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U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa) For Victims Of Criminal Activity

The U nonimmigrant status, commonly known as the U visa, is designated for victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and have been helpful or are willing to assist law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. This legislation aimed to enhance law enforcement agencies’ ability to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other crimes while providing protection to victims who have endured substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to cooperate with authorities.

Qualifying Crimes for U Visa:

You may be eligible for a U visa if you are the victim of one of the following qualifying crimes:

  • Abduction
  • Abusive Sexual Contact
  • Blackmail
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • False Imprisonment
  • Female Genital Mutilation
  • Felonious Assault
  • Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
  • Hostage
  • Incest
  • Involuntary Servitude
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Obstruction of Justice
  • Peonage
  • Perjury
  • Prostitution
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Exploitation
  • Slave Trade
  • Stalking
  • Torture
  • Trafficking
  • Witness Tampering
  • Unlawful Criminal Restraint
  • Other Related Crimes*


Eligibility Criteria for U Visa:

You may qualify for a U nonimmigrant visa if you meet the following requirements:

You are a victim of qualifying criminal activity.

You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of criminal activity.

You have information about the criminal activity. If you are under 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or “next friend” (someone acting on your behalf) may provide the information about the crime for you.

You have been helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you are under 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may assist law enforcement on your behalf.

The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.

You are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver using Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.

How We Can Help:

If you believe you may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status or need assistance with your application, please contact us for further details. Our team is here to guide you through the process.

For more information or assistance, please give us a call.