R-1

R-1 US Religious Worker Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for religious workers who are coming to the United States to work temporarily for a bona fide religious organization. It is intended for Kazakhstan citizens who are ministers or who perform religious vocations or occupations within a recognized religious denomination.
The R-1 visa remains available in 2026.

Who qualifies as a religious worker

Religious workers under R-1 include:

• Ministers or clergy

• Individuals in religious vocations

• Individuals in religious occupations

The applicant must have been a member of the same religious denomination for at least 2 years before applying.

What the R-1 visa allows

• Legal religious work in the United States

• Employment only for the sponsoring religious organization

• Residence in the U.S. for the duration of approved religious service

• Part-time academic study alongside religious duties

• Bringing eligible dependents under R-2 status

All duties must be religious in nature.

What the R-1 visa does NOT allow

• Secular or non-religious employment

• Working for organizations other than the sponsor

• Commercial or unrelated activities

• Staying beyond the authorized period without extension

Any material change requires an amended petition.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may qualify for an R-1 visa if they can prove:

• Membership in a qualifying religious denomination for at least 2 years

• A job offer from a U.S. religious organization

• That the organization is a bona fide nonprofit religious entity

• Intent to perform religious duties temporarily

Both the applicant and organization are reviewed.

What visa officers really check

Authorities evaluate:

• Legitimacy of the religious organization

• Religious nature of the duties

• Applicant’s religious background and role

• Financial arrangements and support

• Compliance with non-immigrant intent

Site visits may be conducted for verification.

Validity and stay rules

• Initial approval: up to 30 months

• Maximum total stay: 60 months

• Extensions possible within the limit

• Entry type: multiple

Overstaying or working outside religious duties is a violation.

Petition and organizational requirements

• Petition must be filed by the U.S. religious organization

• Organization must have tax-exempt religious status

• Evidence of religious employment and salary or support is required

• Approval is required before visa issuance

Self-petition is not allowed.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most refusals occur due to:

• Organization not qualifying as bona fide religious entity

• Duties not considered religious

• Insufficient evidence of prior religious membership

• Financial inconsistencies

• Suspected misuse of religious status

Strong documentation is essential.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing and approval of the R-1 petition

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Processing may include additional verification.

Important note for 2026

• R-1 visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• R-1 does not allow dual intent

• Strict compliance checks apply

Unsure if R-1 fits your role?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess both the religious organization and job duties carefully.
A proper evaluation helps avoid refusals.

Additional conditions

Employment is permitted only for the sponsoring religious organization and religious duties.

The R-1 visa is temporary and does not provide a direct path to permanent residence.

An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.