The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new rule eliminating the one-year foreign residency requirement for thousands of religious workers abroad, a move aimed at reducing disruptions faced by faith-based organizations across the country.
The interim final rule, effective immediately, allows clergy and other religious workers who have completed the maximum five-year period under R-1 nonimmigrant status to return to the United States without waiting a mandatory year outside the country. Previously, these workers—including priests, nuns, rabbis, and other religious figures—had to remain abroad for 12 months before reapplying for readmission.
DHS officials said the change is intended to provide stability for churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other religious communities that depend on their services.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, DHS is committed to protecting and preserving freedom and expression of religion,” a department spokesperson said in a statement. “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.”
The update implements President Trump’s Executive Order 14205, Establishment of the White House Faith Office, and reflects the administration’s broader agenda to strengthen ties with faith-based organizations.
The rule will also help mitigate long visa delays, particularly in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category, where demand has far outpaced supply. The State Department’s 2023 changes led to significant backlogs that forced many religious workers to leave the United States after exhausting their R-1 eligibility — often leaving ministries understaffed.
By removing the one-year residency gap, DHS aims to streamline the return process and reduce the time religious organizations are left without key personnel.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will implement the new policy, has opened a 60-day public comment period for feedback following the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
