Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Temporary religious worker (R-1) visas are for persons who want to enter the United States to work temporarily in religious capacities.

As a Temporary Religious Worker, You Must:
• be a member of the same religious denomination as the religious organization you plan to work for in the United States for at least two years before that organization files a petition on your behalf;
• be coming to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation in the United States;
• be employed by a non-profit religious organization in the United States (or an organization affiliated with the religious denomination in the United States); and
• work at least part time, an average of at least 20 hours per week.

For Some Temporary Religious Activity, a Visitor (B) Visa Can Be Used