R-2 Religious Worker Dependents: Status Limits for Families

This guide explains R-2 dependent status for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an R-1 religious worker. The category can allow family members to accompany or join the principal worker in the United States, but the family's status depends on the principal R-1 worker maintaining valid status.

R-2 dependents should track passports, visa stamps, I-94 records, the R-1 approval, marriage or birth records, and extension deadlines. A mistake in the principal worker's case can affect the family.

R-2 status generally does not provide independent work authorization. Families should plan finances, schooling, travel, and extension timing before the principal worker's status approaches expiration.

New Horizons Legal helps religious organizations and families coordinate R-1 and R-2 documents so the household's status is protected along with the worker's petition.