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R-2 — Dependent of R-1 Religious Worker
United StatesUnited States•North America
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R-2 — Dependent of R-1 Religious Worker

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

USD $205

Stay Duration

30 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
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) feeUSD $205
Issuance/stamping fee—
TotalUSD $205

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2.5 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

1

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

2

Await USCIS petition approval for R-1 principal

3

Dependent completes Form DS-160 online

4

Pay $205 MRV fee and retain receipt

5

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

6

Provide required documents at interview

7

If approved, receive R-2 visa stamp in passport

Application Forms

DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online

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