U Visas for Crime Victims Assisting Law Enforcement

U Visas for Crime Victims Assisting Law Enforcement: Who Is Eligible

U.S. visas are available for crime victims who provide helpful information to investigating authorities

Differences Between T and U Visas

For victims of human trafficking, two different visa options are available.

Both Direct and Indirect Victims Can Qualify for U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa)

In some cases, witnessing a crime or being related to a crime victim can qualify someone for U immigration status.

How to Qualify for Waiver of Inadmissibility as a U Visa Applicant

Applicants for U status have access to more waivers than most -- here's how to make the most of this possibility for overcoming bars to U.S. admission.

Should You Apply for a U Visa or for VAWA?

U.S. immigration law provides three possible visas allowing victims of crimes to stay in or even come to the U.S. and testify or otherwise assist in law enforcement efforts.

Can Undocumented Person Mistreated by Employer Report Crime and Get a U Visa?

While the most frequent use of the U visa is to help victims of domestic violence stay in the U.S. so as to assist law-enforcement authorities, USCIS can also grant U visas to victims of crimes related to certain workplace violations.

How to Apply for U Nonimmigrant Visa or Status

Overview of how to apply for a "U" visa or status for immigrant victims of serious crimes. Learn how to prepare the USCIS forms, gather evidence to support your application, and what to expect during the process.

Filling Out Form I-918 Petition for a U Visa

Detailed application-preparation instructions for immigrants who have been the victim of a serious crime and are assisting U.S. law enforcement with an investigation or prosecution.

Filling Out Form I-192 for a U Visa Waiver of Inadmissibility

Inadmissibility a problem in your U visa application? Here's how to overcome it.

Checklist for Applying for Nonimmigrant U Visa or Status

Use this handy checklist to make sure you've got everything ready to apply to a U visa based on being a crime victim helping U.S. law enforcement.

What's Needed for a U Visa Certification of Helpfulness

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you might be eligible to apply for a U visa, allowing you temporary and perhaps permanent legal status in the United States; but the biggest challenge is getting certification of your helpfulness to law enforcement first.

How Long Will It Take to Get a U Visa?

Understanding "normal" processing times and common sources of delay.

Can I Travel Outside the U.S. With My Current or Pending U Visa?

If USCIS granted or is deciding on your U status, travel will require you to visit a U.S. consulate for a return visa -- which could be denied.

What Family Members Need to Prove to Get Derivative U Status

Who qualifies, and how to prove it within the application process.

Will a U Visa Ever Lead to a Green Card?

If you have received a U visa as a victim of a serious crime assisting law enforcement, you might be able to adjust your status to “permanent resident” (and receive your green card) after three years of continuous presence in the United States.

Applying for a Green Card From U Status

A guide to the application process for someone to become a U.S. lawful permanent resident after having been granted U status.

Petitioning for Green Cards for Family Members of U-1 Nonimmigrants

Learn when family members who weren't included in the initial application for U status can receive U.S. lawful permanent residence along with the principal U-1 applicant.

Can I Get My New Spouse a U Visa After Receiving a U Visa?

The spouse of a U visa applicant may, even if the marriage occurred after U visa approval, be able to apply for a green card with the U visa holder.