United States•North America

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R-2 — Dependent of R-1 Religious Worker

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

$205 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

30 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an R-1 visa holder.

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Cost Breakdown

MRV (visa application) fee$205 USD

Issuance/stamping fee—

Total$205 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2.5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a valid R-1 visa holder

R-1 principal must have an approved Form I-129 petition

Demonstrate bona fide dependent relationship to R-1 holder

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay

Intend to depart the U.S. when R-1 principal's status ends

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond stay)

DS-160 confirmation page

MRV fee payment receipt

I-129 receipt or approval notice for R-1 principal

Proof of relationship to R-1 holder (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

Photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements

Evidence of financial support

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows family unity while R-1 principal works in the U.S.
Can study or attend school in the U.S.
Follows same validity period as R-1 principal
Can enter as a follow-to-join dependent after R-1 principal is admitted

Worth Knowing

R-2 holders cannot work in the U.S. under any circumstances
Status is entirely dependent on R-1 principal's continued valid status
If R-1 principal loses status, R-2 status is also invalidated
Maximum 5-year stay (30-month initial + 30-month extension)
No direct path to permanent residence through R-2 status
Issuance/stamping fee varies by nationality (reciprocity schedule)
USCIS petition approval does not guarantee consular visa issuance

Application Process

R-1 principal employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS

Await USCIS petition approval for R-1 principal

Dependent completes Form DS-160 online

Pay $205 MRV fee and retain receipt

Schedule and attend visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Provide required documents at interview

If approved, receive R-2 visa stamp in passport

Application Forms

DS-160

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Fill online

Verified Claims (38)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026

Application Steps

R-1 principal employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS; Await USCIS petition approval for R-1 p…

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Blockers

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Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a valid R-1 visa holder

R-1 principal must have an approved Form I-129 petition

Demonstrate bona fide dependent relationship to R-1 holder

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay

Intend to depart the U.S. when R-1 principal's status ends

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond stay)

DS-160 confirmation page

MRV fee payment receipt

I-129 receipt or approval notice for R-1 principal

Proof of relationship to R-1 holder (marriage certificate, birth certificate)

Photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements

Evidence of financial support

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows family unity while R-1 principal works in the U.S.
Can study or attend school in the U.S.
Follows same validity period as R-1 principal
Can enter as a follow-to-join dependent after R-1 principal is admitted

Worth Knowing

R-2 holders cannot work in the U.S. under any circumstances
Status is entirely dependent on R-1 principal's continued valid status
If R-1 principal loses status, R-2 status is also invalidated
Maximum 5-year stay (30-month initial + 30-month extension)
No direct path to permanent residence through R-2 status
Issuance/stamping fee varies by nationality (reciprocity schedule)
USCIS petition approval does not guarantee consular visa issuance

Application Process