Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Professional as religious worker

Dear Sir/Madam;

I am currently waiting to receive the extension of my B1 visa and want to change status to a religious worker for a Romanian church from LA. I have been a member of this denomination for 10 years, I have a BA (a four years program) in English and Romanian and 7 years of experience as translator/interpreter.

1. Do I qualify for a R1 visa (as a translator)?

2. What can I do to get a more permanent status (green card)?

3. Do I qualify for special immigrant, if I have previous paid experience as a professional (translator and assistant manager) for an organization belonging to the church?

Thank you for your assistance.


Asked on 9/07/02, 12:05 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Larry L. Doan Law Office of Larry L. Doan

Re: Professional as religious worker

As a matter of fact you qualify for the special immigrant category if your translation work for the church is a religious occupation and your 2-year experience is bona fide.

The special immigrant status, once that is granted to you, is permanent residence status.

I have done religious worker cases before so if you're interested, give my office a call or email me for a consultation.

Liem Doan, Esq.

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Answered on 9/07/02, 5:10 pm
Amy Ghosh Law Offices of Amy Ghosh

Re: Professional as religious worker

Yes you qualify for religious visa..need help call my office

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Answered on 9/07/02, 5:40 pm
Anja Freudenthal Immigration Law Office of Anja Freudenthal

Re: Professional as religious worker

Dear Religious:

I have worked with Religious workers for many years.

From your description, it sounds as if you are eligible for the change of status to R-1. Because you are still waiting for the B-1 extension approval, you may also apply directly for the R-1 at a US consular office in your home country. I would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail.

If your church sponsor wants to assist with having you stay permanently, you must have worked in that position for, at least, two years prior to the application of the special immigrant petition. The two years do not have to have been spent in the US in that position.

You can reach me at 415-834-1884 or [email protected] for more information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Anja Freudenthal

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Answered on 9/09/02, 12:43 pm


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