Form M-736 03/12/15 N
USCIS
Form M-736
Internal Use
Optional Checklist for Form I-129 R-1 Filings
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
NOTE: This optional check list is provided to assist petitioners in completing the petition package; however, it is
not intended to substitute for or alter any statutory or regulatory requirements. USCIS recommends that you
review the relevant statutory requirements, as well as the appropriate form instructions before completing and
submitting the petition.
This is an optional checklist to assist petitioners with filing an I-129 R-1 petition.
Do not submit this checklist to USCIS.
Requirements for the Petitioner
Form I-129, including the R-1 Supplement signed by the petitioner:
If the petitioner has its own individual IRC 501(c)(3) letter, provide a currently valid determination letter from
the IRS establishing that the petitioning organization is a tax-exempt organization; or
If the petitioner is recognized as tax-exempt under a group tax-exemption, provide an IRS group tax exemption
determination letter; or
Currently valid determination letter from IRS;
Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose of the organization;
Organizational literature; and
Religious denomination certification
signed by an authorized official of the religious denomination with
which the petitioner is claiming affiliation
.
Salaried or non-salaried compensation:
Verifiable evidence of how the petitioner intends to compensate the beneficiary, including specific monetary or
in-kind compensation, or whether the beneficiary intends to be self-supporting. Example: Past evidence of
compensation for similar positions; budgets showing monies set aside for salaries, leases, etc.; verifiable
documentation that room and board will be provided; or other evidence acceptable to USCIS. If IRS
documentation, such as IRS Form W-2 or certified tax returns, is available, it must be provided. If IRS
documentation is not available, an explanation for its absence must be provided, along with comparable,
verifiable documentation.
If the beneficiary will be self-supporting, provide:
Documentation establishing that the position that the beneficiary will hold is part of an established program
for temporary, uncompensated missionary work, which is part of a broader international program of
missionary work sponsored by the denomination;
Evidence demonstrating that the petitioner has an established program for temporary, uncompensated
missionary work;
Evidence demonstrating that the denomination maintains missionary programs both in the United States and
abroad;
2.
1.
3.
a.
d.
c.
b.
1.
2.
a.
c.
b.
If the petitioner is affiliated with the religious denomination, provide:
Submit the original and a duplicate copy of the petition and all supporting documents if the beneficiary is
applying for an R-1 visa. USCIS will not make a second copy if one is not included. Failure to submit a
duplicate copy may result in a delay in issuance of a nonimmigrant visa abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
4.
Evidence of the beneficiary's acceptance into the missionary program;d.
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