At the present time, there are few quick and easy ways to bring anyone to the U.S.
R visas ("religious visas") may be an exception. It allows someone qualified to receive a temporary R visa within a few short months, and to remain in the US for up to three years. Then, based upon the same qualifications and following a second application to the INS, the applicant can usually obtain permanent residence in the U.S.
R visa is for "religious workers" -- essentially
someone sponsored by a church, synagogue or religious institution
to work for that institution in a traditionally religious
function. The government regulations give the following
examples of qualifying jobs: liturgical workers, religious
instructors, religious counselors, cantors, religious school
teachers, workers in religious hospitals or religious health
care facilities, missionaries, religious translators, or religious
broadcasters. The regulations specifically exclude janitors,
maintenance workers, clerks, fund raisers or persons involved
solely in the solicitation of donations. Our office has represented
many churches and synagogues who have obtained visas for persons
who work in a wide variety of ways - including working with
the choir, the liturgy, the religious school, even the library.
The religious work does not need to be salaried, but the applicant must be able to prove that he or she will have no need to work elsewhere. Our clients have been approved for visas where the religious worker was paid only a small stipend plus room and board.
The law does not require the applicant to have a specific type of degree or certificate of ordination to qualify as a religious worker. But you must show the person has been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years.
Persons apply for the visa at the US consulate in Moscow, Kiev or whatever the appropriate consulate in their home country. They should come to the interview with appropriate documentation from the religious institution and an application signed by church officials in the US. Our experience has been that these applications are generally granted if the person meets the basic qualifications for the visa. It is probably the quickest and surest method to bring persons from Russia, the Ukraine or other republics of the former Soviet Union.
WARNING: The following is article
discussing legal issues. It is not intended to be a substitute
for legal advice. We recommend that you get competent legal
advice specific to your case. If you would like such advice
from our office, call (415) 777-4445 or (916) 349-2900 or
(408) 993-9737.
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