U Visa Lawyer - Visas for Victims of Crimes
If you’ve been a victim of a crime in the United States, you may feel powerless, scared, or uncertain about what the future holds.
On top of the trauma, many victims hesitate to come forward out of fear that speaking to law enforcement could put their immigration status at risk.
Thankfully, there is a way forward, and that is the U visa.
At Immigration Spurgin, we have dedicated U visa lawyers who understand both the legal complexities and the human challenges that come with these cases.
We provide our clients with experienced and strategic guidance through the process.
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What is a U Visa, and What Are Some Key Benefits?
The U visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful, or likely to be helpful, to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity.
Congress created the U visa in 2000 as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, recognizing the need to protect victims while also encouraging cooperation with law enforcement.
Some of the key benefits of a U visa include:
- Protection from deportation while your case is pending.
- Work authorization so you can legally earn an income in the United States.
- The ability to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) after three years of continuous presence in the U.S. with a U visa.
- The chance to include certain qualifying family members in your application, keeping your family together.
Considering that the U visa involves both immigration and criminal law, working with a skilled U visa lawyer ensures that your application is correctly prepared and fully supported.
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Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
Not every victim of crime qualifies for a U visa. There are specific legal requirements, including:
- You are a victim of a qualifying crime like domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, kidnapping, stalking, felonious assault, blackmail, witness tampering, and other serious offenses.
- You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse with detailed evidence like medical records, psychological evaluations, or testimony about the harm you endured.
- You have information about the crime that can be helpful to law enforcement when investigating. To prove this, a Form I-918, Supplement B (U visa certification) is required to confirm your cooperation.
- The crime occurred on United States soil or violated U.S. laws.
If you meet all these requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a U visa. However, getting the right documents and certifications can be challenging, and that is where an experienced U visa lawyer comes in.
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How Does the U Visa Application Process Work?
The U visa process is not always simple, but with Immigration Spurgin by your side, you will have a clear roadmap. Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Obtain Law Enforcement Certification
The most important piece of your application is the certification from law enforcement (Form I-918B). Without this, your case cannot move forward. We work closely with you to approach the right agency, explain your cooperation, and secure this vital document.
Step 2: Prepare Your U Visa Petition
Once you have the certification, we file Form I-918, Petition for U Non-immigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Supporting documents include proof of identity, evidence of the crime, medical or psychological records showing harm suffered, and personal statements describing your experience.
Step 3: Include Family Members (If Eligible)
Your spouse, children, parents, or siblings may also qualify for derivative U visas. Keeping your family together is one of our top priorities at Immigration Spurgin.
Step 4: Wait for Processing Time
Due to high demand, there is an annual cap of 10,000 U visas per year for principal applicants. This means there is often a long waitlist, but USCIS may grant you deferred action or work authorization, allowing you to live and work legally in the U.S.
Step 5: Apply for a Green Card
After three years in U visa status, you may apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card), which sets you on the path to U.S. citizenship.
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Why Hire a U Visa Lawyer at Immigration Spurgin?
While it may be possible to handle the U Visa application process yourself, most victims face serious challenges in gathering evidence, getting a law enforcement certification, and presenting their case in the strongest possible way.
Here’s why hiring a U visa lawyer from Immigration Spurgin makes all the difference:
- Appropriate navigation of the law: We understand the complex overlap between immigration law and criminal law, ensuring your case is built on a solid legal foundation.
- Strong relationships with law enforcement: We know how to approach agencies for certification and what they look for in a request.
- Attention to detail: From your personal statement to supporting documents, we ensure that nothing is overlooked.
- Personalized strategy: Every case is unique, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we build a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
Take the First Step Toward Protection and Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime in the United States, you don’t have to suffer in silence or live in fear. A U visa may be the key to safety, stability, and a brighter future for you and your family. At Immigration Spurgin, our experienced U visa lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Immigration Spurgin today to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated U visa lawyer.
