U Visa

What is the purpose of a U-Visa?

The U visa applies to immigrants who are the victims of certain serious crimes and who have cooperated with authorities in the prosecution of the perpetrator. As the victim of a serious crime, including: domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of aliens and other crimes, an immigrant, including undocumented immigrant, granted a U Visa Petition will subsequently be given legal status to reside and work in the United States.

Can an immigrant granted U visa status eventually apply for permanent resident status (green card)?

Yes. The immigrant must have been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least three years since the date of issuance of the U visa. In addition, Immigration must determine that the immigrant’s continued presence in the United States should be granted on humanitarian grounds in order to keep family unity, or is otherwise in the best interest of the public.