from a pastor or religious leader is typically required.
• Proof of Two Years of Work Experience – Acceptable documents include:
  • Employer letters
  • W-2 wage reports
  • Pay stubs
  • Other official records verifying your religious work
• Educational and Ordination Documents (for ministers only) – If your denomination does not require theological education, you must provide documents explaining the ordination process and proof that you completed all required steps.
• Filing Fee – USCIS fees change periodically, so check the USCIS website for current costs. Payment can be made via check, money order, or USCIS Form G-1450 (Credit Card Authorization).

USCIS Site Visit

For first-time religious worker petitions, USCIS typically does a site visit to verify the organization and job position. This can cause delays, so it’s essential to prepare. The visit may include:

• A tour of the primary and branch locations
• A review of documents related to employment
• Interviews with employees and religious leaders

To avoid complications, inform employees about the visit so they can direct USCIS officers to the correct person. After that, once USCIS receives the US visa petition, they will send a receipt notice with a case number. You can use this to track the status online. Processing times vary, but it typically takes 6 to 12 months for approval.

Step 2: Apply for a Green Card

To transition from an R1 visa to green card, after USCIS approves Form I-360, you must take the next step to get your green card. You have two options, depending on where you are:

Option 1: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) – If You’re in the US.

If you already live in the US and want to transition from an R1 Visa to green card, you can file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) with USCIS. This allows you to change from an R-1 visa to a green card without leaving the country. To apply, submit:

• Completed Form I-485 – This is the main green card application.
• Copy of Form I-360 Approval Notice – This confirms USCIS has already approved your petition.
• Medical Examination Form (Form I-693) – A USCIS-approved doctor must complete this to confirm you meet health requirements.
• Biometrics Appointment Notice – USCIS will schedule an appointment to take fingerprints and photos and conduct background checks.
• Affidavit of Support (if required) – If USCIS asks for proof that you will not become a public charge, you may need an I-864 Affidavit of Support from a sponsor.
• Government Filing Fee – USCIS fees change, so check the official website for the latest cost.

After filing Form I-485, you must wait for the religious worker’s green card processing time to finish. This can take 8 to 14 months.

Option 2: Consular Processing – If You’re Outside the US.

If you are outside the US and want to transition from an R1 Visa to green card, you must apply for an immigrant visa at a US consulate or embassy in your country. This process is known as consular processing and involves several steps:

1. File Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) – This is an online green card application for people applying from abroad.
2. Pay Visa Fees – The US Department of State requires payment for processing.
3. Submit Supporting Documents – These may include your passport, birth certificate, Form I-360 approval notice, and proof of religious work.

Step 3: Green Card Interview

Whether you adjust your status in the US or apply through consular processing, you may need to attend an interview. USCIS or the consulate will review your case and ask questions about:

• Your religious work and responsibilities
• Your employment history with the sponsoring organization
• Your future plans in the US.

Note: Bring original documents to the interview. If all goes well, USCIS or the consular officer will approve your application.

Step 4: Receive Your Green Card

If applying in the US, you will receive your green card by mail after approval. If applying from outside the US, you will enter with an immigrant visa and receive the green card later. Your new status as a lawful permanent resident allows you to:

• Live and work in the US permanently
• Apply for US citizenship after five years
• Sponsor eligible family members for green cards

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card on an R-1 Visa?

In total, the process can take 1.5 to 3 years. However, processing times to transition R1 visa to green card depend on several factors, including USCIS workload and visa availability.

• Form I-360 approval: 6–12 months
• Waiting for a visa number: Varies (some applicants wait months or years)
• Adjustment of Status (I-485) or Consular Processing: 8–14 months

Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card

A green card provides security and flexibility. With a green card, R-1 visa holders can:

• Live and work in the US permanently.
• Change jobs without restrictions.
• Apply for naturalization and US citizenship after five years.
• Sponsor family members. Your spouse and children can also apply for green cards.
• Access to government benefits like Social Security, Medicare, and other programs.

R1 Visa to Green Card: Final Thoughts

Transitioning from an R1 visa to green card takes time and effort, but it is possible with the right preparation. Need guidance on your application? Visa Library can help. Get a FREE consultation today. Also, if you have questions, leave a comment below, and we’ll provide answers.

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