Humanitarian Immigration
U-Visa for Crime Victims
Confidential immigration representation for qualifying crime victims and their families.
Overview
U-Visa for Crime Victims
The U-Visa is a humanitarian immigration benefit for noncitizens who have been victims of qualifying crimes in the United States, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement.
Congress created the U-Visa to encourage cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement. For victims, it can provide a path to lawful status, work authorization, protection from removal, and eventual eligibility for permanent residence.
Our attorneys gather documentation of the crime and cooperation, pursue the required law-enforcement certification, prepare the principal and derivative applications, and represent clients during the lengthy USCIS process and in related removal proceedings.
Who This Service Is For
Situations We Commonly Review
- Victims of qualifying crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, kidnapping, felonious assault, and witness tampering
- Victims who have cooperated, are cooperating, or are willing to cooperate with law enforcement
- Qualifying spouses, children, parents, or siblings who may be eligible as derivatives
- Victims in the United States regardless of how they entered
Sound like your situation? Request a consultation or call 888-305-0261.
Our Process and What to Expect
A Clearer View of the Process
- 01
Confidential Case Evaluation
We review the crime, cooperation with law enforcement, harm suffered, immigration history, and family members who may qualify.
- 02
Certification Request
We seek Form I-918 Supplement B from an authorized police department, prosecutor, judge, or other qualifying agency.
- 03
Evidence and Filing
We assemble police reports, medical or counseling records, photographs, witness statements, a personal declaration, and the principal and derivative petitions.
- 04
Waitlist and Work Authorization
We track the case through USCIS review and pursue available deferred action and employment authorization when the case becomes eligible.
- 05
Permanent Residence
After the required period in U status and satisfaction of the statutory criteria, we prepare the adjustment application.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Every case is different — these answers are general information, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your case, call 888-305-0261 or request a consultation.
How do I know if I can apply for a U-Visa?
The applicant must generally be a victim of a qualifying crime, suffer substantial physical or mental harm, possess information about the crime, and be helpful to law enforcement.
What are the benefits of a U-Visa?
U status can provide lawful status, work authorization, protection from removal, and potential eligibility for permanent residence after the required period.
How long does the process take?
The statutory cap and large backlog create long delays. Many applicants wait years, although qualifying cases may receive deferred action and work authorization during the process.
Can family members qualify?
Yes. The available derivative relatives depend on the principal applicant's age and can include spouses, children, parents, and certain unmarried siblings.