Applying for an
‍U Visa in the US?

Find immigration lawyers who help victims of crime secure U Visa protection and build a path toward permanent residency.

Turn hardship into hope
with the right legal guidance

VISALAWS IS PARTNERED WITH LAWYERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

1,100+ Immigrants secured visas with VisaLaws

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Start Your U Visa Journey. Secured with VisaLaws.

You’ve faced challenges - now it’s time to protect your future. Begin your U Visa process today and let our attorneys fight for your safety, stability, and the security of legal status in the U.S.

Why choose U Visa

What is the U Visa and who is it for?

The U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. It provides temporary lawful status, work authorization, and can eventually lead to permanent residency. Designed to protect vulnerable individuals, the U Visa helps victims rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

Visa applicants this year

Thousands apply every year. These are just a few we've helped connect with trusted immigration lawyers.

Tunde O. - Boston, Ma

Priya M. - Chicago, IL

Wei Z. - San Francisco, CA

Camila R. - Austin, TX

Start Your Journey

Application Submitted

Lawyer assigned. Visa in progress.

Don’t miss protection

How VisaLaws helps you secure a U Visa

The U Visa process requires strong documentation and evidence. VisaLaws connects you with experienced immigration attorneys who specialize in humanitarian visas. Your lawyer will help prepare the necessary affidavits, compile law enforcement certifications, and strengthen your petition to avoid denials. With guidance tailored to your story, you’ll have compassionate yet strategic legal representation every step of the way.

Visa progress

Olena V.

Fintech & Cybernetics

Moved from Ukraine to pursue cybernetics - now in Silicon Valley

100%

Approved

Green card status

35% complete

Adjustment of status underway
Filed: May 2025
Expected: Feb 2026

Why VisaLaws

Built Only for Immigrants

We’re building the largest network of immigration lawyers, focused on helping immigrants achieve results faster. Every lawyer in our network is verified and dedicated to tailoring solutions for your case - so you can move forward with confidence.

Juan C.

Software Engineer

VISA TYPE

H-1B Visa

ELIGIBILTY STATUS

ELIGIBLE

TIMELINE

2-3 months

Path to Green Card

How the U Visa leads to permanent residency

One of the most powerful benefits of the U Visa is that it can be a direct path to a Green Card. After holding U Visa status for three years, you may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status and become a lawful permanent resident. With the right attorney guiding your steps, the U Visa can transform from temporary relief into a stable, long-term future in the U.S.

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Hey Joseph, is this the right step to get my citizenship? What is the fastest path to a Green Card?

•••

Green card status

75% complete

Adjustment of status underway
Filed: July 2025
Expected: March 2026

Green Card Success

Santiago R.

Ivana P.

Kwame M.

Discuss your path

What Happens Next

Find Your Lawyer

Once you’re ready, connect with trusted U Visa lawyers who will review your case and begin building your petition. Your attorney will explain your options, prepare the documentation, and stand by you from start to finish.

Find lawyers

Zoe Zhang-Louie

details

zoe@zllawoffice.com

Phone #

+18577535818

U.S. City

Boston, MA

Visa Focus

Business & Investment

Years Exp.

10yrs

Language

ES, PT, ZH, FR

Example Message

"Hi, I'm Zoe, an immigration lawyer in Boston. I've reviewed your case and can help you get started."

Your immigration success starts here. Join thousands who trust VisaLaws to secure their visa

Don't lose time. Start your journey today.

FAQ

Common U visa Q's

What is the U Visa?

The U Visa is a humanitarian immigration benefit created for victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to help law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. It provides temporary lawful status, work authorization, and the possibility of permanent residency in the U.S.

Who qualifies for a U Visa?

To qualify for a U Visa, you must be a victim of a qualifying crime in the United States, have suffered physical or mental harm, and be able to provide credible evidence of the crime. You must also be willing to assist law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution.

What crimes make me eligible for a U Visa?

Crimes that may qualify include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, stalking, incest, abusive sexual contact, manslaughter, and other related crimes. USCIS provides a full list of qualifying criminal activities.

Do I need a law enforcement certification for a U Visa?

Yes. Form I-918, Supplement B (U Nonimmigrant Status Certification), must be signed by a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other authority confirming your helpfulness in the case. Without this certification, your petition cannot be approved.

How long does it take to get a U Visa approved?

The U Visa process is slow due to high demand. On average, approval may take 4–6 years because of the annual cap of 10,000 principal U Visas. However, many applicants receive deferred action or work permits while waiting in line.

Can family members apply for U Visa benefits?

Yes. Certain family members may qualify for derivative U Visas. If you are over 21, you can include your spouse and children. If you are under 21, you may also include parents and unmarried siblings under 18.

Can a U Visa lead to a Green Card?

Yes. After three years of continuous presence in the U.S. on U Visa status, you may apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and still have law enforcement certification.

How long is U Visa status valid?

U Visa status is typically valid for four years. Extensions may be available in limited circumstances, and after three years, you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card.

What are the main requirements to apply for a U Visa?

Applicants must show they were a victim of a qualifying crime, experienced substantial physical or psychological harm, possess information about the crime, and have obtained a law enforcement certification showing their helpfulness.

Can I work legally with a U Visa?

Yes. Approved U Visa recipients are automatically granted work authorization in the United States. You will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows you to work legally while on U Visa status.

What happens if my U Visa application is denied?

If denied, you may lose eligibility for deferred action or work authorization. However, you may have options to appeal, file a motion to reopen/reconsider, or pursue other forms of relief such as asylum, VAWA, or cancellation of removal with the help of an attorney.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for a U Visa?

While it is not legally required, having an immigration lawyer significantly increases your chances of approval. U Visa applications involve complex evidence, affidavits, law enforcement certifications, and legal arguments that are best handled by experienced attorneys.

What is the difference between a U Visa and asylum?

The U Visa is for victims of crimes who cooperate with U.S. law enforcement, while asylum is for people fleeing persecution in their home country. Both can lead to permanent residency, but they have different requirements and eligibility standards.

Can I travel outside the U.S. on a U Visa?

Generally, U Visa holders should not travel outside the U.S. before becoming permanent residents. Leaving the country can create complications or abandonment of status. Travel is only possible in very limited cases with advance parole and legal guidance.

How many U Visas are issued each year?

USCIS grants a maximum of 10,000 principal U Visas per year. However, there is no limit on derivative visas for family members, which means family petitions do not count toward the 10,000 cap.

What is the wait time for a U Visa due to the annual cap?

Because of the 10,000-per-year cap, the backlog for U Visa cases can be long, often 5–10 years. Many applicants are placed on a waiting list and granted deferred action or work permits while waiting for a visa number.

Can I apply for a Green Card after having a U Visa?

Yes. After three years of continuous presence in U status, and as long as you have complied with law enforcement and maintained admissibility, you may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident.

Can undocumented immigrants apply for a U Visa?

Yes. Even undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. without inspection can apply for a U Visa if they meet the eligibility requirements. One of the benefits of the U Visa is that it can waive many grounds of inadmissibility.

Does helping law enforcement guarantee a U Visa?

No. Cooperation with law enforcement is required but does not guarantee approval. You must still meet all eligibility requirements, including being a victim of a qualifying crime, suffering harm, and having a valid law enforcement certification.

How do I strengthen my U Visa petition?

Strong U Visa petitions include detailed personal affidavits, medical or psychological records showing harm, police reports, witness statements, and a complete law enforcement certification. An experienced immigration attorney can help organize evidence and present the strongest possible case to USCIS.

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Don’t wait to protect your rights. Work with trusted attorneys who understand U Visa cases and can guide you toward legal safety and stability in the U.S.

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Applying for an
‍U Visa in the US?

Secure Your U Visa Today

VISALAWS IS PARTNERED WITH LAWYERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES