R-1 Visa Attorney Todd Wagenmaker
1,000+ R-1 Religious Worker Approvals Since 1998 An R-1 visa lawyer exclusively representing churches, ministries and pastors in 30+ statesR-1 Visa Attorney Todd Wagenmaker
1,000+ R-1 Religious Worker Approvals Since 1998 An R-1 visa lawyer exclusively representing churches, ministries and pastors in 30+ statesHelping Pastors and Missionaries Is Our Priority
1,000 approved religious worker cases. There may not be another attorney who has won more religious worker cases. Why? Todd has the professional credentials to represent you well. But he also has a personal interest. He has an M.Div., and has served as a minister. He wants to help Christians come and minister in the U.S.
Primary Practice Areas
R-1 Visas
R-1 visas (also written R1 visas) give 30-month authorizations for a church or ministry to hire a pastor or missionary, with the option of extending employment for an additional 30 months. R-2 status for a spouse and children is included at no additional attorney fee. Learn More
Why Hire an R-1 Visa Attorney?
R-1 petitions are often denied for reasons that are avoidable: incomplete proof of the employer’s tax-exempt status, evidence that does not clearly establish the position as a religious occupation, compensation the USCIS cannot verify, and unprepared-for site visits. An experienced R-1 visa lawyer builds that record before the USCIS asks for it, rather than scrambling to answer a Request for Evidence afterward.
Todd Wagenmaker has practiced immigration law exclusively since 1998 and has handled over 1,000 religious worker cases for churches, ministries and pastors in more than 30 states. He holds an M.Div. and has served as a minister, so he understands how churches and denominations actually work.
Religious worker visa lawyer: R-1 and I-360 petitions | R-1 visa requirements and process
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TODD’S BACKGROUND
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Contact Us About Your Case (Please note: any information or communication on this website is NOT legal advice and does not constitute an attorney/client relationship unless specifically formalized, in writing, by Todd Wagenmaker.)
From Our Clients
“Even though I myself went through F-1, Practical Training, Labor Certification and PR applications, I had zero experience with R-1. It was reassuring from the start to know that you had rich experience in this field. You know a thing or two, because you’ve seen a thing or two. Your steady guidance was especially welcome when this process came across some unexpected turns, especially those that were not in our direct control. Because you could draw from your firsthand knowledge, what might seem like tall orders to me, you had seen them many times. Bart and I were blessed with you as a trusted advisor and resource. I will have no hesitation to recommend you to others with similar needs. All this to say: thank you, and much appreciation!”
“I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your legal services… Early on in this process, I think it is fair to say that none of us ever envisioned the need of an immigration attorney. Needless to say, God’s plans and ways are so much better than man’s; it is He who directed and..led us to you, and I am thankful that we were able to retain your services.
Ever since the beginning of this process, your counsel and expertise has essentially been spot-on and your optimism and enthusiasm have been much appreciated.”
He has always guided us with attention to detail and clearly took us and our applicants through the sequence of steps to be taken.
There were never any ‘surprises’…An added bonus is that Todd embraces our vision for ministry.”





