Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced an interim final rule aimed at reducing wait times for religious workers abroad who seek to return to the United States. The change eliminates the previous requirement that religious workers, such as priests, nuns, and rabbis, remain outside the country for one year before being eligible to return.
A DHS spokesperson said, “Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, DHS is committed to protecting and preserving freedom and expression of religion. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure religious organizations can continue delivering the services that Americans depend on. Pastors, priests, nuns, and rabbis are essential to the social and moral fabric of this country. We remain committed to finding ways to support and empower these organizations in their critical work.”
This new rule aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14205 regarding the establishment of the White House Faith Office. It specifically affects R-1 visa holders by removing the requirement that they must reside outside the United States for a minimum period after reaching their five-year maximum stay limit. Although R-1 workers must still depart after five years, they can now apply for readmission without a set waiting period.
In recent years, demand for EB-4 visas has outpaced supply, resulting in longer wait times for applicants from certain countries—including many religious workers—due in part to changes made by the Department of State in 2023. These delays have left some faith-based communities without clergy or non-ministerial staff when individuals reach their maximum allowed stay under R-1 status.
With this interim final rule now effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is seeking public comment within 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register.
