U Visa for Crime Victims: Complete Guide
The U Visa protects crime victims in the US who cooperate with authorities, granting work authorization and a path to permanent residency.
5.0★★★★★21 Google reviews10,000
Visas Per Year
Annual cap set by law.
4 Years
Validity
With automatic work authorization.
3 Years
Path to Green Card
After maintaining U Visa status.
5-7 Yrs
Wait Time
Due to high demand and annual cap.
What is the U Visa?
The U Visa is an immigration status for victims of certain crimes that occurred in the United States who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and cooperate with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the offense. It grants work authorization and a path to permanent residency after 3 years.
- ✓It is valid for up to 4 years with automatic work authorization.
- ✓There is an annual cap of 10,000 U visas, with wait times of 5-7 years.
- ✓You can apply for a Green Card after 3 years with U Visa status.
- ✓USCIS can grant a pending status with work authorization while your application is processed.
U Visa Requirements
- Qualifying crime victim: Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of a qualifying crime
- Useful information: Possess information about the criminal activity
- Cooperation: Have cooperated, are cooperating, or are willing to cooperate with authorities
- Police certification: Obtain certification (Form I-918B) from a law enforcement agency
- Crime in the US: The crime must have occurred in the US or violated US laws
Qualifying Crimes
- Domestic violence and sexual abuse
- Human trafficking and forced labor
- Kidnapping and unlawful detention
- Assault, extortion, and fraud
- Homicide, torture, and mutilation
- Obstruction of justice and perjury (if related to other qualifying crimes)
- And other serious felonies according to the DHS list
Benefits of the U Visa
- ✓Legal status: Permission to remain in the US for up to 4 years
- ✓Work authorization: Automatic work permit (EAD)
- ✓Derivatives: Protection for family members (spouse, children, parents in some cases)
- ✓Path to residency: Can apply for Green Card after 3 years with U Visa
- ✓Pending status: USCIS can grant work authorization while waiting for a visa number
Are you a crime victim?
Contact us today for a free consultation about the U Visa and immigration protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the U Visa take?
Due to the 10,000 annual visa cap and high demand, wait times can be 5-7 years. However, USCIS can grant a pending status (bona fide determination) with work authorization while you wait.
Do I need legal status to apply for the U Visa?
No. The U Visa is available to people without legal immigration status. Even people in deportation proceedings can apply.
Do I need an attorney to apply for the U Visa?
It is not required, but highly recommended. The process is complex and requires obtaining law enforcement certification (I-918B), documenting the crime, and demonstrating cooperation. An experienced advisor can significantly increase your chances of success.
Can my family members get protection?
Yes. Derivatives include spouse and children under 21 (U-2, U-3 visas). Victims under 21 can also include parents and minor siblings.