As shared by an immigration lawyer, the U nonimmigrant visa, commonly called the U Visa, is a special immigration benefit available to victims of certain serious crimes who:
- Have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse, and
- Are willing (or have) to help law enforcement or government officials in investigating or prosecuting the crime.
Created under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the U Visa was designed to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate crimes while protecting vulnerable immigrants.
Who Qualifies For A U Visa?
As our friends at Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC can share, to qualify for a U Visa, an applicant must meet several key requirements:
- Be the victim of a qualifying crime, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, felonious assault, or other violent crimes.
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental harm as a result of the crime.
- Be, have been, or will be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
- The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
Importantly, even individuals who are undocumented or in removal proceedings may be eligible to apply.
Benefits Of A U Visa
The U Visa provides several important protections and benefits:
- Authorization to live and work in the United States for up to four years.
- The ability to include certain qualifying family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, and in some cases siblings.
- Access to employment authorization (work permit).
- The opportunity to apply for permanent residence (green card) after three years in U Visa status.
- Protection from deportation while the U Visa petition is pending.
How Does The Process Work?
The U Visa process generally involves the following steps:
- Filing Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) with supporting documentation.
- Obtaining a law enforcement certification (Form I-918 Supplement B) confirming the applicant’s helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.
- Waiting for USCIS adjudication. Note that due to the annual cap of 10,000 U Visas per year, many applicants are placed on a waiting list.
- Receiving deferred action or work authorization while on the waitlist.
Because the U Visa process is complex and subject to long wait times, it is critical to work with an experienced immigration attorney.
Why The U Visa Matters
The U Visa not only provides legal protections but also offers survivors a sense of security and stability. It encourages the reporting of crimes, helps bring offenders to justice, and strengthens trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. In short, the U Visa makes communities safer for everyone.
How A Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you know may qualify for a U Visa, do not navigate the process alone. A lawyer with immigration experience has extensive experience handling U Visa cases with care, compassion, and determination. They are here to listen, advise, and advocate for you at every stage.
Contact an attorney near you today to schedule a confidential consultation to see if you qualify for this visa.