US Drops One-Year Exit Rule for R-1 Religious Workers

The U.S. government has changed a rule for religious workers.

Before, if they stayed in the U.S. for 5 years on an R-1 visa, they had to leave for at least a year before coming back.

Now, they don't have to wait outside the U.S. for any specific time before returning.

This change helps religious groups keep their workers.

The rule supports a presidential order about faith communities.

Also, the program for non-minister religious workers will end on January 30, 2026, but ministers and their families are not affected by this end date.