DHS Reduces Wait Times for Thousands of Religious Workers Abroad

The Department of Homeland Security issued an interim final rule allowing R-1 religious workers—such as priests, nuns, pastors, and rabbis—to return to the United States without being subject to the prior one-year foreign residency requirement after reaching the five-year maximum stay. While these workers must still depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized period, the rule removes any minimum time they must remain abroad before seeking readmission, significantly reducing disruptions to religious organizations and the communities they serve. DHS framed the change as part of its commitment to protecting religious freedom and ensuring continuity of essential faith-based services. The rule aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order establishing the White House Faith Office and responds to prolonged backlogs in the EB-4 immigrant visa category, which have worsened since 2023 and forced many religious workers to exhaust their R-1 status. By eliminating the one-year waiting period, USCIS aims to reduce clergy shortages caused by visa delays and provide greater stability for religious institutions. The rule is effective immediately, with DHS accepting public comments for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

Contact Darren Heyman, Las Vegas Immigration Attorney, for more information.