U Visa

The U visa is a nonimmigrant status for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. It provides protection, work authorization, and a path to permanent residence.

Who is the Visa for?

  • Victims of qualifying crimes (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, assault, fraud in labor contracting, stalking, kidnapping, manslaughter, etc.).

  • Certain qualifying family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings, depending on age of principal applicant).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.

  • Must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.

  • Must possess credible and reliable information about the criminal activity.

  • Must have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.

  • Must obtain law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B).

  • Must be admissible to the U.S. (or apply for a waiver if ineligible).

Benefit

  • Must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.

  • Must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.

  • Must possess credible and reliable information about the criminal activity.

  • Must have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.

  • Must obtain law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B).

  • Must be admissible to the U.S. (or apply for a waiver if ineligible).

Visa Duration:

  • Granted initially for up to 4 years.

  • Extensions possible in limited circumstances (e.g., ongoing investigation or exceptional circumstances).

Processing Time:

  • U visas are subject to a statutory cap of 10,000 per year, causing long waitlists.

  • USCIS often grants “deferred action” and work authorization while applicants wait for a visa to become available.

OpenSphere Services:

  • Case assessment & eligibility strategy

  • Form I-918 petition drafting & evidence preparation

  • Law enforcement certification support

  • End-to-end guidance through deferred action, work authorization, and green card application