Protection, Justice, and a Path to Legal Status in the United States
If you’ve been a victim of a serious crime in the United States and helped law enforcement, you may qualify for the U Visa—a special immigration pathway designed to protect victims and strengthen public safety. This program not only provides temporary legal status but can also lead to a U.S. Green Card.
What Is the U Visa?
The U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa created to support victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. It is administered by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What Does the U Visa Offer?
- Legal status in the U.S. for up to 4 years
- Work authorization (EAD)
- Protection from deportation
- Ability to include certain family members
- Eligibility to apply for a Green Card after 3 years
How the U Visa Works
- Step 1: You Experience a Qualifying Crime You must be a victim of a serious crime that occurred in the U.S.
- Step 2: You Assist Law Enforcement You cooperate with police, prosecutors, or other authorities.
- Step 3: Certification is Issued A law enforcement agency completes Form I-918 Supplement B, confirming your cooperation.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application You file Form I-918 and supporting documents with USCIS.
- Step 5: USCIS Review & Waiting List Due to visa caps, many applicants are placed on a waiting list.
- Step 6: Approval & Benefits Once approved, you receive U Visa status and work authorization.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a Victim of a Qualifying Crime The crime must have occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. law.
- Have Suffered Substantial Abuse This includes: Physical harm Emotional or psychological trauma
- Have Helpful Information You must possess information about the crime.
- Be Helpful to Law Enforcement You must: Have helped Be helping, or Be willing to help
- Obtain Certification A qualifying agency (police, judge, prosecutor) must confirm your cooperation.
Qualifying Crimes
You may be eligible if you were a victim of crimes such as:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or rape
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping
- Felonious assault
- Stalking
- StalkingaFraud in foreign labor contracting
What You Need to Apply
Required Documents:
- Form I-918 (Main application)
- Form I-918 Supplement B (Law enforcement certification)
- Personal statement (detailed account of the crime)
- Evidence of harm (medical reports, police reports, therapy records)
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
What You Need to Know
- You Must Be Cooperative Without certification, your application will not succeed.
- Honesty Is Critical Any false information can lead to denial.
- Legal Support Helps U Visa cases are sensitive and evidence-heavy.
Processing Time & Visa Cap
- Annual Cap: Only 10,000 U Visas issued per year
- Processing Time: Can take several years (5–10 years) due to backlog
- Waiting List Benefit: Even if you’re waiting: You may receive deferred action You may get work authorization