What Is the U Visa?
U-Visa — officially known as U Nonimmigrant Status—is an important humanitarian protection created to support victims of certain crimes in the United States. This visa not only offers safety and stability, but it also strengthens public safety by encouraging victims to work with law enforcement without fear of retaliation or immigration consequences. For many people experiencing trauma, the U Visa is the first step toward healing, rebuilding, and eventually gaining lawful permanent residency.
What Is the Purpose of the U Visa?
Congress created the U Visa in 2000 under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. Its goal is simple:- ✔ To help noncitizen victims of serious crimes
- ✔ To encourage cooperation with police and prosecutors
- ✔ To protect from deportation
- ✔ To offer a path to lawful permanent residency and U.S. citizenship
Because many undocumented individuals fear reporting crimes, the U Visa helps bridge the gap by rewarding cooperation with legal protections.
Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
To be eligible for a U Visa, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
- ✔ You must be a victim of a qualifying crime. The criminal activity must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
- ✔ You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse.| USCIS evaluates the severity of the harm, including long-term emotional trauma.
- ✔ You must have helped (or be willing to help) law enforcement. This includes assisting police, prosecutors, judges, or other government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
- ✔ You must be admissible to the United States —or be eligible for a waiver through Form I-192.
What Crimes Qualify for a U Visa
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Rape
- Felonious assault
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
- Extortion
- Witness tampering
- Blackmail, perjury, or obstruction of justice
- Murder / manslaughter (attempted)
- Involuntary servitude
Each case is unique, and even crimes not explicitly listed may qualify if they are substantially similar.
Can Family Members Get U Visa Benefits?
Yes. Family members may qualify depending on the principal applicant’s age:
If the principal applicant is under 21:
They may include:
- Parents
- Spouse
- Children
- Unmarried siblings under 18
If the principal applicant is 21 or older:
They may include:
- Spouse
- Children
This allows families to remain together during the process.
Do You Need a Police Report? We Can Help.
signed law enforcement certification (Form I-918B) is one of the most important pieces of the U Visa application.
If you do not have your police report, our office can assist you in obtaining it and communicating with the police department or prosecutor handling the case.
At Adhami Law Group, we guide clients from start to finish—including document gathering, preparing the application, requesting waivers, and communicating with government agencies on your behalf.
Why Work With an Immigration Attorney?
U Visa cases are complex, often involving:
- ✔ Sensitive personal histories
- ✔ Criminal investigations
- ✔ Waiver applications
- ✔ Long processing times
An experienced immigration attorney can protect your rights, ensure your case is handled correctly, and help you avoid delays or mistakes.
Need Help With a U Visa Application?
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a qualifying crime, you may be eligible for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Adhami Law Group proudly serves victims of crime throughout the United States and is ready to assist you with every step of the process.