Do I have to have a certification before I can apply?

Yes. A signed law-enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) is a mandatory part of the petition. We help request it from the police department, prosecutor, or other qualifying agency that handled your case.

How long does a U visa take?

Because Congress caps the number of U visas issued each year, there is often a multi-year wait. Approved applicants may receive deferred action and a work permit while they wait. Timelines change, so we give you a current estimate during your consultation.

Can my family get status too?

Yes. Depending on your age, certain family members — such as a spouse, children, and in some cases parents and siblings — may qualify as derivatives on Form I-918, Supplement A. We include eligible relatives in the strategy.

Does the U visa lead to a green card?

Yes. After three years of continuous physical presence in U status and continued cooperation with law enforcement, you may apply to adjust to lawful permanent residence, subject to the usual requirements.

U Visa — Crime Victims — Headman Law Group

What Is the U Visa?

The U visa was created to encourage immigrant victims of crime to report offenses and cooperate with police and prosecutors, without fear that doing so would expose them to removal. In exchange for that cooperation, the law offers protection, work authorization, and an eventual path to permanent residence.

A U visa applicant must have been the victim of a qualifying crime, suffered substantial harm, possess information about the crime, and be helpful to a law-enforcement or other qualifying agency. A signed certification from that agency (Form I-918, Supplement B) is a required part of the petition.

What the U Visa Provides

Up to four years of lawful nonimmigrant status.
Employment authorization for the principal applicant.
Status for qualifying family members as derivatives.
A path to a green card after three years of continuous presence.
Protection from removal while the case is pending in many situations.
A safe channel to assist law enforcement without fear.

U Visa Eligibility

The petition is built around four core requirements, plus admissibility.

Qualifying Crime
You were the victim of a qualifying criminal activity such as domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, extortion, trafficking, or other listed offenses.
Substantial Harm
You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
Helpfulness
You possess information about the crime and have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in detecting, investigating, or prosecuting it.
Agency Certification
A qualifying agency signs Form I-918, Supplement B, certifying your helpfulness — a required element of the petition.
Admissibility
You are admissible to the United States, or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility available to U visa applicants.

The U Visa Process

Because of annual limits, U visa cases can take time. Acting early preserves your place and evidence.

Step 01

Eligibility & Certification

We confirm the crime qualifies, assess the harm, and work with the investigating agency to obtain the required law-enforcement certification.

Step 02

Form I-918 & Declaration

We prepare the petition, a personal statement describing the crime and its impact, the certification, and any waiver of inadmissibility that is needed.

Step 03

Waitlist & Work Authorization

Because of the annual cap, approved petitioners may be placed on a waitlist with deferred action and employment authorization while a visa becomes available.

Step 04

U Status & Green Card

Once granted, you hold U nonimmigrant status. After three years of continuous presence and continued cooperation, you may apply for a green card.

Evidence for a U Visa

The petition relies on proof of the crime, the harm, and your cooperation.

Core Documents

Form I-918 with the signed Supplement B certification
Personal declaration describing the crime
Identity and entry documents
Form I-918 Supplement A for qualifying family members

Crime & Harm

Police and court records
Protective orders
Medical or counseling records
Photographs and witness statements

Frequently Asked Questions

The statute lists qualifying activities including domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, extortion, kidnapping, trafficking, witness tampering, and others — along with attempts and related offenses. We confirm whether the crime in your case qualifies during the assessment.