Key Takeaways:
- The U visa helps victims of certain crimes stay in the U.S. and apply for a green card later.
- To qualify, you must have helped law enforcement or be willing to help.
- Crimes like domestic violence, assault, sexual abuse, and robbery can qualify—even if the person who harmed you wasn’t convicted.
- U visas offer work permits, protection from deportation, and a path to permanent residency.
What Is a U Visa?
The U visa is for people who:
- Were victims of certain serious crimes
- Suffered physical or emotional harm
- Helped law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime
It was created to protect undocumented immigrants who are often afraid to report crimes. If approved, a U visa lets you:
- Stay in the U.S. for 4 years
- Apply for a work permit
- Later apply for a green card
It also protects your spouse, children, and some other family members.
What Crimes Qualify for a U Visa?
You may qualify for a U visa if you were a victim of:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or rape
- Kidnapping
- Human trafficking
- Robbery with a weapon
- Felony assault
- Blackmail or extortion
- Stalking
- Involuntary servitude or slavery
Even if you weren’t physically attacked, emotional harm from threats or intimidation may also count.
Who Can Apply for a U Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be the victim of a qualifying crime
- Have suffered serious harm
- Have reported or be willing to report the crime
- Get a signed certification form (Form I-918B) from law enforcement, confirming your cooperation
- Be helpful or show a willingness to help
You don’t need to be fluent in English or have status—but you must be honest, provide documents, and follow through with your case.
Do I Have to Report the Crime or Testify in Court?
Yes. You must have reported the crime and shown that you were helpful—or are willing to be helpful.
You do not have to testify in court to qualify. Even if the suspect wasn’t arrested or convicted, your cooperation with police or prosecutors may still be enough.
Many police departments in Georgia—including Atlanta, Marietta, and Dalton—have procedures to help with U visa certifications. Our team knows how to navigate these offices.
How Do I Apply for a U Visa?
The process includes:
- Filing Form I-918 with USCIS
- Submitting a law enforcement certification form (Form I-918B)
- Proving the crime and the harm you suffered
- Waiting for USCIS to review and approve your application
The process takes time—sometimes several years—but once your case is approved, you get:
- A work permit
- Protection from deportation
- A chance to apply for a green card after 3 years
What If I Don’t Have Legal Status Now?
You can still apply.
U visas are available to people:
- Who entered without permission
- Who overstayed a visa
- Who are in removal proceedings
- Who have a deportation order
The U visa waives many immigration violations that would normally block you from fixing your papers.
If you qualify, this may be your best path to legal status—even if you’ve been told “you have no options.”
How Hines Law Can Help You Apply
At Hines Law, we work with immigrant victims across Georgia to:
- Collect proof of the crime
- Communicate with police for U visa certification
- File your application with USCIS
- Help you avoid mistakes that could delay or deny your case
You’ve been through enough. We’ll guide you through the process with care and confidentiality.
Call us today at 678-904-8420 or contact us online to schedule a private, bilingual consultation.
You helped them solve the crime—now let us help you fix your papers.