U visas for victims of criminal activity
Victim of Crime? Try for the U Visa — Work With a U Visa Attorney
If you’ve suffered a serious crime in the U.S. and cooperated with law enforcement, the U visa can provide work authorization, protection from removal, and a path to a green card. Created to help survivors and strengthen public safety, the U visa rewards courage—your testimony matters.
Who qualifies
- You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse from the crime.
- You possess information about the crime and helped, are helping, or will help law enforcement or prosecutors.
- A law-enforcement agency signs Form I-918, Supplement B (the “certification”) confirming your helpfulness.
Why apply with an attorney
An experienced U visa attorney can:
- Secure the certification by presenting a clean incident timeline, police reports, and evidence of cooperation.
- Build proof of substantial harm with medical/therapy records and expert letters.
- Protect your privacy and safety under survivor confidentiality rules.
- Strategize for derivative family (spouse, children; parents/siblings in limited scenarios) and future green card eligibility.
What to expect
Due to a statutory cap (10,000 principal visas per year), wait times are significant. However, properly filed cases can receive bona fide determination (BFD) deferred action and work authorization while you wait. After three years in U status, many applicants may apply for a green card if they continue to cooperate and meet admissibility/discretion standards.
Start now
- Gather police reports, case numbers, medical/therapy records, and any restraining orders.
- Keep a journal of symptoms and treatment.
- Do not miss court dates or detective contacts.
How we help
We obtain certifications, assemble trauma-informed evidence, pursue waivers, file for BFD work permits, and plan your residence strategy—so you can move from survivor to secure and stable.
Watch Brian D. Lerner, U visa attorney speak about the U Visa