If you are a victim of a crime in the United States, you may be eligible for a U visa. This visa is designed to protect victims of criminal activity who assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. If you are granted a U visa, you can stay in the United States for up to four years, and you may be eligible to apply for a green card after three years.
However, the U visa application process can be complicated, and it is vital to have a U visa lawyer who can help you navigate the process. A U visa lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your application, such as police reports and medical records. They can also help you fill out the application forms and ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for processing U visa applications, and they receive many applications each year. Submitting a complete and accurate application is essential, as incomplete or inaccurate applications can cause delays or even lead to your application being denied. With the help of a U visa lawyer, you can increase your chances of being granted a U visa and receiving the benefits that come with it.
What is the U Visa, and How Can You Get it?
What Crimes Qualify You for a U Visa?
Why Do You Need a U Visa Lawyer?
Can You Apply for Residency with a U Visa?
Does U Visa Qualify You for a Work Permit?
What is the U Visa, and How Can You Get it?
A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse to remain in the U.S. for up to four years. It also allows them to work legally in the U.S. during that time. After three years, U visa holders may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as a green card.
To apply for a U visa, you must submit a Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must also provide evidence that you have been a victim of a qualifying criminal act and that you have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be beneficial to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime.
Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
To qualify for a U visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be the victim of a qualifying criminal act that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
- You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
- You must have information about the crime and be willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime.
- You must be admissible to the U.S. or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility.
What Crimes Qualify You for a U Visa?
The following crimes qualify you for a U visa:
- Abduction
- Abusive Sexual Contact
- Blackmail
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- False Imprisonment
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Felonious Assault
- Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
- Hostage
- Incest
- Involuntary Servitude
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of Justice
- Peonage
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Exploitation
- Slave Trade
- Stalking
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Witness Tampering
- Unlawful Criminal Restraint
- Other Related Crimes
If you have been a victim of one of these crimes or have information about one and are willing to help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, you may be eligible for a U visa.
Why Do You Need a U Visa Lawyer?
If you are a victim of crime in the US and want to apply for a U visa, you may wonder if you need a U visa lawyer to help you with the process. The answer is yes, you do.
A U visa lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of applying for a U visa. They can help you determine if you are eligible for a U visa and if so, help you prepare the necessary documentation, such as Form I-918, law enforcement certifications, and a personal statement. They can also help you with biometrics and other documentation that may be required.
A U visa lawyer can help you apply for a waiver if you are not admissible to the United States. They can also help you with fee waiver requests if you cannot afford the filing fees.
A U visa lawyer can also help you if your application is denied. They can help you appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider the case.
Overall, a U visa lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve as a victim of crime in the US. They can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your application is complete and accurate, giving you the best chance of success.
U Visa Application Process
If you are a victim of a crime in the United States, you may be eligible for a U Visa. This visa is designed to provide temporary legal status to non-citizen victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Cost of a U Visa
There is no fee to apply for a U Visa. However, there are costs associated with the application process, such as obtaining necessary documents and translations. You may also need to pay for a lawyer to help you with the application process.
U Visa Document Requirements
To apply for a U Visa, you must submit Form I-918 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to the form, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A personal statement describing the crime and how you have been helpful to law enforcement
- Law enforcement certifications, which are signed by a law enforcement official and confirm that you have been helpful to the investigation or prosecution of the crime
- Evidence that you have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime
- Evidence that you are admissible to the United States or that you are eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility
It is vital to ensure that all documents are correctly translated into English. You may consider hiring a lawyer to help you with this process to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
The U Visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. However, suppose you are a victim of a crime and meet the eligibility requirements. In that case, the U Visa can provide you with temporary legal status and allow you to remain in the United States while assisting law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime.
Rights and Benefits
As a victim of crime in the US, you may be eligible for a U visa, a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to four years. In addition to protection from deportation, a U visa provides several benefits and rights to help you and your family.
Can You Apply for Residency with a U Visa?
While a U visa is not a direct path to permanent residence or a green card, it can be a stepping stone towards obtaining legal status in the US. If you have been in the country for at least three years and have met certain eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through a process called adjustment of status. This process requires submitting Form I-485 and going through an interview with USCIS.
Does U Visa Qualify You for a Work Permit?
A U visa allows you to apply for work authorization, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). With a work permit, you can legally work in the US and support yourself and your family. Your family members may also be able to apply for work authorization if they are included in your U visa application.
Benefits of a U Visa
In addition to protection from deportation and work authorization, a U visa also provides several other benefits and rights, including:
- The ability to apply for a nonimmigrant visa for your family members, such as a T status or a derivative U visa.
- The ability to apply for deferred action is a temporary protection from deportation.
- The ability to apply for legal status for your family members is not included in your U visa application.
- The ability to apply for certain public benefits, such as Medicaid and other health care services.
- The ability to travel outside the US with a U visa travel document.
It is important to note that while a U visa provides many benefits, it does not automatically grant you legal status or permanent residency. You must still meet certain eligibility requirements and go through the appropriate legal processes to obtain legal status in the US.