Aliens can immigrate as a religious worker to the U.S. through special immigrant category.
Whether or not the church previously had the services of a minister or staff to perform the duties which the alien is to be undertaking, and if not, what circumstances have created a “need” for the alien’s services (i.e., an increase in the size of the congregation or additional responsibilities placed upon the current minister of staff).
The person seeks to enter the U.S.
The person has been working as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation, either abroad or in lawful status in the U.S. for at least 2-year period immediately preceding the filing of the petition.
The religious work for the two prior years must be continuous, but some cases support the position that it need not be full-time for the 2-year period.
USCIS does not regard voluntary service as meeting the 2-year requirement the applicant should have received compensation while working as a minister.
Alien can include spouses and children accompanying or following to join.
If you have any questions pertaining to special immigrant status, please call the immigration lawyers at Gopal & Pedigo, PC or visit our website at www.tnimmigration.com. We are conveniently located near Nashville International Airport in Nashville, TN.