If you have been the victim of a crime that occurred within the borders of the United States, or if your rights were violated under U.S. law, then you may be eligible for the U nonimmigrant visa. This is a status especially geared towards the victims of serious crimes who have suffered physical or mental harm, and who are able to assist U.S. law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting those crimes. 

The U visa not only grants you temporary legal status in the U.S., enabling you to live with a greater sense of safety, but it also actively supports law enforcement efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. It also provides a possible pathway to legal permanent residence—after three years living in the U.S. with a U visa, you may be eligible to apply for a green card. 

The first step in applying for a U visa is to contact the law enforcement agency who are investigating the crime you experienced. You will need an authorized official from that agency to complete the visa application form, which is named Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Having a knowledgeable immigration attorney guide you through what information to share with the authorities can be very helpful. You will need to complete the U visa application form and gather all required documentation before submitting your petition. This might seem like a daunting process at first, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of such a crime and need a pathway to legal status in the United States, our team at Eastbridge wants to help. We understand what a difficult situation this is to be in, and have years of experience assisting individuals and families through the process of applying for a U visa. We encourage you to reach out to our knowledgeable team to learn more about how we can assist you in seeking the justice and protection you deserve.

Our attorneys offer free initial evaluations over the phone, as well as longer, situation-specific paid appointments for more detailed guidance.