U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa)
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Key Forms & Process
The process requires filing Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) along with Form I-918, Supplement B (Law Enforcement Certification) – the most critical document. You must also submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) for your work permit. Supporting evidence includes: (1) proof you are a victim of a qualifying crime (police reports, medical records, psychological evaluations, witness affidavits), (2) proof you suffered substantial harm, and (3) a personal statement describing the crime and your cooperation with law enforcement. Derivatives (spouse, children under 21, and in some cases parents of minor victims) can be included on Form I-918, Supplement A . Due to the 10,000 annual cap, wait times for approval can be 3–5+ years , but applicants on the waitlist receive deferred action (no deportation) and work authorization while waiting.
Qualifying Crimes for U Visa
The crime must have violated U.S. law and occurred in the U.S. or its territories. Qualifying crimes include: rape, torture, trafficking, incest, domestic violence, sexual assault, abusive sexual contact, prostitution, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, 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, fraud in foreign labor contracting, or any similar activity where the victim suffered substantial harm .
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates manage the entire U visa process: identifying whether your crime qualifies, gathering compelling evidence of substantial harm (medical records, therapy notes, affidavits), drafting your detailed personal statement, helping you obtain the Supplement B certification from law enforcement, filing I-918, I-765, and I-918 Supplement A for derivatives, and handling waitlist issues (deferred action, renewing work permits every 2 years). After 3 years in U visa status, we file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) for your green card. We also handle the complex prosecutorial discretion requests if you have prior immigration violations.
Call us at 865-382-2900 for a confidential consultation – your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
It's a non-immigrant visa for victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have assisted (or are willing to assist) law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Rape, torture, trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, female genital mutilation, kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, blackmail, extortion, manslaughter, murder, felonious assault, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, peonage, involuntary servitude, slave trade, and similar crimes where the victim suffered substantial harm.
It's a form signed by a federal, state, or local law enforcement official (police, prosecutor, judge, or agency head) certifying that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and have been helpful (or are likely to be helpful) in the investigation or prosecution. Without this certification, your U visa will be denied.
Yes. Only 10,000 U visas can be approved each fiscal year. Due to high demand, there is a significant backlog. Applicants who are placed on the waitlist receive deferred action (no deportation) and work authorization while they wait.
Initial filing to waitlist: 6–12 months
Waitlist to approval: 3–5+ years (depending on cap)
Total: Often 4–6 years from filing to final approval
However, you receive work authorization and protection from deportation while on the waitlist.
Yes. Derivatives include:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21
Parents (if you are under 21)
Siblings under 18 (in limited circumstances)
Use Form I-918, Supplement A to add derivatives.
Yes. You must file Form I-765 with your I-918. If approved (or waitlisted), you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Waitlisted applicants receive work permits valid for 2 years (renewable).
Yes. After you have held U visa status for 3 continuous years , you can apply for a green card using Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). You must also show that you continued to assist law enforcement and that your presence in the U.S. is justified on humanitarian grounds, family unity, or public interest.
Certain crimes (especially violent or drug-related) may bar you from U visa eligibility. However, USCIS can grant a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192) for many grounds. We evaluate your history and file waivers when possible.
Yes. We provide full notarization services for your personal statement, witness affidavits, psychological evaluations (with proper authorization), and all supporting documents. We also certify translations of foreign-language evidence.
