U Visa – Immigration Protection for Crime Victims
If you were the victim of a serious crime in the United States and helped law enforcement, you may qualify for a U Visa.
The U Visa was created to protect victims and encourage people to report crimes without fear of deportation. It allows certain crime victims to stay in the U.S., work legally, and eventually apply for a green card.
Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
You may qualify if:
- You were the victim of a serious crime in the U.S.
- You suffered substantial physical or emotional harm
- You have information about the crime
- You helped, are helping, or are willing to help law enforcement
- You are admissible (or qualify for a waiver)
You do not need to be in lawful immigration status to apply.
What Crimes Qualify?
Qualifying crimes include many serious offenses, such as:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or rape
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping
- Felonious assault
- Stalking
- Obstruction of justice
- Witness tampering
- Extortion
- Manslaughter or murder
And other similar serious crimes.
What Does “Helpfulness” Mean?
To qualify, you must cooperate with law enforcement. This can include:
- Reporting the crime
- Speaking with police or detectives
- Providing information
- Testifying in court (or being willing to testify)
A law enforcement agency must complete and sign a certification confirming your helpfulness.
What Are the Benefits of a U Visa?
✔ Legal status in the United States
✔ Work authorization and a Social Security number
✔ Protection from deportation
✔ Ability to include certain family members
✔ Path to a green card after 3 years
You may include:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children under 21
- If you are under 21, possibly your parents and younger siblings
What Are the Limitations?
- A U Visa is valid for 4 years
- There is an annual limit of 10,000 principal U Visas
- Because of the cap, many applicants are placed on a waiting list
- Travel outside the U.S. can be risky and is strongly discouraged
- Criminal or immigration history must be disclosed
While waiting for a visa number, eligible applicants may receive work authorization.
How Do You Apply?
The process involves:
- Filing Form I-918
- Submitting a personal statement describing what happened
- Providing evidence of the crime and harm suffered
- Obtaining a signed law enforcement certification (Supplement B)
If there are immigration or criminal issues, a waiver may also be required.
Applying for a Green Card
After holding U Visa status for 3 years, you may apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) if:
- You maintained U status
- You continued assisting law enforcement when needed
- Your presence in the U.S. is justified for humanitarian reasons, family unity, or public interest
Our Approach
U Visa cases involve trauma, courage, and careful preparation.
At Heflin Law, PLC, we handle these cases with discretion and compassion. As a mother-and-son immigration law firm in Phoenix, you work directly with an attorney who will guide you through every step.
You deserve safety.
You deserve protection.
And you deserve a future without fear.
