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Original Date Announced
January 16, 2026USCIS issued an interim final rule amending its regulations to remove the one-year foreign residence regulatory requirement for religious workers seeking readmission to the US. Previously, a religious worker who "exhausted the five-year maximum period of stay as an R-1 religious worker, [had to] reside abroad and be physically present outside the United States for one year before being eligible for readmission as an R-1 religious worker." Under the new rule, religious workers would still be required to depart from the US, but would not be subject to a required period of foreign residence. USCIS stated that this change aligns with Trump's Executive Order 14205, Establishment of the White House Faith Office, 90 FR 9499 (Feb. 12, 2025) and "will enhance stability and significantly reduce disruptions to religious organizations with respect to their activities in providing vital services at U.S. churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship." The interim final rule is effective January 16, 2026 and USCIS will accept comments until March 17, 2026.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2182]
2026.01.16 USCIS Interim Final Rule - Improving Continuity for Religious Organizations and Their EmployeesEffective Date
January 16, 2026Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Comment Period Final/ActualTrump Administration Actions: Change in Practice RuleSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedAgencies Affected: USCIS
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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