The US Department of Homeland Security has removed the one-year out-of-country waiting period for religious workers holding R-1 visas. Previously, priests, pastors, imams, rabbis, and other religious workers had to leave the US after their visa expired and wait for at least one year abroad before reapplying for a new R-1 visa. The R-1 visa allows these workers to stay in the US for up to five years while serving religious organizations. Now, while they must still leave the US when the visa expires, there is no longer a mandatory waiting time outside the country before they can apply to return. The DHS stated, "While R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the U.S., the rule establishes that there is no longer a minimum period of time they must reside and be physically present outside the U.S. before they seek readmission in R-1 status." This change comes amid long wait times for EB-4 category visas, which include R-1 visas. The Department of State's 2023 updates increased wait times, causing many religious workers to reach their maximum stay on R-1 visas. By removing the one-year wait, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) aims to help religious organizations keep their clergy and staff without long breaks. The move contrasts with the broader visa crackdown by the Trump administration affecting other visa types, showing a special allowance for religious workers.