U Visas

U visas are a type of immigration relief for victims of certain grave crimes like human trafficking, exploitation, and assault. U visa holders can live and work in the United States for up to four years and apply for U.S. permanent residence after three years.

To find out whether you are eligible for a U visa, call the American Dream Law Office, immigration attorneys in Tampa, FL, at 1-866-366-1039.

What Are U Visas?

U visas give qualifying victims of criminal activity legal nonimmigrant status, including a U.S. work permit. After three years, a U visa holder may adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident.

You may be eligible for a U visa if you:

• Are a victim of sex or labor trafficking, torture, abduction, and other grave crimes that occurred within U.S. borders
• Suffered grave physical or mental harm as a result of the aforementioned crimes
• Agree to cooperate with the investigation or prosecution and provide any information you have that may help law enforcement agencies thwart criminal activity

The Application Process for U Visas

To apply for a U visa, you must file a Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-918). Your application should provide evidence showing you are eligible for a U visa. This typically includes:

• Documentation of the criminal activity from which you have suffered
• Affidavits and medical records from qualifying professionals that prove you suffered substantial mental or physical harm
• Form I-918 Supplement B, a.k.a. law enforcement certification, which attests that you are either actively helping or willing to help law enforcement by providing any information you possess about criminal offenders

In cases of child crime victims (16 and under), parents, guardians, or qualifying representatives may cooperate with law enforcement officers on the victim’s behalf.

Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer To Apply for a U Visa?

The outcome of your U visa application may determine your future in the United States. To minimize the chance of mistakes, delays, and rejections, it pays off to work with an experienced immigration attorney who may:

• Ensure your application answers all the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements
• Help you source and present supporting evidence, like a statement from a qualifying mental health professional
• Work to expedite your application and help you prepare for your visa interview
• Guide you on applying for a U visa for a qualifying family member, like your spouse or unmarried child under 21
• Appeal a U visa denial if USCIS rejects your application

American Dream Law Office: Legal Support for Immigrants in Tampa, FL

Are you a foreign national who is a victim of a crime like assault, labor fraud, unlawful imprisonment, or another type of serious criminal activity? You and qualifying family members may be eligible for U visas.

Immigration attorney Ahmad Yakzan and the rest of the American Dream Law Office legal team will support you throughout your U visa application process and do everything possible to help you gain lawful immigration status. To schedule a strategy session with our law firm in Tampa, FL, call 1-866-366-1039 or contact us using the form below.