The Immigration and Nationality Act provides three possible classifications for foreign nationals who come to the U.S. to perform any kind of religious activity.  Two are non-immigrant, but there is a permanent classification as well for religious workers.

In order to obtain a green card based on being a religious worker, the beneficiary must have two years of membership in the denomination or religious organization and two years of full time paid religious experience prior to filing the petition.  Acquiring a green card for a religious worker takes about less time and costs less than most other classifications, as a rule because the application process is done in two  steps.  No Labor Certification is required.

Those who hold the card, Alien Registration Receipt Card, (I-551) can travel freely in and out of the U.S. without any further visits to the U.S. Consul.  They can live and work in the United States for as long as they want!  Since holders of green cards are classified as immigrants, they can stay in the U.S. indefinitely.

Most holders of green cards can remain outside the U.S. for only six months without forfeiting their green cards, or for two years if they acquire a Re-entry Permit before leaving the U.S.  However, there are special provisions for religious workers.  International Expediters has received written instructions from the Department of State on how a missionary can stay outside the U.S. for the entire missionary assignment and still retain his/her green card.  We are glad to share this information with any mission organization or missionary who may find it useful.