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U-Visa
A U-Visa allows non-citizens who are victims of certain crimes (see list below) to live and work in the United States temporarily.
You can find more information about the U Visa here:
If approved, a U-Visa allows you to:
Live in the United States for up to 4 years, with the possibility of an extension.
Apply to work in the United States.
Can those who are approved for a U-Visa apply for a green card?
Yes. After 3 years on a U-Visa, you can apply to become a lawful permanent resident and get a green card, if approved. If your application is not approved, you may be placed into removal, or deportation, proceedings.
Can my family apply for a U-Visa?
Yes. Members of your immediate family may qualify for a U-Visa.
If you are age 21 or older, you can apply for a U-Visa for your spouse and your unmarried children who are under age 21.
If you are under age 21, you can apply for a U-Visa for your spouse, your unmarried children who are under age 21, your parents, and your unmarried brothers or sisters under age 18.
You may apply for a U-Visa for your family when you apply for your own U-Visa.
What are the qualifications for a U-Visa?
You do NOT need to have lawful immigration status to apply for a U-Visa. You can be undocumented.
However, you must show that:
You are the victim of a crime that the U-Visa covers. You can find a list of the crimes that the U-Visa covers below
The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law
You suffered serious physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of the crime
You have useful information you can share about the crime
A law enforcement agency has “certified” that you have helped them investigate or prosecute the crime.
What is certification by law enforcement?
Before you can apply for a U-Visa, you must have a law enforcement agency “certify” (confirm in writing) that you have helped them investigate or prosecute the crime. You must ask the law enforcement agency to fill out Form I-918, Supplement B.
A U Visa application without law enforcement certification will be denied, so it is important to communicate with law enforcement. A lawyer or immigration advocate may be helpful in understanding how to obtain certification
A U Visa application without law enforcement certification will be denied, so it is important to communicate with law enforcement. A lawyer or immigration advocate may be helpful in understanding how to obtain certification
What crimes does a U-Visa cover?
Victims of the following crimes may be able to get a U-Visa:
Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Female Genital Mutilation
Lying Under Oath
Felonious Assault
Hostage Taken
Incest
Peonage
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Rape
Obstruction of Justice
Witness Tampering
Prostitution
Sexual Assault
Slave Trade
Torture
Trafficking
Sexual Exploitation
Unlawful Criminal Restraint
Other Related Crimes
How do I apply for a U-Visa?
To apply for a U-Visa, you must file the following documents:
Form I-918
“Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status”;
Form I-918, Supplement A,
“Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient”
(if you are also applying for a family member)
Form I-918, Supplement B
“U Nonimmigrant Status Certification”
(the form you must ask the law enforcement agency to fill out)
A personal statement describing the crime
Other forms as instructed depending on your specific situation.
“Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status”;
Form I-918, Supplement A,
“Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient”
(if you are also applying for a family member)
Form I-918, Supplement B
“U Nonimmigrant Status Certification”
(the form you must ask the law enforcement agency to fill out)
A personal statement describing the crime
Other forms as instructed depending on your specific situation.
Learn more about these forms and find instructions here:
