Inspector's Field Manual - Gani

Inspector's Field Manual
Special notes: See notes on dependents above.
(q) International cultural exchange visitors.
(1) Classification: Q Includes aliens coming to take part in an international cultural exchange
program approved by the Attorney General for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and the
sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of the alien's country.
Documents required: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of admission, unless
otherwise provided for or waived. Nonimmigrant visa (Q), unless exempt. Evidence of an approved I-129
petition, either a consular notation on the visa or a copy of the approval notice, Form I-797.
Qualifications: Must be at least 18 years of age, coming to perform services described above. All nonimmigrant
grounds of inadmissibility apply.
Terms of admission: Admit as Q to the petition validity but not to exceed 15 months.
Notation on I-94: Front: Q, (date to which admitted). Reverse: Petition number and occupation.
Special notes:
(A) Petitions. The approved petition is forwarded by the service center to the visa issuing post or, when
no visa is required, to the proposed first port- of-entry of the beneficiary. Petition approval may also be sent via
facsimile or cable. Information on petition approval may be verified by checking the CLAIMS database.
Petitions may be valid initially for up to 15 months and may not be extended.
(B) Limitation on readmission. An alien who has completed a 15 month Q program must remain
outside the U.S. for 1 year before being readmitted as a Q nonimmigrant.
(C) Dependents. There is no dependent provision for spouse or child but they may be otherwise
admissible as a visitor.
(r) Religious workers.
(1) Classification: R-1 Member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit religious
organization in the U.S., coming to carry on the vocation of minister or religious professional, or to work in a
religious vocation or occupation.
Documents required: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of admission, unless
otherwise provided for or waived. Nonimmigrant visa (R-1) unless exempt. Letter of invitation describing
duties of position in the United States.
Qualifications: Membership in a religious denomination for at least 2 years immediately preceding entry. If
working in a professional capacity, the applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field,
or its equivalent. All nonimmigrant grounds of inadmissibility apply. If working in a non-professional
capacity, the applicant must be working for a tax exempt organization.
Terms of admission: Admit R-1 for a maximum of 3 years. Extensions are permitted for up to a total of 5 years.
Notations on I-94: Front: R-1 and expiration date of authorized stay. Reverse: Occupation and employer's
name and address.
Special notes: Limitation on readmission. Do not readmit an R who has spent 5 years in the U.S. as an R unless
he or she has resided and been physically present outside the U.S. for the immediate prior year, except for brief
visits for business or pleasure.
(2) Classification: R-2 Spouse or child of R-1.
Documents required: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of admission, unless
otherwise provided for or waived. Nonimmigrant visa unless exempt.