Nonimmigrant Visas for Victims of Crime
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is designed for immigrants who have suffered mental or physical abuse due to certain serious crimes and who can assist law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting these crimes. The crime must have occurred in the U.S., its territories, or have violated U.S. law.
A U visa grants temporary legal status, protecting victims from removal proceedings. It also allows for an employment authorization document (EAD) while the case is pending. If approved, U visa status can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.
Who Is Eligible for a U Visa?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be victims of serious crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or hate crimes
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity
- Have information about the crime
- Be willing to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution
Eligible Crimes
According to USCIS, applicants must have been victims of one of the following crimes (including attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations):
- Domestic violence
- Felonious assault
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Torture
- Extortion
- Slavery or involuntary servitude
- Human trafficking
- Prostitution or sex trade
- Abduction
- Incest
- Blackmail
- Witness tampering
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of justice
- Stalking
- Other related crimes
