The R-1 Visa enables religious workers to temporarily enter the United States to carry on the vocation of minister; or to work for a religious organization at its request in a professional capacity or a religious vocation or occupation. A religious vocation is defined as a calling to religious life, shown by a demonstration of a lifelong commitment such as taking vows. Nuns, monks, and religious brothers and sisters are examples of religious workers.

A religious occupation is defined as a continual engagement in an activity related to a traditional religious function. This definition includes liturgical workers, religious instructors or cantors, choir directors, catechists, workers in religious hospitals, missionaries, religious translators and religious broadcasters. However, it doesn’t include janitors, maintenance workers, clerks, fund raisers or solicitors of donations.