U visas
U visas for victims of crime
Visas U para víctimas de delitos
If you were the victim of a serious crime in the United States and helped the police or prosecutors, you may qualify for a U visa, whatever your status today.
This page is for you if
- You were hurt by domestic violence, assault, sexual assault, trafficking or a similar crime
- You reported it to the police, or helped with an investigation or a court case
- Your child was the victim and you helped the case as their parent
- You were told you need a signed certification and do not know how to get one
In plain words
The U visa protects victims of certain serious crimes who suffered harm and were helpful to the police, a prosecutor, a judge, or another agency. It can include family members.
The case needs a certification form signed by the agency you helped, called Supplement B. Getting that signature is often the hardest part. We request it for you and follow up with the agency until we have an answer.
Only a limited number of U visas are given each year, so there is a long wait. While you wait, USCIS can give a work permit and protection from removal once it finds the case is real and complete. After three years in U status, many people can apply for a green card.
How it works with us
- 1 A safe, private intake We ask how and when it is safe to contact you. Nothing is mailed or left on voicemail without your permission.
- 2 The certification We find the right agency, request Supplement B, and keep asking until it is signed or refused.
- 3 Your statement and evidence Your account of the crime and the harm you suffered, plus police reports, medical records and court records.
- 4 File the petition We file with USCIS, including any waiver you need and petitions for qualifying family members.
- 5 The wait, with protection We track the case and file for a work permit as soon as the rules allow.
Start gathering
What to bring to your evaluation
- The police report number, or the name of the officer or prosecutor you spoke with
- Any court papers from the criminal case
- Medical or counseling records, if you are comfortable sharing them
- Your passport or national ID, and your children's birth certificates
Copies or phone photos are fine. Never mail us your only original.
The honest part
What we will not pretend
- Some agencies take months to sign a certification, and some refuse. We tell you what we are hearing back.
- The wait for a U visa is long, often several years.
- Past immigration violations or arrests may need a waiver. Waivers are not guaranteed.
Questions people ask us
All questionsDo I need to have a green card or a visa to apply?
No. The U visa is open to victims whatever their immigration status is today.
What if the person who hurt me was never convicted?
A conviction is not required. What matters is that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and were helpful to the investigation or prosecution.
Can my children be included?
Often, yes. Depending on your age, your spouse, children, parents and minor siblings may be able to apply with you.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Immigration law changes often. Talk to a lawyer about your own facts before you act.
Often part of the same case
Free case evaluation
Talk to a lawyer about your case.
The first 30-minute case evaluation is free, by phone, video or in person, in English or Spanish.
Urgent
Someone detained, or a court date soon?
(704) 555-0119Answered 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish.
What to do right now