Improving Continuity for Religious Organizations and Their Employees

• Document number: 2026-00830
• Type: Final Rule
• Published: January 16, 2026
• Effective: January 16, 2026
• Comments close: March 17, 2026
• Agency: Homeland Security Department

Official abstract

This interim final rule (IFR) amends U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to remove the requirement that R-1 religious workers who have reached the maximum period of stay must reside abroad and be physically present outside the United States for one year before being eligible for readmission in R-1 status after departing from the United States upon reaching the maximum admission period. The purpose of this change is to promote stability and minimize disruptions to the vital services that R-1 religious workers provide to U.S. churches, mosques, synagogues, and other bona fide nonprofit religious organizations.

Primary source

Read the full text on the Federal Register

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