U-Visa, T-Visa and VAWA

Have you been the victim of a crime, including domestic violence or human trafficking? 

You may be eligible for a special immigration benefit called U-Visa or T-Visa. If the crime occurred within the U.S., you possess information relating to the crime or its perpetrators and have or will be helpful to the authorities in the investigation and prosecution of the crime you may be eligible to receive a U- or T-Visa. As stated above, U- and T Visa holders are eligible for a green card after maintaining their status for 3 years.

 Our office handles many applications of this nature, and only a truly experienced immigration attorney can assist in assembling to the necessary documentation to obtain this immigration benefit.

Who is Eligible for a U Visa? 

To be eligible for a U visa, an individual must meet certain criteria. Here are the general requirements:

• Victim of Qualifying Crime: The individual must be a victim of a qualifying crime that occurred in the United States. Crimes that may qualify for a U visa include but are not limited to abduction, domestic violence, blackmail, abusive sexual contact, and more.
• Helpfulness in Investigation or Prosecution: The victim must have information about the crime and be willing to assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
• Physical or Mental Abuse: The victim must have suffered physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime. This can include both past and ongoing abuse.
• Certification from Law Enforcement: The victim needs to obtain a signed certification from a law enforcement official confirming their helpfulness and cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The USCIS Form I-918, Supplement B, is used for this purpose.
• Admissibility Requirements: The victim must meet the general admissibility requirements for entering the United States. Certain grounds of inadmissibility, such as criminal history or previous immigration violations, may affect eligibility.
• Family Members: Certain family members of the victim may also be eligible to apply for derivative U visas. Eligible family members include the victim's spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents.