<p>The USCIS has proposed substantial changes to the nonimmigrant religious worker visa known as the R visa. The proposed rule will require the filing of a petition with the USCIS before an R visa can be issued. In the past, an alien could file an application directly with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. The proposed rule would also limit the period of the initial visa to one year. The USCIS is accepting comments on the proposed rule until June 25, 2007.</p>