U-Visa
Victim of a Crime / Victima de Crimen
U-Visa: Victim of a Crime
A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to undocumented immigrants who have suffered serious physical or mental abuse and can help law enforcement in the investigation of a crime. This visa requires aggressive, relentless work with the aid of an attorney and the participation of law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges.
U-Visas was created to provide protection to victims of certain crimes as well as people who serve as informants and/ or witnesses in certain criminal cases. These visas require certification from law enforcement authorities such as a prosecutor’s office or local police departments that the victim has cooperated, is cooperating, or whose cooperation is needed in an investigation or prosecution of a crime. A grant of one of these visas may result in Permanent Resident Status.
Qualifying Crimes that Establish Eligibility for a U- Visa (Victim)
The U visa process can be stressful. Not only does the applicant need to be a victim of a serious crime but they must work with law enforcement to cooperate with Form I-918B Supplement B, Nonimmigrant Status Certification.
Victims of the following crimes can apply for a U visa:
- Witness tampering
- Unlawful criminal restraint
- Trafficking
- Torture
- Slave trade
- Sexual exploitation
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Prostitution
- Perjury
- Peonage
- Obstruction of justice
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Kidnapping
- Involuntary servitude
- Incest
- Hostage
- Female genital mutilation
- Felonious assault
- False imprisonment
- Extortion
- Domestic violence
- Blackmail
- Abusive sexual contact
- Abduction
- Armed robbery
If you or a loved one is a candidate for a U visa, let the Law Offices of Abner Pinedo guide and help you through this process. There is no time limit to apply for a U visa and this status can be used as relief during deportation proceedings. With so many elements necessary to prove the case for this type of non-immigrant visa, the attorney you choose makes a difference.