U Visa (Crime Victims)

Overview

The U visa provides nonimmigrant status to victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful to law enforcement. After 3 years in U status, recipients may adjust to permanent residency. The annual cap is 10,000 U visas, creating significant backlogs (currently 5+ years).

Eligibility Requirements

Victim of qualifying crime (domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, kidnapping, certain violent crimes — full list in regulations); substantial physical or mental abuse; possess information about the crime; helpful, has been helpful, or likely will be helpful to law enforcement; crime occurred in U.S. or violated U.S. law; admissible (waivers available for many grounds).

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Form I-918 Supplement B certification from law enforcement (police, prosecutor, judge, child protective services, or other certifying agency). Step 2: File Form I-918 with USCIS. Step 3: Wait for cap availability and adjudication. Step 4: After 3 years U status, file I-485 adjust to LPR.

Required Documentation

Required: I-918B law enforcement certification; personal declaration detailing crime and impact; medical/psychological evidence of substantial abuse; corroborating evidence; admissibility waivers if applicable; and family member I-918A petitions.

Government Filing Fees

No I-918 fee; biometrics fee; family derivative fees.

Processing Timeline

I-918 currently 5+ years to adjudication due to cap backlog; bona fide determination within 18 months can grant work authorization.

Why Choose Our Firm

We handle U visa cases for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes. We coordinate with law enforcement for certifications, prepare comprehensive personal declarations with trauma sensitivity, and pursue waivers for inadmissibility issues.