Have you been the victim of a crime in the U.S. and helped the police? If so, you might qualify for a U Visa (also known as a U nonimmigrant visa). At Rivas & Associates, we know how hard it is to speak up, especially when you’re scared about your immigration status.
That’s why we’re here to help. In this blog, our team of experienced U Visa immigration lawyers explains the eligibility for U Visa, what you need, and how to start your application for U nonimmigrant status.
What Is a U Visa?
A U nonimmigrant visa is a protection created under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to help victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement with an investigation or prosecution. It protects immigrants who’ve been hurt and bravely report the crime.
If approved, a U nonimmigrant status lets you:
- Stay in the U.S. legally for up to 4 years
- Apply for employment authorization
- Possibly adjust status to a lawful permanent resident later
- Include certain qualifying family members (like children or a spouse)
Who Is Eligible for a U Visa?
Not everyone qualifies. However, many people don’t realize they qualify until they speak with an immigration attorney. Here’s what you need to meet the eligibility requirements for a U nonimmigrant status:
1. You Were the Victim of a Qualifying Criminal Activity
The crime must have happened in the United States or violated federal law. Some of the most common qualifying criminal activities include:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or rape
- Human trafficking
- Unlawful criminal restraint
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Assault
- Stalking
- Extortion
- False imprisonment
- Abusive sexual contact
- Involuntary servitude
Important: You don’t need a police report to speak with an immigration lawyer. Even if you’re not sure what happened counts, talk to us. We can help you figure it out.
2. You Suffered Substantial Physical or Substantial Mental Harm
You must have suffered physical, emotional, or both types of harm. This includes mental abuse, trauma, or physical abuse. A hospital visit is not required—your emotional suffering still counts.
3. You Helped Law Enforcement
To qualify, you must assist law enforcement or prosecutors. This can mean:
- Reporting the crime
- Giving a statement
- Cooperating in an investigation
- Testifying in court
Your cooperation still counts even if the person who hurt you wasn’t arrested or convicted. This cooperation is confirmed through a nonimmigrant status certification (Form I-918B), signed by the agency involved.
4. You’re Admissible to the U.S. (Or Request a Waiver)
Some people may have past immigration violations, like crossing the border without permission or overstaying a visa. An option to apply for a waiver still exists. This is one reason why it is important to work with a skilled U Visa immigration lawyer. They know how to help you through this process.
How to Apply for a U Visa
Applying for a U nonimmigrant status can be complicated, but with the right help, it can be done. Here’s a quick overview:
Step 1: Get the Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918B)
This is the nonimmigrant status certification that confirms you were a crime victim and cooperated. Without it, your application for U nonimmigrant status cannot proceed.
Step 2: Submit the Petition for U Visa (Form I-918)
You’ll fill out Form I-918 with all your personal information and proof of qualifying.
This nonimmigrant status petition includes:
- A personal statement about your experience
- Police records (if available)
- Medical or therapy reports (if any)
- Letters from people who know what happened
- Proof you are physically present in the U.S.
Step 3: Request a Waiver If Needed (Form I-192)
If you have immigration violations or other issues, you must request a waiver to still apply.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Each year, only 10,000 U Visas are approved. If your case qualifies, you may receive a bona fide determination, which allows for early access to employment authorization and protection from deportation, even before full approval.
Note: Depending on new evidence, a second bona fide determination might be issued to update your case or adjust work eligibility.
Can Family Members Apply Too?
Qualifying family members can also apply for U Visas:
- If you are over 21, your spouse and children
- If you are under 21, your parents, spouse, and children
Adding qualifying family members helps protect your loved ones and keep families together during a tough time.
What Happens After a U Visa Approval?
If your U visa status is approved, you’ll get:
- Legal protection to remain in the U.S.
- An employment authorization document (EAD)
- The ability to adjust status to a green card (after 3 years with a U nonimmigrant status)
There is no filing fee for the U Visa, which helps keep this path open for low-income survivors.
Why Work With a “U Visa Lawyer Near Me”?
Immigration laws are complicated, and U Visa applications require careful paperwork and substantial evidence. At Rivas & Associates, our team of Oklahoma immigration lawyers has helped many families like yours.
We understand your fears, and we speak your language. We pursue your American Dream and seek positive results for you and your family. You will never face the system alone.
Don’t Let Fear Keep You From the Help You Need.
If you think you may qualify for a U Visa, don’t wait. You’ve already been through so much. Let Rivas & Associates help you move forward with strength and confidence.
Whether you’re looking for a “U Visa lawyer near me” or simply want someone to listen to your story, we’re here for you. Contact us at (844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS or complete our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.
Empowering Immigrants, Building Futures!
Copyright © 2025. Rivas & Associates. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Rivas & Associates
2930 S Yale Ave STE A
Tulsa, OK 74114
(844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS
https://www.rivasassociates.com/
