U Visas for Crime Victims Assisting Law Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

If you are the victim of a serious crime seeking a U visa, the biggest challenge might be getting certification of your helpfulness to law enforcement.

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

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.

Who qualifies for derivative U status, and how to prove it within the application process and eventually obtain a green card.

If you received a U visa as a victim of a serious crime assisting law enforcement, you might be able to obtain permanent residence after three years' continuous U.S. presence.

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