New U Visa - Victims of Trafficking and Violence
People in the United States illegally who are victims of violent crimes and are actively helping law enforcement to solve the cases can now apply for a U visa. The visa is valid for up to 4 years and leads to permanent residence.
Citizenship and Immigration Services took seven years to implement the visa category because developing the specific regulations involved federal, state and local agencies.
Victims of rape, torture, child abuse and other crimes may stay in the country for four years and apply for permanent resident status along with their dependent family members. Witnesses to certain violent crimes can also obtain the visa and need not be the victims.
In order to qualify for U Visa, the applicant must be the victim of one or more of the following crimes or any similar activity in violation of Federal State, or local criminal law: 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.
Applicants for the U visa must submit a declaration, information on the crime or incident, a certification letter from the law enforcement agency handling their cases that confirms that they are assisting investigators, and proof of substantial mental or physical abuse.
Temporary employment authorization is likely to be issued to applicants while they await adjudication of the visa.
10,000 of the visas will be available each fiscal year.
If you would like to learn more about this visa or any other U.S. immigration law issue, please contact one of our immigration attorneys directly at (206) 262-0561 Seattle; (360) 734-5260 Bellingham; (604) 495-6392 Vancouver; or email me - duncan@usborderlaw.com
Citizenship and Immigration Services took seven years to implement the visa category because developing the specific regulations involved federal, state and local agencies.
Victims of rape, torture, child abuse and other crimes may stay in the country for four years and apply for permanent resident status along with their dependent family members. Witnesses to certain violent crimes can also obtain the visa and need not be the victims.
In order to qualify for U Visa, the applicant must be the victim of one or more of the following crimes or any similar activity in violation of Federal State, or local criminal law: 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.
Applicants for the U visa must submit a declaration, information on the crime or incident, a certification letter from the law enforcement agency handling their cases that confirms that they are assisting investigators, and proof of substantial mental or physical abuse.
Temporary employment authorization is likely to be issued to applicants while they await adjudication of the visa.
10,000 of the visas will be available each fiscal year.
If you would like to learn more about this visa or any other U.S. immigration law issue, please contact one of our immigration attorneys directly at (206) 262-0561 Seattle; (360) 734-5260 Bellingham; (604) 495-6392 Vancouver; or email me - duncan@usborderlaw.com
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