Minister Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Minister roles in the U.S. are sponsored under the R-1 religious worker visa, which requires a qualifying nonprofit religious organization as your petitioner. Employers file Form I-129 with USCIS, and you must have been a member of the denomination for at least two years before the application.
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$24.31 - $36.47
A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Spiritual Care Minister I to join our team. The Spiritual Care Minister I responds to the healing mission of Jesus and the Franciscan tradition to serve the poor and sick person. The Spiritual Care Minister I participates in meeting the health care and spiritual needs of the community. This role assists patients, families and colleagues in their spiritual and emotional needs during times of illness, injury or stress. This role supports and interacts with all people, regardless of their belief system while being the example of the HSHS mission, core values, vision and strategic plan.
Position Specifics:
- Department: Spiritual Care
- Core Function: Corporate Services
- Schedule: Part time, 20 hours/week
- Facility: St. Vincent's Hospital
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Compensation that aligns with your experience
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus designated graduate hours in Theology, Ministry, Counseling, Divinity or related field as required per certifying agency requirements.
- Master's degree is preferred.
- One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), or Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) Accredited Center is required. (*Can apply for Spiritual Care Associate Role if no CPE)
- Acquiring additional CPE units within 5 years of hire as indicated by the NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains), APC (Association of Professional Chaplains), NAJC (Neshama: Associate of Jewish Chaplains), or CASC (Canadian Association of Spiritual Care) is preferred.
Experience Qualifications
- In good standing with community and endorsed or eligible for endorsement by faith community is required.
- Experience working with electronic medical records (EMRs) and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook Suite is required. Must also be comfortable navigating and utilizing a variety of digital applications and communication tools such as Workday, Microsoft Teams, Halo/Clinical Comms, Epic, Zoom, or Webex Video.
- 3 years of hospital experience in Spiritual Care is preferred.
- Experience speaking and presenting to physicians and other clinicians about spiritual care area of specialty is preferred.
- The appointment of Catholic priests and Catholic deacons to the Spiritual Care staff of a Catholic institution must have explicit approval or confirmation of the local bishop in collaboration with the administration of HSHS.
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
- Current certification with NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains), APC (Association of Professional Chaplains), NAJC (Neshama: Associate of Jewish Chaplains), College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), or CASC (Canadian Association of Spiritual Care) is preferred within 5 years of hire.
Job Description
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
- Retirement benefits including HSHS contributions.
- Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
Pay Range:
$24.31 - $36.47
A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Spiritual Care Minister I to join our team. The Spiritual Care Minister I responds to the healing mission of Jesus and the Franciscan tradition to serve the poor and sick person. The Spiritual Care Minister I participates in meeting the health care and spiritual needs of the community. This role assists patients, families and colleagues in their spiritual and emotional needs during times of illness, injury or stress. This role supports and interacts with all people, regardless of their belief system while being the example of the HSHS mission, core values, vision and strategic plan.
Position Specifics:
- Department: Spiritual Care
- Core Function: Corporate Services
- Schedule: Part time, 20 hours/week
- Facility: St. Vincent's Hospital
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Compensation that aligns with your experience
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus designated graduate hours in Theology, Ministry, Counseling, Divinity or related field as required per certifying agency requirements.
- Master's degree is preferred.
- One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from an Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE), College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), or Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) Accredited Center is required. (*Can apply for Spiritual Care Associate Role if no CPE)
- Acquiring additional CPE units within 5 years of hire as indicated by the NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains), APC (Association of Professional Chaplains), NAJC (Neshama: Associate of Jewish Chaplains), or CASC (Canadian Association of Spiritual Care) is preferred.
Experience Qualifications
- In good standing with community and endorsed or eligible for endorsement by faith community is required.
- Experience working with electronic medical records (EMRs) and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook Suite is required. Must also be comfortable navigating and utilizing a variety of digital applications and communication tools such as Workday, Microsoft Teams, Halo/Clinical Comms, Epic, Zoom, or Webex Video.
- 3 years of hospital experience in Spiritual Care is preferred.
- Experience speaking and presenting to physicians and other clinicians about spiritual care area of specialty is preferred.
- The appointment of Catholic priests and Catholic deacons to the Spiritual Care staff of a Catholic institution must have explicit approval or confirmation of the local bishop in collaboration with the administration of HSHS.
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
- Current certification with NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains), APC (Association of Professional Chaplains), NAJC (Neshama: Associate of Jewish Chaplains), College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), or CASC (Canadian Association of Spiritual Care) is preferred within 5 years of hire.
Job Description
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
- Retirement benefits including HSHS contributions.
- Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
See all Minister Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Minister roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Minister Jobs
Document your two-year membership requirement
USCIS requires proof you've been a member of the sponsoring denomination for at least two continuous years immediately before filing. Gather official letters, ordination records, and any membership certificates now, before an employer is even identified.
Verify the organization's tax-exempt status first
Only bona fide nonprofit religious organizations qualify to sponsor R-1 ministers. Confirm the congregation holds 501(c)(3) status and can provide IRS determination letters. An organization without documented exempt status will cause an immediate petition denial.
Target denominational headquarters for broader openings
National or regional denominational offices often have established immigration infrastructure and sponsor multiple ministers annually. Smaller congregations may be willing but lack experience filing I-129 petitions, which can slow the process significantly.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with R-1 filing history
Congregations that have sponsored before are far more likely to sponsor again. Search Migrate Mate by role and location to identify religious organizations with verified sponsorship history, so you're not approaching groups that have never navigated the R-1 process.
Clarify full-time versus part-time status before the offer
R-1 initial status is granted for up to three years, but USCIS scrutinizes whether the role is genuinely full-time. Get written confirmation from the employer that the position is at least 35 hours per week, since part-time arrangements face heavier evidentiary burdens.
Prepare for a potential USCIS site visit during processing
USCIS may conduct unannounced site visits to verify that the sponsoring organization and the minister's role are legitimate. Notify your employer so staff can confirm your position, work location, and duties accurately to any USCIS officer who arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa category covers sponsored Minister roles in the U.S.?
Most sponsored Minister positions use the R-1 nonimmigrant religious worker visa. The sponsoring religious organization files Form I-129 with USCIS on your behalf. R-1 status is initially granted for up to three years, with one extension available for a total of five years. Some ministers later transition to permanent residence through the EB-4 special immigrant religious worker category.
Does a Minister role qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
Generally no. H-1B visa requires a specialty occupation tied to a specific bachelor's degree in a directly related academic field, and ministerial duties are typically classified as religious rather than specialty occupation work. The R-1 visa exists specifically for this role type. If your position has a significant academic or administrative component, consult an immigration attorney to assess whether H-1B eligibility applies.
What documentation does the sponsoring congregation need to provide?
The employer must submit IRS determination letters confirming 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, a letter describing your ministerial duties and confirming full-time employment, evidence of the organization's religious activities, and financial records showing capacity to pay your compensation. USCIS reviews all of this alongside your personal membership and ordination documents during I-129 adjudication.
How do I find U.S. congregations that have sponsored ministers before?
Search Migrate Mate by role and location to find religious organizations with verified R-1 and EB-4 sponsorship history. Approaching employers who have navigated the process before significantly reduces the risk of delays caused by inexperienced HR handling or missing documentation.
Can I bring my spouse and children on an R-1 visa?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for R-2 dependent status, which allows them to live in the U.S. for the duration of your R-1 status. R-2 dependents may not work in the U.S., however. If your spouse needs employment authorization, they would need to qualify for a separate work visa independently.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Minister jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.