The U Visa is an immigration benefit available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting those crimes. This visa encourages victims to cooperate with authorities without fear of deportation. The U Visa provides temporary legal status and can lead to a green card and eventual U.S. citizenship.

 

To qualify for a U Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements. They must be victims of a qualifying crime, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, burglary, or other serious offenses. The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. Applicants must also show they suffered substantial physical or mental harm due to the crime. Cooperation with law enforcement is required, and applicants must obtain a certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) verifying their cooperation before filing a U-visa.

 

 

Applicants must also be admissible to the United States. If not, they can file a waiver (Form I-192) to address any grounds of inadmissibility. The I-192 can cure various types of inadmissibility including an illegal entry, work without authorization, and more.  A U Visa grants legal status for up to four years, and after three years of continuous presence in the U.S., recipients may apply for a green card.

 

The U Visa process can take several years due to the annual cap of 10,000 visas. Applicants placed on a waiting list receive deferred action or parole, allowing them to stay in the U.S. and work with authorization. Due to the complexity of the process and the need for proper documentation, working with an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended.

 

We help crime victims navigate the U Visa process effectively. If you or someone you know may qualify for a U Visa, contact us at 703-348-1663 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.