Religious workers can be admitted to the United States for renewable, temporary periods of time. This includes pastoral workers and ministers. The process requires filing a special petition called the I-360 Petition and involves a site visit at the religious organization’s headquarters or branch. Once the initial petition is approved, the petitioning organization can petition for more international employees in the future. Premium processing, a service that expedites the decision within a 15-day window, is available after the initial petition is approved. Applicants then apply for their visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to their residence abroad or located in their country of origin.