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R-1 Visa Services

Helping Religious Workers and Faith Leaders Serve in the United States

At Thiele Law PLLC, we help religious workers, missionaries, and ministers come to the United States legally through the R-1 visa program. Whether you’re joining a church, temple, mosque, or other nonprofit religious organization, our firm makes the process clear, compliant, and stress-free — so you can focus on your calling, not the paperwork.

With over 25 years of immigration experience, 24-hour client availability, and thousands of successful visa petitions, we’ve earned a trusted reputation for guiding religious workers and institutions through every step of the process with care and precision.

 

What Is the R-1 Visa?

The R-1 visa is for religious workers who wish to come to the United States to work for a bona fide nonprofit religious organization. This includes ministers, missionaries, teachers, religious professionals, and those performing a recognized religious vocation or occupation.

With an R-1 visa, you can:

  • Work legally in the United States for a qualifying religious organization

  • Live in the U.S. for up to 30 months, with the option to extend

  • Bring your spouse and children as dependents under R-2 status

  • Travel in and out of the U.S. while maintaining lawful status

Common roles include:

  • Pastors, priests, imams, monks, and rabbis

  • Missionaries and seminary instructors

  • Religious program coordinators and administrators

 

How We Help You

At Thiele Law PLLC, we ensure every aspect of your petition is accurate, organized, and compelling, clearly demonstrating your qualifications and the legitimacy of your sponsoring religious institution.

Our R-1 visa services include:

  • Free case questionnaire and customized checklist

  • Review of the applicant’s qualifications and religious background

  • Review of foreign and U.S. religious organization documentation

  • Drafting of:

    • Law Firm Cover Letter

    • Support Letter from the Religious Institution

    • Form G-28 (Attorney Representation)

    • Form I-129 (R-1 Petition)

    • Comprehensive Table of Contents for organized presentation

  • Preparation of a professionally formatted digital PDF, with all forms, exhibits, and evidence clearly labeled and tabbed for submission

We make sure your petition not only meets every requirement — but tells your story with respect, accuracy, and care.

 

Why Faith Organizations Choose Thiele Law PLLC

  • 25+ years of trusted immigration experience

  • Numerous successful faith-based and nonprofit visa approvals

  • Available 24/7 to serve religious clients around the world

  • Compassionate, mission-driven legal support

  • Meticulous, results-oriented preparation

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