U Visa: Protection & Legal Status for Victims of Crimes in the U.S.
The U Nonimmigrant Visa (U Visa) is a humanitarian visa designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist U.S. law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity.
If approved, U visa holders receive temporary legal status, work authorization, and a path to a Green Card in the United States.
What is a U Visa?
The U Visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of crimes who have suffered significant harm and are helping law enforcement in the U.S. The visa allows victims to stay and work in the U.S. for up to 4 years and eventually apply for a Green Card (permanent residency). The U Visa’s main purpose is to encourage crime victims to report offenses without fear of deportation, helping both the individuals and law enforcement agencies.
Why Apply for a U Visa?
Legal Protection
Stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Work Authorization
Obtain a work permit to support yourself.
Family Sponsorship
Bring spouse, children, parents, or siblings.
Path to Green Card
Apply for a Green Card after 3 years.
Public Benefits
Eligible for some state and federal benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for a U Visa
To qualify for a U Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a victim of a qualifying crime (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, etc.).
- Suffer significant physical or mental abuse due to the crime.
- Provide helpful information to law enforcement or prosecutors.
- The crime must have occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
- Be admissible to the U.S. (or apply for a waiver if needed).
Qualifying Crimes for a U Visa
Victims of the following crimes (and related offenses) may be eligible for a U Visa:
- Domestic violence, Sexual assault
- Human trafficking, Kidnapping
- Abduction, Stalking, Extortion
- Blackmail, Manslaughter
- Murder, Involuntary servitude
- Obstruction of justice, False imprisonment
- Perjury
- You may still qualify if you experienced another crime that caused significant harm.
Processing Time for a U Visa
- Law Enforcement Certification: Varies by agency (weeks to months).
- USCIS Review & Background Checks: 5+ years (due to backlog).
- U Visa Waitlist (if cap is reached): Additional waiting period.
- Green Card Eligibility: After 3 years of U Visa status.
Required Documents for a U Visa Application
- Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status)
- Form I-918, Supplement B (Law Enforcement Certification)
- Personal statement describing the crime and harm suffered
- Medical, police, or court records proving victimization
- Evidence of cooperation with law enforcement
- Form I-192 (if applicable, for waiver of inadmissibility)
- Biometrics & background check results
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How to Apply for a U Visa
Obtain Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B)
A law enforcement agency (police, prosecutor, judge, or other authority) must certify that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and are helping in the investigation or prosecution.
File Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status)
- Complete Form I-918, explaining the crime and the harm suffered.
- Provide supporting documents proving victimization, cooperation, and hardship
Submit a Waiver (If Needed) – Form I-192
If you have specific inadmissibility issues (e.g., past visa overstays or criminal history), file Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant).
Biometrics & Background Check
Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprints and background checks.
Wait for U Visa Approval
- Due to the 10,000 U Visa cap per year, applicants may be placed on a waitlist before approval.
- If approved, you receive U Visa status for 4 years.
Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) After 3 Years
After 3 years in U Visa status, apply for a Green Card (permanent residence).
Processing Time for the IR-4 Visa
IR-4 visa processing times typically range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on:
- USCIS petition processing time
- The child’s country of origin and adoption process requirements
NVC document review and visa issuance timeline
Since the IR-4 is an immediate relative visa, there is no annual cap, allowing faster processing than preference-based visas