Curious about how families of religious workers are able to join their loved ones in the United States? The R-2 visa is their legal path. It’s a dependent visa that allows spouses and unmarried children of an R-1 visa holder to travel and live with them in the US.
This R-2 visa helps religious workers keep their family close while focused on their mission. But navigating the application process can be confusing, especially for first-time applicants. That’s why Remitly created this comprehensive guide to walk you through every step, from eligibility to the application process.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the R-2 visa, you have to meet specific criteria and provide necessary documentation.
Who qualifies for the R-2 visa?
You may qualify for the family of religious workers visa if you’re the:
- Spouse of an R-1 visa holder
- Unmarried or adopted child (under 21) of an R-1 visa holder
Required documentation for eligibility
To apply for the dependents visa for religious workers, you’ll need the following documents:
- A valid passport from your home country (valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the US).
- Proof of relationship: For spouses: A certified marriage certificate. For children: A certified birth certificate showing the relationship to the R-1 visa holder. If adopted: Legal adoption papers.
- A copy of the R-1 visa holder’s approval notice, Form I-797. This proves that your family member’s R-1 visa has been approved.
- Documents showing that the R-1 visa holder has the financial means to support you. This could be recent bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of housing.
- Documents proving intent to maintain a short-term stay in the US. This could be evidence of ties to your home country, such as a job offer, property ownership, or family connections.
If you meet the R-2 visa requirements and have these documents ready, then you can get started on the application process.
R-2 visa application process
Step one: Gather required documentation
Gather all the required documents listed above, including the R-1 visa holder’s personal details and approval notice. Making sure you have everything ready to go will reduce stress further down the line and give you the best chance of making a successful application.
Step two: Complete Form DS-160
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, through the US State Department’s website. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Upload passport-style photos that meets the size and quality rules
- Double-check everything to ensure it’s all complete and accurate before you click submit
After submitting, print the confirmation page with the barcode as you’ll need it for your visa interview.
Step three: Pay the visa application fee
The application processing fee for the R-2 visa is $205 USD. It’s non-refundable and you’ll need to make the payment before scheduling your visa interview. Payment methods and instructions may vary by country, so check your local US embassy or consulate website for guidelines.
Step four: Schedule a visa interview
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you’ll need to attend a visa interview, which you can book at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Interview wait times can vary, so it’s smart to arrange early to avoid delays.
Step five: Attend the visa interview
Bring your DS-160 confirmation page, your passport, the application processing fee receipt, and any required photos to the interview. You’ll also need supporting documents, including proof of relationship and financial support.
Expect the consular office to ask questions about your relationship with the R-1 holder and your plans in the US. Fingerprints are usually collected during the interview.
Step six: Await visa decision
After your interview, a decision will be made on your visa. If approved, you may need to pay an additional visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. You’ll also be told how and when you’ll get your passport back alongside the visa.
Processing times vary, so check the embassy or consulate’s website for estimated timelines. After receiving your visa, you can make travel arrangements to join your loved ones in the US.
Common challenges
You may encounter a few challenges during the R-2 visa application process. But knowing what to expect and how to handle them can make the process run as smoothly as possible.
Missing or incomplete documentation
One of the most common problems is submitting your application with missing or incomplete documents. This can lead to delays or even denials. To avoid this, double-check all documents. If you’re unsure about anything, consult with an immigration expert to ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Financial concerns
You’ll need to show that the R-1 visa holder can financially support you during your stay in the US. This means providing employment letters or affidavits of support, showing that you would not need to work illegally to survive in the US.
Confusion about R-2 visa rights
What R-2 visa holders are and aren’t permitted to do can be confusing, especially when it comes to employment and education. As an R-2 visa holder, you’re not permitted to work in the US. However, you may enroll in educational programs, either part-time or full-time, without needing to change your visa status.
Administrative processing delays
Your application may be subject to additional administrative processing, so be prepared for potential delays. Keep an eye on your case status and stay in touch with the US consulate for updates.
Dependents aging out
Only children under 21, who are also unmarried, qualify for the R-2 visa. If you turn 21 during the application process, you may lose your dependent status. To avoid this, start the application early and explore other visa options before reaching the age limit.
Incorrect visa validity periods
Occasionally, the R-2 visa expiration date may not match the R-1 visa holder’s end date. Always double-check this information. If something looks wrong, contact the embassy or consulate to rectify the issue.
Limited access to legal assistance
Navigating the R-2 visa application process can be complex, and not all applicants can afford a lawyer. If that’s your case, look for trusted resources online, check with community groups, or find legal aid organizations that offer valuable guidance and support throughout the application process for free.
By staying informed and prepared, you can avoid common problems and enjoy a smoother transition to life in the US.
Visa validity, renewal, and benefits
If you’re on the R-2 visa or planning to apply, you need to understand its validity, renewal process, and benefits.
Duration of stay
Your R-2 visa is only valid as long as the main R-1 visa holder’s status is active. Usually, this means an initial stay of up to 30 months, with the option to extend it once for another 30 months. But the total time you can stay on the R-2 visa cannot exceed five years.
Renewal process
Before you can renew your R-2 family of religious workers visa, the R-1 visa holder has to extend their visa by filing Form I-129 with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once they have been approved, you can now request an extension for your R-2 visa by filing Form I-539 with the USCIS. It’s best to apply at least 45 days before your current stay ends, but not more than six months ahead of time.
If you apply late, you’ll need to explain why. The USCIS may still approve it if:
- The delay wasn’t your fault
- The delay wasn’t too long
- You followed the visa rules
- You’re still eligible for a nonimmigrant visa
- You’re not in deportation proceedings
Ensure your application includes proof that the R-1 visa holder still has a valid job and you’re their dependents. If you’re not in the US when it’s time to renew, you can reapply for the R-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate in your country.
R-2 visa benefits
If you’re in the US on an R-2 visa, you can attend school or college full-time or part-time without needing any special permission.
You’re allowed to live in the US with the R-1 visa holder and accompany them during their religious work.
You can leave and re-enter the US as long as your R-2 visa remains valid.
While you cannot work on the R-2 visa, you can open a bank account, get a US driver’s license, and apply for a taxpayer ID number (TIN).
The dependents visa for religious workers is temporary, but holders may be able to apply for a US green card if they qualify.
Conclusion
The R-2 visa plays a crucial role in keeping families together while religious workers serve in the US. It allows spouses and children to join their loved ones, making it easier to stay connected and supported during their mission.
For dependents, the R-2 visa benefits include the chance to study, travel freely, and live with the R-1 visa holder. To avoid delays or denials, be sure to gather all the right documents, understand the steps involved, and apply early.
Consider getting help from a trusted immigration expert to guide you through every step of the way, so you can be reunited with your family in the US.
FAQ
Can R-2 visa holders work in the US?
No. R-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the US. If they want to take a job, they would need to change to a different visa that permits employment.
How long does it take to process an R-2 application?
Processing time can vary depending on the US embassy or consulate and time of the year. On average, it can take a few weeks to a few months. It’s best to check the local embassy or consulate website for estimated wait times.
Are R-2 holders allowed to attend school in the US?
R-2 holders can study part-time or full-time in the US without needing to change their visa status. This includes attending public or private schools, colleges, or universities.
Can R-2 visa holders apply for a green card?
R-2 visa holders may be eligible to apply for a green card, but only if the R-1 holder becomes eligible and applies for one first. The R-2 dependents can be included in the R-1 holder’s petition or file their own later.
What happens if the R-1 visa holder status changes?
The R-2 visa is directly tied to the R-1 visa holder’s status. If the R-1 loses their status, changes visa categories, or leaves the US permanently, the R-2 dependents may also lose their status. In that case, they may need to leave the US or apply for a change of status to remain legally.