Crime Victim Immigration Relief
U Visa Guidance for Victims of Qualifying Criminal Activity.
The Chidolue Law Firm helps eligible individuals explore U nonimmigrant status, potential employment authorization, derivative family options, and possible long-term immigration relief. Eligibility depends on the facts of each case.
Compassionate immigration guidance for clients throughout the United States.
U Nonimmigrant Status
Immigration Relief May Be Available for Certain Crime Victims.
U nonimmigrant status, commonly called a U Visa, is a humanitarian immigration benefit that may be available to certain victims of qualifying criminal activity who meet applicable legal requirements.
A U Visa case may involve domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, stalking, kidnapping, trafficking, blackmail, false imprisonment, sexual exploitation, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, or other qualifying criminal activity.
Every case is different. Eligibility depends on the facts, available evidence, immigration history, cooperation with law enforcement, and the legal requirements that apply.
You May Have Immigration Options.
A private consultation is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and learn whether U nonimmigrant status, a waiver, VAWA-related relief, family-based relief, or another immigration option may be available.
Who May Qualify?
U Visa Eligibility Depends on Your Individual Circumstances.
USCIS evaluates each petition individually. Our team can review your history and explain requirements that may apply to your situation.
Qualifying Criminal Activity
An applicant may need to establish that they were the victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law.
Substantial Abuse
The applicant may need to show substantial physical or mental abuse resulting from the qualifying criminal activity.
Helpful Information
An applicant generally must have information about the qualifying criminal activity, unless an exception applies due to age or incapacity.
Law Enforcement Helpfulness
Applicants generally must have been helpful, be helpful, or be likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying activity.
Certification Review
A completed Form I-918 Supplement B from a qualifying certifying agency is generally required as part of a U Visa petition.
Admissibility Review
Immigration history and admissibility issues must be reviewed carefully. In some circumstances, a waiver may be available.
Qualifying Crimes
Many Crimes May Qualify for U Visa Consideration.
The law includes a broad list of qualifying criminal activity. The facts of the case matter.
Violence and Assault
Domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, stalking, murder, manslaughter, torture, and related offenses may be relevant.
Liberty-Related Crimes
Kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, involuntary servitude, peonage, trafficking, and related conduct may qualify depending on the facts.
Other Qualifying Activity
Blackmail, extortion, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, perjury, sexual exploitation, and attempts or conspiracies may also be relevant.
A Conviction Is Not Always Required.
A police report, arrest, prosecution, or conviction may be helpful evidence, but it is not always required in every case. Law enforcement certification and helpfulness remain important parts of the process.
Potential Benefits
U Nonimmigrant Status May Create Important Immigration Options.
Temporary Immigration Status
Individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may be permitted to remain in the United States temporarily, subject to applicable rules and requirements.
Employment Authorization
Individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may be eligible for employment authorization, subject to applicable requirements and procedures.
Potential Family Options
Depending on the principal applicant’s age and circumstances, certain qualifying family members may be eligible to seek derivative U nonimmigrant status.
Possible Long-Term Immigration Options
Some individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may later be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence if they satisfy all applicable statutory and procedural requirements.
Waiver Review
For applicants with admissibility concerns, a waiver may be available in some circumstances. An attorney can review the facts and applicable options.
Related Immigration Relief
If U nonimmigrant status is not the appropriate option, we can help evaluate whether another humanitarian, family-based, or immigration relief option may apply.
How We Help
A Clear Process for a Complex Immigration Matter.
Private Consultation
We listen to your circumstances, answer questions, and discuss whether U nonimmigrant status or another immigration option may be appropriate.
Certification Strategy
We help evaluate the certification process and identify an appropriate law enforcement agency or certifying official when possible.
Evidence Review
We identify available records, reports, declarations, medical documentation, court materials, and other information that may be relevant.
Petition Preparation
We prepare and organize the immigration filing based on the available facts, supporting evidence, deadlines, and legal requirements.
Why Choose The Chidolue Law Firm?
Compassionate Immigration Representation When It Matters Most.
The Chidolue Law Firm focuses on immigration law and assists individuals and families with humanitarian immigration matters, VAWA-related relief, family petitions, removal defense, and other complex immigration cases.
Client Reviews
Trusted by Immigration Clients Across the U.S.
The Chidolue Law Firm is rated 5.0 on Google, with more than 500 client reviews from individuals and families who trusted the firm with their immigration matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
U Visa FAQ
What is a U Visa?
A U Visa, also called U nonimmigrant status, is a humanitarian immigration benefit that may be available to certain victims of qualifying criminal activity who meet applicable legal requirements.
Do I need a police report?
A police report can be helpful, but it is not the only type of evidence that may be relevant. Many petitions require a completed law enforcement certification.
Do I need a criminal conviction?
Not necessarily. A conviction is not always required, but the petition must still meet USCIS requirements, including helpfulness and certification requirements.
Can I work if I receive U status?
Individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may be eligible for employment authorization, subject to the requirements and procedures that apply to their case.
Can my family members receive benefits?
Depending on the principal applicant’s age and circumstances, certain qualifying family members may be eligible to seek derivative U nonimmigrant status.
Can U status lead to a Green Card?
Some individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may later be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence, but eligibility depends on meeting additional legal requirements.
Private Consultation
Learn About Your Potential Immigration Options.
Speak with an immigration attorney about your circumstances and receive guidance on immigration options that may be available.
Schedule Your Consultation
Choose a time to speak privately with our team about U nonimmigrant status or another immigration option.
This website provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results and client reviews do not guarantee a similar outcome. Immigration eligibility and outcomes depend on the facts and law applicable to each case.
