If you are proceeding to the U.S. to work temporarily in a religious capacity, you may be eligible for an R visa. Applicants applying for an R visa must meet strict qualifications regarding their religious affiliation, their prospective duties in the U.S., and the tax-free status of their denomination. The church or organization in the U.S. is usually familiar with the R visa requirements.

When the requirements are met and the documents are assembled, applicants should make an appointment and apply in person at the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Office. Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A valid passport (the bearer must personally sign the passport).

• An application form DS-156 completed in English with one photo. Please include a Taiwan telephone number on the form. Local addresses may also be written in both English and Chinese for clarity. Addresses written in Chinese are not required. The photo should be 2 inches square (50 mm square) full-face (eyes facing camera) taken within the past six months. The head, from top to chin, should measure between 1 to 1 3/8 inch (25 to 35 mm). The photo should be in color with a white or off-white background.

• Male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit a completed form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in English).

• A non-refundable US$131 visa application processing fee. Please pay this fee in equivalent Taiwan currency at any branch of the Taiwan post office before you come in to apply. Our account number is 19189005. The account name is "AIT Visa Processing Fee". This receipt is valid for one year. In order to assist us with our record-keeping, we ask that one receipt be presented for each individual applicant.

• If you have changed your name, please include your previous name(s) on your application form DS-156 and bring a copy of your household registration record.

• Evidence of your religious affiliation or ordination and prior religious activities or duties.

• Evidence of the tax-free status of the organization to which you are destined in the United States.

• A complete and specific description of the activities you will undertake while in the United States. General descriptions such as "religious work", "evangelism", or "missionary work" are not sufficient to meet the requirements.

A nonimmigrant religious worker’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for an R-2 visa.

For more information on R visas, click here.(The Bureau of Consular Affairs Website).