DHS Interim Final Rule and Request for Comment on Reducing Requirement to Reside Abroad for R-1 Religious Workers

DHS interim final rule and request for comments on removing the one year wait time R-1 religious workers must reside abroad before re-entering the U.S. in R-1 status and replacing it with no minimum wait period. The rule is effective 1/16/26. Comments are due 3/17/26. (91 FR 2049, 1/16/26)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

8 CFR Part 214

[CIS No. 2835–25; DHS Docket No. USCIS–USCIS–2025–0403]

RIN 1615–AD02

Improving Continuity for Religious Organizations and Their Employees

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS.

ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comments.