Crime Victims Visa Overview

U Class Visa

The U Class Visa was created through The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The visa is designed to provide immigration status to noncitizens who are assisting or willing to assist U.S. authorities in investigationg crimes.

Below you'll find detailed information about the application process for a U visa. 

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for a U Visa?
  • What are the Qualifying Crimes for a U Visa?
  • U visa application Process
    • Visa Application and Forms
    • Visa Application Fees
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a U Visa?
  • May I Obtain Permanent Residency Status with a U Visa?
  • Speak with an Immigration Lawyer for More about the U Visa!

Who Qualifies for a U Visa?

 The U-1 visa is designed for individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • the person has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of criminal activity;
  • the person has information regarding the criminal activity;
  • the person is willing to assist government officials in the investigation or prosecution of such criminal activity; and
  • the criminal activity violated US law or occurred in the United States.

Keep in mind that the abuser need not be a U.S. citizen  or lawful permanent resident. You also do not have to be married to the offender to qualify for the U visa. In addition, you do not have to be present in the United States to qualify for the U visa.

What are the Qualifying Crimes for a U Visa?

 Qualifying crimes for the U visa include:

  • rape;
  • torture;
  • trafficking;
  • incest; 
  • domestic violence;
  • sexual assault;
  • abusive sexual contact;
  • prostitution;
  • sexual exploitation;
  • female genital mutilation;
  • being held hostage;
  • peonage;
  • involuntary servitude;
  • slave trade;
  • kidnapping;
  • abduction;
  • unlawful criminal restraint;
  • false imprisonment;
  • blackmail;
  • extortion;
  • manslaughter;
  • murder;
  • felonious assault;
  • witness tampering;
  • obstruction of justice;
  • perjury; or
  • attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above mentioned crimes.

U Visa Application Process

Visa Application and Forms

The forms listed below are required in order to apply for the U visa:

  • Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigration Status);
  • Form I-918 Supplement B (Nonimmigrant Status Certification);
  • Any additional information you want the USCIS to consider as evidence to establish that you are a victim of one of the qualifying crimes;
  • A statement of the facts describing the victimization in support of Form I-918;
  • Fingerprints;
  • Form I-918 Supplement A (Petition for qualifying family members of U-1 recipient for each qualifying family member). Your family members are eligible to apply for a derivative U visa in the following categories: U-2 (Spouses of U-1 visa holder); U-3 Visa (Children of U-1 visa holder); U-4 Visa (Parents of U-1 visa holder).
  • If you are the principal applicant, you do not need to submit Form I-765 to receive an employment authorization document (you get it automatically). However, your family members will need to submit the form.

Visa Application Fees

You do not have to pay an application fee for Form I-918.   There is an $80 fee for fingerprinting for those who are 14 and over. The fee may be waived if you do not have the money to pay.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a U Visa?

Yes. Your family members may apply for a derivative U visa in the categories of U-2, U-3, and U-4. Your family members may receive their visas at the same time your visa is issued.

May I Obtain Permanent Residency Status with a U Visa?

If you meet the following criteria, you may be able to obtain permanent residency status with a U visa:

  • you have been physically present in the United States for 3 years since you were issued the U-visa; and
  • you can show that your continued presence in the United States is supported by humanitarian grounds, to ensure family unity, or is otherwise in the public interest.

Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about the U Visa

If you are seeking to prepare a U visa application, an immigration rep can help you gather the required documentation, understand the fees involved and successfully complete your applications and file at the proper deadlines.

To speak with an immigration representative, simply fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.