We helped get Geshe Lobsang Gyatso a visa used for priests and ministers but I think things have changed somewhat since the 1980s

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A priest or minister can live and work in the U.S. using a temporary R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Workers visa or apply for permanent residence through the USCIS Green Card for a Religious Worker (EB-4 category). 

Temporary Option: R-1 Visa

What it is: A temporary work visa for religious workers.
Length of stay: Up to five years total.
Work requirement: Must work part-time or full-time (at least 20 hours per week).
Family: Spouses and children under 21 can join on R-2 visas. 

Permanent Option: EB-4 Green Card

What it is: A special immigrant visa that leads to a green card.
Work requirement: Must work full-time (average of 35 hours per week) in a paid position.
Application: Starts with Form I-360 filed by the religious organization. 

Core Requirements for Both

Denomination: Must be a member of a religious denomination for at least two years before applying.
Organization: Must be sponsored by a bona fide non-profit religious organization in the U.S.
Experience: Must have prior continuous experience in the religious role. 

If you want to move forward, tell me:

• Are you looking for a temporary (R-1) or permanent (EB-4) path?
• Do you already have a U.S. sponsor organization lined up?

I can give you the next steps for your specific situation.

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  USCIS (.gov)

  Special Immigrant Religious Workers - USCIS

  Feb 9, 2026 — General Eligibility and Filing Process. A special immigrant religious worker is a alien who is coming to the United States to work...
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  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

  Visas for Immigrant Religious Workers - Travel

  The first step toward a religious worker immigrant visa is to file a petition. You or your prospective U.S. employer must file a F...
• 

  USCIS (.gov)

  Green Card for a Religious Worker (Minister or Non ... - USCIS

  Jul 8, 2025 — Eligibility Criteria To be eligible in the religious worker category, you must: Have been a member of a religious denomination tha...

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