U-Visa (Victims of Crimes)

U-Visa is a visa that was established to encourage non-citizens to report crime and cooperate with law enforcement officials. U visa is potentially available to victims of torture, trafficking, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, prostitution, domestic violence, involuntary servitude, slave trade, kidnapping, unlawful criminal restraint, abduction, false imprisonment, felonious assault, manslaughter, murder, blackmail, extortion, obstruction of justice, perjury, witness tampering and other crimes.  In addition, to qualify for the U visa, the victims of the above mentioned, or related, crimes need to show that they have been or are being cooperative with law enforcement officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Once a U-Visa has been approved, the petitioner is granted certain benefits. The petitioner will be authorized for employment, and USCIS will send you an Employment Authorization Document as evidence. The most important benefit is that the U Visa beneficiaries may independently file for a green card through adjustment of status after being physically present in the United States for 3 years since the U visa was granted.

The application process is complicated and requires an experienced attorney to assure the best results. The Law Offices of Bernardo Merino has vast experience with the U visa process and look forward to using our expertise in support of your application. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our San Francisco or San Jose office.