What is U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa)?

U Nonimmigrant Status is a humanitarian protection status granted by the United States to victims of serious criminal activities who are present in the U.S. and willing to assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Benefits:

• Lawful stay in the U.S.

• Eligibility for work authorization

• Legal protection

• Path to lawful permanent residence (green card) after approval

Who qualifies for a U Visa?

You must meet all 3 requirements:

1. You are a victim of a qualifying criminal offense in the U.S.Common qualifying crimes include:

   • Domestic violence

   • Sexual assault / abuse / coercion

   • Stalking

   • Human trafficking

   • Kidnapping / unlawful restraint

   • Forced labor

   • Felonious assault

   • Extortion

   • Witness tampering

   • Hate crimes

2. You have assisted or are assisting law enforcementThis includes:

   • Filing a police report

   • Cooperating with prosecutors

   • Assisting in court proceedings

   • Working with child protective services, labor departments, etc.

   The case does not need to result in a conviction.Only proof that you are a genuine victim and willing to assist the government is required.

3. You have a Form I-918B CertificationThis is a document signed by law enforcement (police, prosecutor, judge, or authorized agency) certifying you are a crime victim and have assisted the investigation.Without this certification, you cannot file for U Visa.

Who is most suitable for a U Visa?

1. Spouses or partners in domestic violence cases

   • Controlled or threatened by the abuser

   • Threatened with deportation if they report the abuse

2. Undocumented workers who suffered abuse, threats, or forced labor

   • Unpaid wages

   • Threatened with immigration reporting

   • Forced to work long hours

3. International students, tourists, or asylum seekers who are victims of sexual assault or violent crime

   • Campus assault

   • Violent hate crimes

   Eligibility is based on victimization, not immigration status.

What rights do you have with a U Visa?

1. Eligible to apply for a C14 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while waiting for approval

2. Approved U status is valid for 4 years, renewable

3. May petition for qualifying family members

4. Path to a green card (Form I-485) after holding U status

This green card pathway:

• Ignores how you entered the U.S.

• Ignores expired I-94

• Does not require maintaining another immigration status

How to apply for a U Visa

Step 1: Confirm your case involves a qualifying criminal offenseStep 2: Report to police or create official law enforcement recordsStep 3: Obtain the I-918B CertificationStep 4: File the complete U Visa application package

• Personal declaration

• Evidence of victimization

• Psychological evaluation (strongly recommended)

• Waivers for unlawful entry (if needed)Step 5: Wait for adjudication

Current processing time: 4–6 yearsWork authorization and protection are available during the waiting period.