What is an R2 visa?
The R2 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows dependents of an R1 visa holder to reside in the United States for the duration of the religious work done by the R1 visa holder. R2 visa holders may engage in full or part-time study while in the United States and can travel freely in and out of the United States.
Do not sell my R-2 visa information?
Do Not Sell My Personal Information An R-2 visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) visa that may be issued to the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years) of R-1 visa holders. It allows them to accompany or join the R-1 visa holder for the duration of the R-1 visa holder's U.S. stay.
Can I go to college on an R-2 visa?
You can attend any full- or part-time school or college without having to apply for an F-1 student visa. The initial R-2 visa may be granted for a period of up to 30 months. Extensions of stay may be approved for a period of up to 30 months as well.
How long can a R-1 visa holder stay in the US?
You will be admitted and allowed to remain in the United States for as long the primary visa holder maintains lawful status. An R-1 is ordinarily allowed to stay in the U.S. for no more five years in total. R-2 visa holders are not permitted to accept employment in the United States.
Can R2 visa apply for green card?
Yes, you may apply for Green Card while on R-2 status. To adjust status you must file: Form I-360, Application for Special Immigrant and obtain approval.
What is visa status R2?
The R-2 visa is a US temporary visa that authorizes the spouse and unmarried child (below 21 years) of an R-1 visa holder to enter into the United States. The R-2 status holders can stay in the country as long as the R-1 visa holders remain in legal status.
Can you work with a visa Type R?
The R-1 visa classification allows you to come to the United States temporarily to be employed at least part time by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States to work solely as a minister, in a religious vocation, or in a religious occupation.
Can R2 get SSN?
R-2 Visa, Spouse & Children of R-1 Visa Holder R-2 visa holders cannot get Social Security numbers or work. But they can attend school and college, hold a driver's license, open bank accounts and get taxpayer identification numbers.
How long does r2 visa take?
8 weeks, if you're inside the UK.
How do I get an r2 visa?
To apply for an R-2 visa, you'll first need to wait while your spouse or parent's employer begins the process by filing a petition on USCIS Form I-129. After that is approved by USCIS, you'll need to make an appointment at a U.S. consulate in your home country to apply for the visa.
How does EB2 Visa work?
The EB2 visa is the second preference employment-based green card category that grants US permanent residency to foreign nationals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Eligible persons for EB2 immigrant visa include those who: Hold an advanced degree or its equivalent; or.
How can I change my R-1 visa to green card?
How to Proceed From R-1 Visa Status to Permanent ResidenceI-360 petition form. ... Employer attestation. ... Proof of nonprofit status. ... Proof of ability to pay. ... Evidence of membership. ... If the petition is for a minister, copies of educational and ordination documentation. ... Proof of two years' experience. ... Filing fee.
What is visa Type R in US visa?
When you see 'R B1/B2' as your Visa Type, the letter 'R' simply means a regular visa instead of a Diplomat or other visa type. If you are traveling for temporary business, it may be conducted with a U.S. B1 Visa.
Can I work without SSN?
Do I need to have my number before I start working? We don't require you to have a Social Security number before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use your Social Security number to report your wages.
Can R-1 visa holder attend school?
Can I study while on the R-1 Visa? If you are in the United States on an R-1 Visa, you are free to take part in religious study if it is incidental to or related to your position, but this cannot be the only reason you are in the United States.
Can you work with SSN without EAD?
To lawfully work in the United States, foreign workers in some categories and classifications need both an employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS, and a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration.
How long does it take to get R-1 visa?
If the religious employer is not eligible for premium processing, the process can take 8 or 9 months (6 months for USCIS to respond to the petition and 2 to 3 months for the visa to process).
Can R-1 visa apply for green card?
A: Yes. If you have an R-1 visa, you are eligible to apply for a green card after you have been on your visa for two years. Religious workers can seek to become permanent residents of the U.S. using the EB-4 'Special Immigrant: religious worker' category.
Can I study with R-1 visa?
R1 Visa Benefits Study – may engage in full-time study in the U.S. So can dependents accompanying you under and R-2 dependent visa. Travel – may travel freely in and out, and within the U.S. Remuneration – may receive payment for services performed, but only from the organization through which R-1 status obtained.
What is a religious worker visa?
Temporary religious worker (R-1) visas are for persons who want to enter the United States to work temporarily in religious capacities.
1. What is R-2 visa?
The R-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the spouses and unmarried children of R-1 religious workers to enter into the U.S. and reside wi...
2. How do I qualify for R2 visa?
To qualify for R-2 visa, you must be: The spouse or unmarried child below 21 years of R-1 religious worker Accompanying or joining the R-1 religiou...
3. What privileges do I enjoy on R-2 visa?
On R-2 visa, you may: Engage in full time study in the U.S. Travel freely in and out of the U.S. Apply for Green Card
4. What are the limitations of R-2 visa?
On R-2 visa, you may not: Work in the U.S. Reside in the U.S. for a period longer than the principal R-1 visa holder
5. How long can I stay in the U.S. on R-2 dependent visa?
Your initial admission period on R-2 visa shall not exceed three years.
6. Can I extend my stay on R2 visa?
Yes, you may use Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker extension, to apply for extension of stay . Extension may be authorized for a pe...
7. Can I study on R-2 dependent visa?
Yes, you may engage in full time study on R-2 visa.
8. Are there any travel restrictions on R-2 visa?
No, there are no travel restrictions on R-2 visa. You may travel freely in and out of the U.S. during the validity of your R-2 visa.
9. What are the documents required for R-2 visa?
In addition to all documents required for R-1 visa , you will require: Your marriage registration certificate, and an original birth certificate f...
What are the requirements for an R2 visa?
In other words, your spouse or parents must be eligible for an R-1 visa before you can obtain an R-2 visa. The holder of an R1 visa must have entered the United States to engage in religious activities and work in a religious organization with specific characteristics.
What is a US R2 visa?
As mentioned, this visa is for family members of R1 visa holders. Although visa holders cannot work in the United States, the benefits of this visa are:
How to apply for this visa?
Before applying for an R2 visa, your spouse or parent’s employer must first submit I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to the USCIS, or US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
How long can you stay on this visa?
Because the R2 visa is a type of dependent visa, conditions such as validity and visa renewal depend on the principal visa holder. The R1 visa is valid for 30 months. Therefore, the initial validity of this visa will be 30 months.
How much does it cost to get a R2 visa?
The application fee for a US R2 visa is around $190. Visa application fees are non-refundable. This means whether your application is rejected or confirmed; this fee will not be refunded to you. Also, note that your visa application will not be processed unless you pay this fee. Citizens of some countries may also have to pay for visa issuance. It depends on your country’s relationship with the United States. After paying your application fee, you will receive a receipt that you must keep because you will need it in the next steps.
What do you need to bring to an interview for a US R2 visa?
You will be asked some about your background, education, and purpose for your trip to the United States. You also need to talk about your relationship with the principal visa holder. In addition, you, as an applicant for the US R2 visa must also prove your bond to your home country because you are not allowed to reside permanently in the United States.
Can the holder of this visa change the status of his/her visa to another one?
Yes. As a visa holder, you can change the status of your visa. If you find a job, you can obtain an H1B visa.
What is an R-2 visa?
The R-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the spouses and unmarried children of R-1 religious workers to enter into the U.S. and reside with their family.
Can I file an extension for a nonimmigrant worker?
Yes, you may use Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker extension, to apply for extension of stay. Extension may be authorized for a period of up to two years. Your total period of stay may not exceed five years.
What is an R2 visa?
The R2 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows dependents of an R1 visa holder to reside in the United States for the duration of the religious work done by the R1 visa holder.
Who is eligible for R2 visa?
Family dependents eligible for R2 visas include the religious worker’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age. There is no cap on the number of R2 visas issued each year or the number of foreign nationals from a specific country allowed admission to the United States under this visa category. An R2 visa holder’s initial admission period cannot exceed three years and they are not allowed to maintain residence in the United States for a longer period than the principal R1 visa holder.
What documents are needed for an R2 visa?
R2 visa applicants must provide evidences of marital or family relationships with the principal R1 visa holder through original and photocopied documents such as a marriage registration certificate, birth certificates of specific family members and wedding and family photos. Other requirements include a completed DS-156 Form, supporting documents showing arrangements for financial support for the entire family's stay in the United States, a copy of the applicant’s passport and payment of the processing fee and other reciprocal fees. Costs vary depending on the requirements of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin. If the R2 visa application is a follow-up application and the R1 visa of the family member is already issued, the R2 visa applicant must also submit a copy of the spouse or parent’s passport and R1 visa, a copy of the spouse’s or parent’s approval of R1 visa and all R1 visa application documents submitted by the R1 visa holder.
How long can an R2 visa last?
An R2 visa holder’s initial admission period cannot exceed three years and they are not allowed to maintain residence in the United States for a longer period than the principal R1 visa holder.
Can I extend my R2 visa?
Since there is no grace period for extension, it is imperative that the application for extension is done prior to the actual expiration of the initial R2 visa. To apply for extension of stay, the R2 visa holder must submit a Form I-129 and pay the applicable fees at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service center located within the person's place of stay in the United States.
3 attorney answers
No, you cannot. There is no set of conditions under which an R-2 dependent of a religious worker would be eligible to apply for employment authorization. However, your son may be able to work to help support himself, as Ms.
Karin Wolman
If your son were to change status to become an F1 visa holder, he could work, within the rules of that status. You may wish to review the following web page which explains the rules for foreign student employment. The DSO at his school can review the rules with him as well to be sure they are followed.
Beth Ellyn Boyer
An R-1 religious worker’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible for R-2 classification. An R-2 dependent is not authorized to accept employment based on this visa classification.
How long can you stay in the US in an R-1?
Your total period of stay in the United States in R-1 classification cannot exceed five years (60 months). We only count time spent physically in the United States in valid R-1 status toward the maximum period of stay. See the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 2, Part O, Chapter 7.
What is the consular post for R-1?
After we approve your petition, the consular post determines whether you are eligible to receive the R-1 nonimmigrant visa. As with all individuals who appear at ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines whether the beneficiary may be admitted to the United States. Visa exempt workers must present the original Form I-797, Notice of Action, at a port of entry, as evidence of an approved Form I-129. For more information on visa application processing and issuance fees, see the Department of State’s Temporary Worker Visas webpage.
What is the form for a nonimmigrant worker?
Process. A prospective or existing U.S. employer must file Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant minister, or a religious worker in a religious vocation or occupation. The petitioner must include evidence of eligibility for the classification sought.
What is an R-1?
R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Workers. An R-1 nonimmigrant is an alien who is coming to the United States temporarily to work at least part time (an average of at least 20 hours per week) as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation and be employed by a: Non-profit religious organization in the United States; ...
What is RFRA in the Restoration Act?
Restoration Act (RFRA). A written request for the exemption should accompany the initial filing, and it must explain how the provision: Requires participation in an activity prohibited by a sincerely held religious belief; or. Prevents participation in conduct motivated by a sincerely held religious belief .
Who bears the burden of showing that it qualifies for a RFRA exemption?
The petitioner bears the burden of showing that it qualifies for a RFRA exemption and must support the request with relevant documentation. We will decide exemption requests on a case-by-case basis.
Can a nonimmigrant leave the US?
Nonimmigrant religious workers must maintain the intent to depart the United States when their nonimmigrant stay expires. At the same time, we may not deny a nonimmigrant petition, application for initial admission, change of status, or extension of stay in R classification solely on the basis of a filed or an approved permanent labor certification ...
