A U Visa is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered serious mental or physical abuse and are willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime. It’s designed to protect your safety and give you a path forward.
With a U Visa, you can stay in the U.S. legally, get work authorization, and even apply for a green card after three years. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through each step with care and protect your rights.
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Whether it’s a green card, waiver, or humanitarian relief, we’ll review your case and explain what’s possible.
Nonimmigrant status U (U visa) is reserved for victims of certain crimes who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and were helpful to government or law enforcement officials in investigating or prosecuting crimes.
A U visa is intended to encourage crime victims to assist law enforcement authorities in investigating and prosecuting crimes without fear of deportation.
The U visa covers a variety of crimes, including domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, felony assault, extortion, unlawful criminal restraint, human trafficking, and obstruction of justice.
USCIS provides a comprehensive list of crimes that qualify for the U Visa. A U visa is valid for four years. However, U visa holders can apply for legal permanent residency or a green card after three years.
You can successfully navigate U visa complexities with the help of an immigration law firm such as Inspira Immigration.
To qualify for a U Visa application, the following requirements must be met:
Begin by consulting an experienced U visa lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements. A knowledgeable attorney can assess the details of your case, prepare documentation, and help navigate any legal challenges you might face.
Collect all necessary documentation that supports your U visa application. This includes police reports, medical records that demonstrate physical or mental abuse, and any other relevant evidence. Your attorney will help identify and organize these critical documents.
Secure a certification from a law enforcement agency confirming your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This document, known as Form I-918, Supplement B, is a crucial part of your U visa application.
With the assistance of your attorney, complete the U visa application, which includes Form I-918 and any supplementary forms as required. Carefully review all the information for accuracy and completeness before submission to USCIS.
After submission, USCIS will review your application and decide on your U visa eligibility.
USCIS might issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional information is needed. Respond promptly with the requested documentation to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
Once your U visa is granted, consider the steps required for future adjustment of status to legal permanent residency after maintaining U visa status for three years. Your attorney can outline the process for filing for a green card, should you choose to pursue permanent residency.
The U visa processing time can vary significantly, often taking several years due to high demand and limited annual caps set by USCIS. On average, applicants might expect to wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months for their initial application to be processed.
After approval, further steps such as biometrics, subsequent background checks, and eventually visa issuance can extend this timeline. It’s important for applicants to remain patient and maintain regular communication with their attorney to stay informed about their case status.
Staying well-prepared and providing complete and accurate documentation from the start can help smooth the process.
The USCIS can deny your U visa application if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. However, you will be granted a U visa if you meet all requirements, provide enough evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria and correctly file out and file the necessary forms.
Victims of crime will get the following benefits :
The U visa process can be complex and lengthy, but with the professional guidance of an experienced attorney, you can better navigate through each stage to achieve a successful outcome. They can help you:
Experienced immigration attorneys can help you overcome barriers to obtaining a U visa and offer alternative routes to obtain legal immigrant status.
Inspira Immigration has vast experience offering immigration services and may be able to help you obtain a U visa. From start to finish, we guide you through the entire U visa process and advocate for your rights. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
