The U Visa is a unique opportunity for crime survivors in the United States to rebuild their lives and protect their families. With this visa, they can obtain the legal status they need to work, study, and live in the United States safely and without fear of deportation.

WHAT IS THE U VISA?

The U nonimmigrant status (U Visa) is intended for survivors of certain crimes who have suffered significant physical or mental abuse and who are helpful to authorities in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U Visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women Protection Act) in October 2000. This legislation aims to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes while protecting the victims of these crimes.

BENEFITS OF THE U VISA

1. Legal residence in the United States: Victims can stay in the U.S. safely and legally while rebuilding their lives.
2. Employment authorization: Allows for legal work in the U.S.
3. Access to benefits and services: Victims can access federal and state benefits and services.
4. Possibility of permanent residence: Those who qualify can adjust their status and become lawful permanent residents (obtain a Green Card).
5. Protection against deportation: Offers protection against deportation for victims of serious crimes.
6. Access to support services: Includes legal, medical, and reintegration services.
7. Opportunity to participate in the community: Allows contributing to the community as a legal resident.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE U VISA

You may be eligible for a U Visa if:

1. You are a survivor of qualifying criminal activity: Criminal activity includes a wide range of crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, kidnapping, murder, and more (see full list below).
2. You have suffered significant physical or mental abuse: As a result of being a victim of criminal activity.
3. You have information about the criminal activity: If you are under 16 years old or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or close friend can have the information about the crime on your behalf.
4. You were, are, or are likely to be helpful to authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime: If you are under 16 years old or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or close friend can help authorities on your behalf.
5. The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.

QUALIFYING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

1. Abduction
2. Abusive Sexual Contact
3. Blackmail
4. Domestic Violence
5. Extortion
6. False Imprisonment
7. Female Genital Mutilation
8. Felonious Assault
9. Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
10. Hostage Taking
11. Incest
12. Involuntary Servitude
13. Kidnapping
14. Manslaughter
15. Murder
16. Obstruction of Justice
17. Peonage
18. Perjury
19. Prostitution
20. Rape
21. Sexual Assault
22. Sexual Exploitation
23. Slave Trade
24. Stalking
25. Torture
26. Trafficking
27. Witness Tampering
28. Unlawful Criminal Restraint
29. Other Related Crimes

HOW TO APPLY

The U Visa application process can be complex and lengthy. It is crucial to have the help of one of our immigration attorneys to have the best chance of success.