Employment- Based Immigration

At the Law Offices of Attorney Cindy Paul in New Jersey, we specialize in assisting clients with employment-based immigration, including visas for religious workers. U.S. immigration law recognizes the unique contributions of religious workers and provides specific visa categories to accommodate their needs.

Understanding Religious Worker Visa Categories

There are two primary categories of immigrant visas for religious workers:

1. Ministers of Religion (SD-category) This category is for ordained ministers who wish to perform religious functions within their denomination.
2. Certain Religious Workers (SR-category) This includes individuals working in a religious vocation or occupation other than that of a minister.

Both categories fall under the Employment Fourth Preference (E4), designated for Certain Special Immigrants. These categories are distinct from the non-immigrant Temporary Religious Workers (R-1) visa, which is intended for those seeking to enter the United States temporarily to work in religious capacities.

Temporary Religious Workers (R-1 Visa)

For those interested in the R-1 visa, the following requirements must be met:

• Membership You must have been a member of the same religious denomination as the U.S. organization you plan to work for at least two years prior to the organization filing a petition on your behalf.
• Employment Type You must be coming to the U.S. to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation.
• Employer Requirements You must be employed by a non-profit religious organization in the U.S. or an organization affiliated with the religious denomination in the U.S.
• Work Commitment You need to work at least part-time, with an average of at least 20 hours per week.

Our Experience and Commitment

The Law Offices of Cindy Paul has the privilege of working with religious workers from a diverse array of belief systems. We approach each case with deep respect and a commitment to equality, which is reflected in our successful outcomes. Whether you are seeking to work in the U.S. permanently under the SD or SR categories or temporarily under the R-1 visa, our team is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the application process.

How We Can Help

Our services include:

• Eligibility Assessment Determining the most appropriate visa category based on your specific circumstances.
• Application Preparation Guiding you through the complexities of the visa application process, ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Continuous Support Assisting with renewals, adjustments of status, and other immigration matters that may arise during your stay in the U.S.

Get in Touch

If you are a religious worker seeking to enter the United States under any of the available visa categories, please contact the Law Offices of Cindy Paul. Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the intricacies of immigration law to secure your visa and support your mission in the United States.