Last updated 11 November 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Minister of religion visa SD1 in USA for Russians
Visa for religious ministers and faith leaders
Minister of religion visa — what you need to know
Ministers of religion can immigrate to the U.S. on an SD1 visa to work full-time in religious occupations, contributing to their communities and spreading their faith. This visa provides permanent residency, access to work, education, and healthcare, and a pathway to citizenship, supporting their mission and integration into American society.
Intended for service as a minister of religion, not for any job within a religious organization
Full-time employment is required — on average at least 35 hours per week
At least two years of membership in the relevant denomination and 2 years of prior religious work are required
The I-360 petition may be filed by a religious organization or by the applicant themselves
Process: I-360 (USCIS) → I-360 approval → Priority date waiting → I-485 filing (in the U.S.) or consular processing → Green Card
The employer is not required to obtain PERM labor certification
After receiving the Green Card, the standard path to naturalization opens after 5 years
After obtaining permanent resident status, a separate work permit is not required
It is possible to relocate with a spouse and unmarried children under 21; the spouse also receives the right to work
Eligible individuals:
- Minister of religion
- Faith leader
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 1 year to 1 year 6 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Official visa information
English international
Type of visa
Immigrant visa
Category
Work immigrant visas