Short Hills U Visa Consultants
Compassionate Immigration Services
Victims of serious crimes may be eligible for the U visa, a powerful immigration
benefit that allows recipients to live and work in the United States if
they are willing to cooperate with law enforcement. U visa beneficiaries
have the ability to apply for
green cards after several years, meaning this visa can serve as a viable pathway to
permanent U.S. citizenship. In certain circumstances, eligibility for a U visa can also put a stop
to removal proceedings.
If you have been the victim of a serious crime, our Short Hills U visa
law consultants at Worldwide Legal Services are prepared to fight for you.
Our team has managed over 10,000 cases and has accumulated more than 50 years of
combined professional experience. We can work to secure a U visa that
allows you and your loved ones to remain and build a future in the United States.
How To Qualify for the U Visa
The U visa can potentially be issued to any noncitizen that suffers “substantial
physical or mental abuse” in connection with a serious crime. Up
to 10,000 U visas can be issued each year.
Victims of the following types of crimes may qualify for the U visa:
- Abduction
- Blackmail
- Being Held Hostage
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- False Imprisonment
- Incest
- Involuntary Servitude
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of Justice
- Perjury
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Torture
- Witness Tampering
The crime itself does not need to necessarily occur: Victims involved in
the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation of any of these crimes or other
serious crimes can also qualify. The crime must violate some law of the
United States and take place within its borders.
To be eligible for the U visa, victims must have useful information about
the crime and be willing to cooperate with law enforcement in an ensuing
investigation. This information must be determined to be “helpful”
to local, state, or federal investigators or prosecutors.
To that end, a U visa will only be issued if a:
- Law enforcement official
- Judge
- Prosecutor
- Or some other relevant government authority provides a certification that
the victim cooperated and that their information was useful
Obtaining a U Visa will often involve knowing who to proactively communicate
with. If you have knowledge about a serious crime, our Short Hills U visa
consultants can work to connect you to the relevant authorities and negotiate
the issuing of the necessary certifications.
What Are the Benefits of the U Visa?
Simply put, there are a few key benefits of the U Visa which include the
following:
- Granted lawful status for up to four years
- Authorized to work
- Secondhand benefits for qualifying family members
- Ability to change status to a lawful permanent resident after 3 years
Now, let's expand upon what was mentioned above means in greater detail.
How Long Does the U Visa Last?
With a U visa, you can live and work practically anywhere in the United
States. U visas will typically last for up to 4 years but can be extended
in extremely limited circumstances. During this time, you will need to
remain in touch with the relevant authorities and continue to cooperate
with any investigations or prosecutions as necessary.
Are You Authorized to Work with a U Visa?
Upon formally applying for the U visa, you will immediately be able to
request a work permit while your case is adjudicated. If your U visa is
approved, you will automatically receive a work permit. Spouses and unmarried
children under the age of 21 can be included in a U visa application and
may also be eligible to receive work authorizations if approved.
What Else Should You Know About the U Visa?
U visa eligibility can also potentially be leveraged as a removal defense.
If you are in danger of being removed but may be eligible for the U visa,
applying can halt the removal while your petition is adjudicated. If your
application is approved, the U visa will facilitate your remaining in
the United States while you cooperate with the investigation or prosecution.
Do not wait to call
(908) 948-8909 or
contact us online if you are the victim of a crime and are unsure how to proceed. We offer
our services in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
