The U nonimmigrant status visa is a visa set aside for victims of certain enumerated crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have been helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the reporting, investigation, or prosecution of the criminal activity. The visa was created with the intent to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, of aliens and other crimes committed against undocumented immigrations, while also protecting these victims who have suffered substantial abuse due to the crimes.
The U-visa also gives a path for the applicant to obtain their Lawful Permanent Resident Status as such it makes it an extremely helpful visa for many undocumented individuals.
Individuals are eligible to obtain U nonimmigrant status if they are:
- A victim of a qualifying criminal activity (see below);
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity;
- Have information about the criminal activity. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian or next friend may possess the information about the crime on your behalf;
- You were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement or government enforcement agencies in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian or next friend may assist on your behalf.
- The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. Laws
- You are admissible to the United States
Qualifying Criminal Activities:
- 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
- Stalking
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Witness Tampering
- Unlawful Criminal Restraint
- Other Related Crimes****
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