Religious worker visa
Nov 21st 2007 | 3:46 am
#16
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Re: Religious worker visa
The "R" visa petition is complex, and should (at minimum) be reviewed by an experienced US immigration lawyer.
Last edited by Sue; Nov 21st 2007 at 9:21 am. Reason: url removed. Read rule 9 of the site rules
Nov 21st 2007 | 4:37 am
#17
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Religious worker visa
Also, posters may quickly get tired of professionals who just appear to be spamming the board. If all you're gong to offer the board is "contact me and I'll see ya right", expect to take an awful lot of stick for it.
Nov 21st 2007 | 4:56 am
#18
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Re: Religious worker visa
We have provided a link to a list with the names and contact details of various immigration lawyers. It is not important to us that the individual contact us specifically, as long as he or she consults with a lawyer. In our opinion, following the advice of a member of a law society or state bar, will a good step in the right direction. Cheers.
Nov 21st 2007 | 9:20 am
#19
BE Co-Founder
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 25,930
From: Florida
Dec 2nd 2007 | 4:18 pm
#20
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16,266
Re: Religious worker visa
Originally Posted by The Horticulturalist
Hi folks,
as one of several options, we are considering a move to the USA. My husband is a pastor in the UK and has been for the past four years. I have looked on the American Embassy in London site and see that that it would in theory be possible for us to apply for an immigrant visa as "U.S. visa law provides for special immigrant visa status for ministers of religion"
As far as I can see we fulfill all the other criteria. Nothing is set in stone and we haven't even started looking, so my question really is how long is the entire process from completing form I-360, with the office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to getting on a plane to leave likely to take.
I would really appreciate your thoughts,especially from anyone who has gone down this route. if it's going to take the best part of a year or more then we had better get a shift on!
Many thanks in advance
as one of several options, we are considering a move to the USA. My husband is a pastor in the UK and has been for the past four years. I have looked on the American Embassy in London site and see that that it would in theory be possible for us to apply for an immigrant visa as "U.S. visa law provides for special immigrant visa status for ministers of religion"
As far as I can see we fulfill all the other criteria. Nothing is set in stone and we haven't even started looking, so my question really is how long is the entire process from completing form I-360, with the office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to getting on a plane to leave likely to take.
I would really appreciate your thoughts,especially from anyone who has gone down this route. if it's going to take the best part of a year or more then we had better get a shift on!
Many thanks in advance
The law on non-immigrant "R" and immigrant "special immigrant" ministers isn't all that complicated. However, as a practical matter, obtaining a visa IS complicated. For reasons I do not begin to understand, the Bush Administration has been extremely hostile to religion -- the authorities seem to consider religion to be a fraud -- particularly the denominations of what is commonly known as "Protestant Christianity." Unfortunately, it is a very rare church that sues the government over this -- the few times they have, they have won.
I join in Mr. Ortega's recommendation that you consult with an American Immigration Attorney who has a track record in the field. I found Mr. Ortega's list to be useful information. Unfortunately, HE is not allowed to post it due to site rules.
If you want, I will contact him and get the list which I found quite informative. I'm informed that, although Mr. Ortega cannot post the list from his website, **I** can. Let me know if you want it.
Dec 4th 2007 | 3:39 pm
#21
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16,266
Re: Religious worker visa
Hi:
In regards to the recommendation of American attorneys in London -- take a look at http://www.ortega-medina.com/america...yers_in_london.
I personally know Ms. Hodgkinson and Mr. Gudeon and recommend them highly.
Good luck.
In regards to the recommendation of American attorneys in London -- take a look at http://www.ortega-medina.com/america...yers_in_london.
I personally know Ms. Hodgkinson and Mr. Gudeon and recommend them highly.
Good luck.
