DHS implements measures to shorten processing times for numerous overseas religious workers

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented an interim final rule permitting religious organizations and their communities to facilitate the return of thousands of religious workers --including priests, nuns, and rabbis-- who were previously required to remain outside the United States prior to reentry. This policy significantly shortens the waiting period, thereby enhancing stability and reducing disruptions for faith-based communities.

The rule implements President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14205, Establishment of the White House Faith Office and removes the requirement for R-1 religious workers to reside outside the United States for one year after reaching the statutory five-year maximum period of stay. Although R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the United States, the rule provides that there is no longer a mandated minimum duration for residence or physical presence outside the country prior to seeking readmission in R-1 status.

For many years, demand for visas within the EB-4 category has surpassed the available supply. Changes introduced by the Department of State in 2023 have further increased wait times for immigrant visas in the EB-4 category for applicants from certain countries, including religious workers. These extended delays have resulted in numerous religious workers exhausting their maximum allowable period of stay in R-1 status. By eliminating the one-year foreign residency requirement, USCIS aims to reduce the time during which religious organizations are without essential clergy and non-ministerial religious staff.

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The DHS has announced the publication of a final rule that will increase USCIS premium processing fees to account for inflation observed from June 2023 through June 2025.

Pursuant to the USCIS Stabilization Act, DHS is authorized to adjust premium processing fees biennially to reflect changes in inflation. The agency will continue to update these fees across its operations to maintain the real dollar value of premium processing services. Revenue from this fee adjustment will support the provision of premium processing services, improvements to adjudication processes, addressing backlog challenges, and funding other USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.

This rule will take effect on March 1, 2026. For any premium processing requests postmarked on or after this date, applicants are required to submit the updated fee corresponding to the specific benefit sought, as detailed in the table below. To initiate a premium processing request, applicants must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and adhere to all form instructions.

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To my fellow Cebuanos, Viva Pit Señor!