Victim of a qualifying crime
Domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, and other listed offenses occurring in the U.S.
U Visa
Humanitarian relief for crime victims.
USCIS issues 10,000 U visas each year to immigrants who are victims of qualifying crimes and cooperate with law enforcement. A U visa protects you from removal and can lead to permanent residency.
Who qualifies
Substantial harm
Physical or mental abuse resulting from the crime.
Information about the crime
You possess information about the criminal activity.
Cooperation with law enforcement
You've cooperated, are cooperating, or will likely cooperate with police, prosecutors, or courts.
What approval unlocks
Automatic removal relief
Any outstanding removal, deportation, or exclusion order is canceled.
Work authorization
Automatic EAD for the principal applicant.
Family derivatives
Spouses and children can receive derivative status (above the annual cap).
Path to green card
After 3 continuous years of U status and a humanitarian or family-unity purpose, apply to adjust status.
Four-year term
U visa lasts 4 years, extendable if needed for the investigation.
Processing reality
Processing currently takes 4–5 years.
The 10,000 annual cap produces a long backlog. We file a deferred-action and work-authorization request in parallel so you're protected and able to work while the case is pending.
Direct representation
You work directly with an attorney.
Our clients work directly with an attorney from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case. We emphasize clear communication and a personal approach — responsive, proactive, and straight with you about what's possible.