R-1 — Residence Visa (R-1)

The Residence Visa (R-1) is a long-term immigration status established under the Republic of the Marshall Islands' legal code to provide a pathway for specific categories of non-citizens to reside in the country. It addresses the need for a formal mechanism to recognize individuals who have established significant ties to the RMI, such as through naturalization or specific residency certifications. This visa is designed to bridge the gap between temporary visitor status and long-term integration, offering a structured way for qualifying residents to maintain their legal standing.

This visa is for a select group of applicants, including those holding a Certificate of Actual Residence, naturalized citizens who do not possess an RMI passport, or honorary citizens. The ideal applicant is someone who has already established a substantial, documented connection to the Marshall Islands. Its distinctive nature lies in its reliance on specific legal statuses—such as naturalization or residency certification—rather than general tourism or employment, making it a specialized visa for those with deep, pre-existing ties to the nation.