What is the U visa category?

The U visa is a United States nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the U.S. and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the …

Is U visa a green card?

U.S. immigration law allows aliens who have been victims of certain crimes and granted U nonimmigrant status (U visa) to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card). To qualify for a Green Card as a crime victim, you must have U nonimmigrant status and meet certain eligibility requirements.

What is the difference between T and U visa?

A primary difference between U visas and T visas is that individuals who apply for a U visa are required to cooperate with law enforcement to a greater extent. In some cases T visa applicants would also have to cooperate with law enforcement but, it is less common when compared to U visa cases.

How does the U visa work?

A U-Visa lets victims of crimes who meet certain requirements stay in the United States. A U-Visa provides the following benefits: You can legally live in the United States for four years. After three years of having a U-Visa you can apply for a green card to stay in the U.S. permanently.

Can I work on U visa?

After three years of continuous physical presence in the United States, eligible U visa-holders can apply for permanent residency with a green card. During that time, the applicant can live and work in the United States with a valid work permit under deferred action status.

Can U visa be denied?

USCIS may deny a U visa petition for a variety of reasons including if the victim’s criminal history warrants such a decision. Denials may occur in cases where a victim has multiple arrests, convictions, or has a serious or violent criminal arrest record.

Does U visa status expire?

If the Form I-539 is approved, the U nonimmigrant will receive a Form I-797 indicating the extension of U nonimmigrant status. An extension based on a Form I-539 will be valid for one year from the date of the end of U nonimmigrant status.

How long is the wait for U visa?

12 to 18 months
After you send in your application, you must wait for USCIS to process it. Unfortunately, the U visa takes quite some time to process. It can take from 12 to 18 months for the U visa to be processed and approved.

How much does a visa U cost?

How much does it cost to obtain a U visa? There is no fee to apply for a U visa. There is a filing fee of $230 in order to apply for a derivative visa for a family member (Form I-929).

How long does it take for U visa to be approved?

It can take from 12 to 18 months for the U visa to be processed and approved. The processing times may vary widely though, since for example, if you are required to send in additional evidence to USCIS, processing times may become longer.

How long is the U visa backlog?

Backlog of U visa applications Some applicants are waiting five to seven years for the government to process their applications. That’s a long time for individuals who need to work.

What happens after your U visa is approved?

After the U visa is approved at the USCIS Vermont Service Center, the file will be sent to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) for processing. The United States consulate in your client’s country of origin is responsible for issuing the U visa travel document.

How to apply for US visa?

Check if you need a visa.

What is a victim of crime visa?

The U-Visa is a nonimmigrant status for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have been helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Do I need a visa?

The vast majority of the world’s population requires a visa before entering the United States. If you’re a citizen of one of the following 156 countries, then you’ll need a visa to enter the United States: If your country is on the list above, then you need a visa.

What is U visa status?

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.