When our client needed to bring a religious worker from abroad, Powers Law Group prepared and filed an I-129 R-1 petition under the premium processing program. On May 1, 2026, we submitted the petition to the California Service Center. On May 12, 2026 — eleven days later — USCIS issued the approval. No request for evidence. No notice of intent to deny. Straight approval.
How It Came Together
The R-1 nonimmigrant visa allows foreign nationals to work in the United States in a religious capacity for a qualifying nonprofit religious organization. Eligible roles include ministers and those performing religious vocations or occupations — liturgical workers, religious instructors, counselors, and similar positions. Getting it approved cleanly requires thorough documentation of the organization’s tax-exempt status, the beneficiary’s qualifications, and a well-constructed legal argument that the position meets the regulatory definition.
We built the petition to answer every question before it was asked. The California Service Center didn’t need to ask any.
Why No RFE Matters
A Request for Evidence is not a denial — but it costs time, money, and uncertainty. USCIS issues RFEs when the initial submission leaves questions unanswered, which means more documentation, a written legal response, and weeks of additional waiting. For a church waiting on a religious worker, or a person planning an international move, that delay is real.
Avoiding an RFE comes from anticipating what the reviewing officer will need and providing it upfront. In this case, the petition was complete enough that USCIS acted in 11 days and asked for nothing more.
Case Details
Classification: R-1 Religious Worker Filed: May 1, 2026 Approved: May 12, 2026 Processing time: 11 days RFE issued: None Validity period: June 16, 2026 – December 15, 2028 Consulate notified: U.S. Consulate, Madrid, Spain
What Comes Next
With the I-129 approved, the U.S. Consulate in Madrid has been notified. The beneficiary can now apply for the R-1 visa stamp, travel to the United States, and begin work for Southstone Church. The approved petition runs through December 2028, with the option to extend.
Does Your Church Need a Religious Worker Visa?
If your religious organization is looking to bring a worker to the United States, the process requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of what USCIS expects to see. Powers Law Group handles R-1 petitions, religious worker green cards (EB-4), and all employment-based immigration matters for religious organizations.
Call us at (713) 589-2085 or visit rubypowerslaw.com to schedule a consultation.
This article describes a legal result in a specific case. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is evaluated on its own facts.
