U VISA Basic Guide – Who Benefits?

The U Visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa intended to protect people who have suffered trauma in the U.S. such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, among other qualifying crimes. It is very important to keep in mind that in addition to having been victims, applicants must also be willing to collaborate with the authorities to solve the case.

What are all the benefits of the U Visa?

With the U Visa, beneficiaries will be able to live and work legally in the United States for a period of time of approximately four years. However, perhaps the most important benefit is that it can also be the gateway to obtaining permanent residency in the future.

With the U Visa you will have the following benefits:

• Your Work Permit: With it, you will have the right to work legally in the United States while maintaining your status.

• Temporary Protection: You will have temporary protection in the U.S. Which means you won’t be able to be deported as long as you have your U Visa status.

• Eligibility for Permanent Residency: After maintaining the U Visa for a certain amount of time and meeting some specific requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the U.S.

• Referral for Relatives: Your immediate relatives, such as spouses and children, may be referred and obtain legal status in the U.S. through your approval to the U Visa.

• Access to Social Services: You will be able to access certain social programs and services in the U.S.

• Permitted Travel: You will be able to travel temporarily outside of the United States with the U Visa, although with certain restrictions and requirements.

What are the requirements to apply for the U Visa?

Generally speaking, you must be a Victim of a Qualifying Crime within the U.S. and still be in the country.

Crimes considered to be of high gravity, such as domestic violence, rape, kidnapping, fraud , among others, that occurred in U.S. territory, and that have left you with physical or mental damage as a result of these actions.

To do this, you must have police and medical reports, in addition to cooperating with law enforcement authorities, prosecutors, or other government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

It is also very necessary to demonstrate your Good Moral Behavior in general, i.e., to prove that you do not pose a threat to public safety.

Finally, with all these requirements, the final step is to obtain a signed certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency certifying the applicant’s cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, such as a Sheriff.

Do you think your case applies? Take these helpful tips and stay informed.

The success of this process lies in the total willingness you must have to cooperate with the authorities during the investigation of the crime in which you were a victim.

Therefore, be sure to collect and submit all the necessary documentation that supports your eligibility as a victim. Don’t forget to keep detailed records of all crime-related events, including police reports, medical bills, and any other relevant evidence.

Finally, seek legal support. In this type of process, no mistakes can be made, so it is very important that you turn to an experienced lawyer to accompany you in your process.

Remember that, if you have more questions or want to start your U Visa process with us, we are ready to put our team at your disposal. We will take care of helping you gather the evidence, make preparations so that you can face the interviews and justify your case at all times.