work/investment

Religious Worker(R)

How to Apply

Religious worker (R1) and their family members (R2) must apply by scheduling an interview through Visa Information Web Services at http://www.us-visaservices.com/. R1 and R2 visa applicants between ages of 14 and 80 are required to be finger scanned at the time of their interview. If your left or right index finger is injured (i.e. cut, stitched, bandaged, etc.), we highly recommend that you schedule your interview for a day after your finger has healed. If we are unable to digitally scan your index fingerprint, we will not be able to process your application and you may be required to return to the Embassy.

Please understand that we try to process visa applications as quickly as possible. Please help us by ensuring that all your documents are complete and correct. Please apply early for your visa, as we can never guarantee visa processing in time to suit your travel plans. Please understand that U.S. law requires us to process each application separately on its own merits. We can never give assurance of visa issuance.

Please bring the following documents with you to your interview:

• A signed passport valid for at least six months.
• A completed and signed Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156/DS-157) with photo (See "photo requirements" for the DS-156) for each person applying. DS-156/DS-157 can be downloaded from this web site.
• A receipt from Shinhan Bank for the visa application fee for each applicant. The fee may be paid at any of the bank's branches in Korea. There is a branch only a short walk from the Embassy; more 
• Certificate of Family Relationship (previously referred to as Family Census Registry).  Note in certain cases the Embassy may also ask to see additional documents including Basic Certificate, Certificate of Marital Status, and/or Adoption Certificate.
• A clear photocopy of the principal applicant's passport and R visa if your family members apply separately.
• A letter from your U.S. sponsor confirming employment as a religious worker and stating purpose of your trip.
• Proof of the tax-exempt status of your sponsoring religious organization in the U.S.
• Proof that you have been a member of your religious denomination for at least two years.
• Evidence of your financial support in the U.S.
• A courier receipt from an Embassy-approved courier company. Courier forms are available at the rear annex of the Embassy or by contacting either Ilyang or Hanjin courier company directly. more
• All non-English documents must be translated into English.

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