Qualifying criminal activity
The applicant was the victim of qualifying criminal activity.
White plains, nyc
U Visa Immigration Lawyer in New York
Personalized legal guidance for eligible crime victims seeking U Visa protection, from understanding eligibility and obtaining certification to preparing the application and addressing potential immigration issues.
U Visa explained
What Is a U Visa?
The U Visa is a nonimmigrant immigration benefit available to certain victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
The U Visa can provide eligible victims with temporary immigration status and employment authorization. In certain circumstances, a U Visa holder may later become eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Because every case depends on the victim's circumstances, criminal activity involved, cooperation with law enforcement, immigration history, and other factors, it is important to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer before filing.
U Visa Legal Services for Crime Victims in New York
U Visa Immigration Lawyer
Personalized legal guidance for eligible crime victims and their families.
If you are an immigrant who has been the victim of a qualifying crime in the United States, you may have an immigration option through the U Visa. The U Visa was created to protect eligible crime victims who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who are willing to assist law enforcement with the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
At E-Z Immigration, we provide personalized legal guidance to individuals seeking U Visa protection. Our team can help you understand whether you may qualify, prepare the required documentation, address potential immigration issues, and navigate the application process.
The U Visa is a nonimmigrant immigration benefit available to certain victims of qualifying crimes. It can provide eligible victims with temporary immigration status and employment authorization. In certain circumstances, a U Visa holder may later become eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Case evaluation
Law enforcement certification
Form I-918 preparation
Evidence and inadmissibility guidance
U Visa eligibility factors
Who May Qualify for a U Visa?
U Visa eligibility can be complicated. Generally, an applicant must be able to establish several important requirements, including:
Crime and U.S. law
The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law.
Substantial abuse
The applicant suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
Information about the crime
The applicant possesses information about the criminal activity.
Helpful to law enforcement
The applicant has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
Required certification
A law enforcement agency provides the required certification confirming the applicant's helpfulness.
Admissibility or waiver
The applicant is admissible to the United States or qualifies for an applicable waiver.
Qualifying crimes can include certain offenses such as domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, felonious assault, kidnapping, and other qualifying criminal activity. Eligibility is fact-specific, and simply being a victim of a crime does not automatically mean that someone qualifies for a U Visa.
U Visa immigration benefits
How Can a U Visa Help Crime Victims?
For eligible applicants, the U Visa may provide important immigration protection while allowing victims to cooperate with law enforcement without having to face the immigration process alone.
Temporary immigration status
An approved U Visa can provide qualifying victims with temporary nonimmigrant status in the United States.
Employment authorization
Eligible U Visa applicants may be able to obtain employment authorization, allowing them to work legally in the United States.
Qualifying family members
Depending on the applicant's circumstances and age, certain qualifying family members may also be eligible for derivative U Visa benefits.
Potential path to a Green Card
A U Visa is not itself a Green Card. However, eligible U Visa holders may potentially pursue lawful permanent residence after meeting applicable requirements.
U Visa benefits depend on eligibility, the facts of the case, and applicable immigration requirements. A case-specific review can help clarify which options may be available.
U Visa application process
What Is the U Visa Application Process?
A U Visa case requires careful preparation and supporting evidence. The process may generally involve several stages.
Case evaluation
An immigration lawyer reviews your circumstances, the crime involved, immigration history, cooperation with law enforcement, and other relevant factors.
Obtain certification
Form I-918, Supplement B, must be signed by an appropriate certifying official from a qualifying law enforcement or other authorized agency.
Prepare Form I-918
The principal applicant generally files Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, with supporting evidence establishing eligibility.
Provide abuse evidence
Evidence may include medical or counseling records, statements, police or court records, photographs, and personal declarations.
Address inadmissibility
Some immigration issues may affect eligibility. Depending on the circumstances, a waiver or additional immigration relief may be available.
USCIS review
USCIS reviews the petition and supporting documentation after filing. Processing can take considerable time and timelines can change.
Important: Certification requirements and procedures can vary. A certification does not guarantee U Visa approval, and the certifying agency does not make the final immigration decision.
Discuss Your U Visa CaseU Visa certification guidance
U Visa Certification: Why It Matters
One of the most important aspects of many U Visa cases is the law-enforcement certification.
Confirms helpfulness
The certification helps establish that the applicant has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of qualifying criminal activity.
Involves the right agency
Obtaining certification can involve communicating with the appropriate law-enforcement agency and presenting the circumstances of the case clearly.
Does not guarantee approval
A certification does not guarantee U Visa approval, and the certifying agency does not make the final immigration decision.
Requires careful preparation
Certification requirements and procedures can vary, so legal guidance can be valuable before submitting a U Visa petition.
The certification is an important part of the U Visa process, but it is only one part of a complete petition and supporting-evidence strategy.
Support for crime victims
U Visa for Domestic Violence and Other Crime Victims
Some individuals learn about the U Visa after experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or another serious crime.
Domestic violence
Certain domestic violence offenses may qualify as criminal activity for U Visa purposes when the other requirements are met.
Sexual assault and trafficking
Victims of sexual assault, trafficking, and other serious qualifying crimes may have immigration options to explore.
Other qualifying crimes
Felonious assault, kidnapping, and other qualifying criminal activity may also be relevant depending on the facts.
Immigration protection while seeking help
Immigration status can make victims afraid to report criminal activity or cooperate with authorities. The U Visa was created in part to encourage victims to report qualifying crimes and assist law enforcement while providing immigration protection to eligible victims.
If you are concerned that your immigration status could prevent you from seeking help, speaking confidentially with an immigration lawyer can help you understand your available options.
U Visa and family immigration
Immigration Options for Qualifying Family Members
U Visa cases can sometimes involve immigration benefits for qualifying family members.
U Visa cases can sometimes involve immigration benefits for qualifying family members. The specific family members who may qualify depend on factors such as the principal applicant's age and individual circumstances.
If your immigration needs involve multiple family members or you are considering a family-based immigration option in addition to a U Visa, our Family Immigration Services team can help you understand the available pathways.
- Review the principal applicant's age and circumstances
- Identify family members who may qualify for derivative benefits
- Consider U Visa and family-based options together
Personalized guidance for a complex immigration process
Why work with a U Visa lawyer?
Why Work With an Immigration Lawyer for a U Visa?
U Visa cases can involve immigration law, criminal proceedings, law-enforcement certification, supporting evidence, and potential inadmissibility issues.
An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand the requirements, prepare your case, and avoid common mistakes that can create unnecessary complications.
At E-Z Immigration, we take a personalized approach to immigration matters and help clients understand their options before deciding how to proceed.
- Evaluate whether your circumstances may meet U Visa requirements
- Identify the evidence needed to support your application
- Understand the law-enforcement certification process
- Prepare immigration forms and supporting documentation
- Address potential inadmissibility concerns
- Evaluate options for eligible family members
- Understand potential long-term immigration options
- Avoid common mistakes and unnecessary complications
Every case is different. Legal advice should be based on the applicant's specific circumstances and the applicable law.
U Visa questions
Frequently Asked Questions About U Visas
Find general information about U Visa eligibility, certification, applications, family benefits, inadmissibility, and potential long-term immigration options.
Ask About Your U Visa CaseImportant: U Visa eligibility depends on the applicant's individual circumstances, applicable law, required certification, and supporting evidence.
How long does a U Visa take?
U Visa processing can take a significant amount of time, and processing periods can change based on USCIS workload, applicable policies, and the circumstances of the case. No specific processing time can be guaranteed.
Do I need to have legal immigration status to apply for a U Visa?
A person may be eligible for a U Visa even if they do not currently have lawful immigration status. However, eligibility depends on meeting the applicable U Visa requirements and the facts of the individual case.
Can I apply for a U Visa if I was a victim of domestic violence?
Potentially. Certain domestic violence offenses can qualify as qualifying criminal activity for U Visa purposes. The specific facts of the crime and other eligibility requirements must be evaluated.
Do I need a police report?
A police report can be important evidence, but U Visa eligibility involves more than simply having a police report. The case must satisfy the applicable requirements, including the required law-enforcement certification.
Can my family receive immigration benefits through my U Visa?
Certain qualifying family members may be eligible for derivative U Visa benefits. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant's circumstances and the relationship to the applicant.
Can a U Visa lead to a Green Card?
In certain circumstances, a U Visa holder may later qualify to apply for lawful permanent residence after meeting the applicable requirements.
What if I have an immigration violation or other inadmissibility issue?
An immigration history does not necessarily mean that a U Visa is impossible. Some inadmissibility grounds may potentially be waived, depending on the circumstances. An immigration lawyer should review your individual history before determining the appropriate strategy.
Should I speak with an immigration lawyer before applying?
Because U Visa cases can involve multiple legal requirements and supporting documents, professional legal guidance can help you understand your eligibility and prepare your case appropriately.
Speak with a U Visa immigration lawyer
Speak With a U Visa Immigration Lawyer
If you or a family member has been the victim of a qualifying crime, you may have immigration options that you have not considered.
E-Z Immigration provides personalized immigration guidance to individuals and families in New York and clients who need virtual immigration assistance beyond New York. Contact E-Z Immigration today to discuss your circumstances and learn whether the U Visa may be an option for you.