Yes! Extensions are granted in increments for up to 30 months.

No. Family members are not permitted to work on R-1 status

The R-1 Visa is a type of temporary nonimmigrant worker visa specifically designed for individuals who wish to enter the United States to perform religious work. This visa allows ministers and other religious workers to engage in their vocation within a religious denomination or organization. The R-1 Visa is essential for those looking to contribute their services in a religious capacity, such as conducting worship services, performing religious rites, or providing religious education and counseling. By facilitating the entry of dedicated religious professionals, the R-1 Visa supports the diverse spiritual and cultural landscape of the U.S. Yes! The fourth preference of the Green Card-through Employment category allows religious workers to seek permanent residency as special immigrants. To learn more about the issue, please see Fourth Preference Employment-based Immigration.

A Minister Worker is an authorized person by religious domination to undertake and oversee religious activities of the religious organization.
Ministers cannot only be priests, imams, and rabbis but also Buddhist monks, ordained deacons, etc.

Religious vocation or religious occupation entails non-clergy work. This comprises works that are essential to the traditional function of the religious organization such as liturgy, religious counseling, religious translation, religious health care, etc.