UVISA

Through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA) of 2000, Congress created the U Visa (U nonimmigrant classification) to provide legal status to victims of specified crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal act. The U Visa provides eligible crime victims with nonimmigrant status the ability to temporarily remain in the United States while assisting law enforcement.

Who is eligible for a U Visa?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may find an applicant eligible for a U Visa if the applicant:

• Is the direct or indirect victim of qualifying criminal activity.
• Has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity.
• Has been helpful, is helpful, or is likely to be helpful to a Federal, State, or local prosecutor, to a Federal or State judge, to USCIS, or to other Federal, State, or local authorities investigating or prosecuting criminal activity; and
• The criminal activity violated the laws of the United States or occurred in the U.S. or the territories and possessions of the United States.
• Additional information can be found through the USCIS HERE.

If you are an individual with nonimmigrant status and a victim of a qualifying criminal activity that is investigated by law enforcement, you or your representative can contact the law enforcement agency where the incident was reported.