Immigration Attorney for Religious Organization Employers and International Religious Workers
At Pittman & Pittman, we understand the unique challenges faced by religious organizations experiencing a shortage of religious workers in the United States. A shortage of U.S. citizen priests, ministers, or religious sisters, creates numerous organizational challenges for leadership and the faithful members of the organization. Navigating the immigration process is probably not at the top of the list. Nevertheless, this process is highly technical, very time consuming and somewhat expensive.
Our dedicated attorney, Chuck Berendes, offers compassionate and competent guidance to help your organization through this complex journey. Chuck has been working with religious organizations in multiple states for years. He is here to handle the “immigration stuff” so you can focus on the organizational and pastoral challenges of bringing international religious workers to minister within your organization.
Types of Immigration for Religious Workers
It is possible to bring a religious worker to the U.S. permanently, however the quickest way to get them to the U.S. is with a temporary religious worker visa. Once the religious worker is in the U.S. and they prove to be a good fit, the organization can initiate the “Green Card” process which would allow the religious worker to remain in the U.S. permanently, or for any amount of time required beyond the 5 year maximum time allowed on the temporary worker visa.
Each visa has specific requirements and, more importantly, specific timelines. Chuck is here to help clarify these requirements and help your organization keep the religious worker in the U.S. as long as possible to serve the needs of the faithful members of your organization.
Religious Worker Visas
Among the most common visa options for religious workers are:
- The R-1 visa for temporary nonimmigrant religious workers
- The possibility of a green card for permanent residency based on religious vocation
Each visa has specific requirements, such as proving your affiliation with a religious denomination. Our team is here to help clarify these requirements and support your application process.
Why Choose Pittman & Pittman Law Offices, LLC?
Choosing our firm means opting for a family-run firm that genuinely cares about its community and clients. We are dedicated to helping you so that you can continue to help others through your religious work. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can guide you through the immigration steps necessary to fulfill your mission here in the Midwest.
What Our Clients Have Said
We have worked with Attorney Chuck Berendes for years. He has been successful in obtaining dozens of Religious Worker Visas over that time. He helped us navigate the challenges of the COVID pandemic and did everything he could to limit the disruption to parishes. Chuck understands the challenges caused by the lengthy immigration adjudication timelines and works hard to stay ahead of the process to keep the priests in status and ministering to the faithful members of the parishes in which they serve. Chuck has made the process as streamlined as possible. He provides a routine update on the status of all of the international priests and their immigration status and timeline for the next step. He does all of this remotely. His office is hours away from our Diocesan headquarters and that has never been a problem. Everything is easily accomplished over the phone or via email. Chuck takes the mystery out of the process and provides clear information about what is required, the time is will take, and how much it will cost. He has been a good partner over the years helping us complete the necessary steps to bring the international priests we require to fulfill the needs of the Diocese.
– Most Reverend James P. Powers
Bishop of the Diocese of Superior, WI
We are grateful for the services of Attorney Chuck Berendes. Going through this process seemed overwhelming and Chuck has made it doable, walking with and explaining to us each step along the way. Because of Chuck’s vast experience and understanding of religious life he has been proactive in responding in a timely manner. Chuck knows what to do in any situation, responding quickly and fully explaining the response to our questions. Chuck is friendly and approachable as well in his manner of work.
– Sue Ernster
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
President
Ready To Start Your Journey?
At Pittman & Pittman Law Offices, LLC, we are more than just lawyers; we are your partners in this significant life transition. If you are a religious worker navigating the immigration process, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to support you in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota or elsewhere in the Midwest.
To arrange a consultation, call us at 844-355-4973 or email us. Let’s work together to make your spiritual mission in the U.S. a reality.
