Home Representation of Vulnerable Immigrants Victims of Crime (U Visas)

U Visa Lawyers

Protection and Justice for Victims of Crime

Were you the victim of a crime in the United States? Did you suffer substantial physical or mental abuse as a result? If so, you may be eligible for a U visa, a special nonimmigrant visa that provides protection and a pathway to lawful permanent residence for victims of certain crimes who have assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. At Cohen Immigration Law Group, our compassionate and experienced U visa lawyers are dedicated to helping you seek justice and build a safe future in the United States.

What is a U Visa?

The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa created by Congress to help law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute crimes while also protecting victims of crime who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to the crime. It provides:

Protection from deportation: You will be granted legal status in the U.S. and protected from removal proceedings.

Work authorization: You will be eligible to apply for a work permit and legally work in the United States.

Pathway to a green card: After three years as a U visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence).

Who is Eligible for a U Visa?

To be eligible for a U visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Victim of a Qualifying Crime: You must have been a victim of one of the qualifying crimes, which include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other serious offenses.

Suffering Substantial Abuse: You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.

Possessing Information:You must possess credible and reliable information about the criminal activity.

Being Helpful to Law Enforcement: You must have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

The crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws: The criminal activity must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law.

The U Visa Application Process

The U visa application process involves:

Obtaining Law Enforcement Certification:

You must obtain certification from a law enforcement agency confirming that you have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Filing Form I-918:

You must file Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with supporting documentation and fees.

USCIS Adjudication:

USCIS will review your petition and evidence and make a decision on your case.

Receiving a U Visa:

If your petition is approved, you will be granted U nonimmigrant status and receive a U visa.

How Cohen Immigration Law Group Can Help

Our experienced U visa lawyers can provide comprehensive assistance throughout the U visa process, including:

Assessing your eligibility: We carefully review your case to determine if you meet the requirements for a U visa.

Obtaining law enforcement certification: We assist you in obtaining the necessary certification from law enforcement.

Preparing your U visa petition: We help you complete Form I-918 and gather all necessary supporting documentation.

Guiding you through the process: We provide step-by-step guidance and keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Advocating for your rights: We advocate for your rights before USCIS and ensure your case is handled fairly and efficiently.

Contact Cohen Immigration Law Group Today

If you are a victim of a crime and seeking immigration relief, contact Cohen Immigration Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Our compassionate and experienced U visa lawyers are here to help you seek justice and build a safe future in the United States.