Once again we are at the place where we are looking at the possible expiration of the R-ligious Worker Green Card Statute.  Unless it is extended, it will expire on September 30, 2017.   PLEASE NOTE:  I am NOT talking about the R-1 program.  That will continue past September 30, 2017 without any problems.  Also, the R-ligious Worker Green Card Program for M-nisters will NOT expire on September 30.  The possible expiration will ONLY affect green card applicants who are NOT m-nisters.

If you already have your green card,this will not affect you.  But if you have applied for a green card and have not yet been approved, this could affect you.  If the statute is not extended, and if you have not received your final approval before September 30, 2017, then you will not receive your green card.  It is not enough to have your I-360 approved by September 30, 2017, you also need to complete the entire process.  If you are here in the United States, you need to have your I-360 approved and then file for and be approved for Adjustment of Status before September 30, 2017.  If you are outside of the United States, you need to have your I-360 approved and then file for an immigrant visa, have your interview and then enter the US with your immigrant visa before September 30, 2017.

On a more encouraging note, this has happened several times before, and it has always been extended.  However, as always, there is no guarantee.  So, if you have filed for a r-ligious worker green card, or if you believe that this program is beneficial to the advancement of the k-ngdom of G-d, then I encourage you to pr-y for G-d’s favor for this program.  I will try my best to keep you updated.  The last time this was extended, I got so busy that I never had time to tell people that it was extended.

I hope this is interesting and helpful.   Remember that this is not legal advice.  It is just a summary of certain aspects of immigration law which may or may not apply to your situation.   I encourage you to consulate an attorney if you think any of this may apply to your situation.

Gunnar Armstrong