Recommended
The U visa is an immigration benefit created to protect people who have been victims of certain crimes in the United States and who have collaborated, are collaborating, or are willing to collaborate with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. This status allows for legal stay in the country and, under certain circumstances, opens a path toward permanent residency.
If you want to know how this process works with USCIS, here we explain the requirements, the application process, and the updated costs for 2026.
What is the U visa?
The U visa, also known as U nonimmigrant status, is intended for victims of qualifying criminal activities who have suffered significant physical or mental harm and who help authorities investigate or prosecute those crimes.
Recommended
According to USCIS, this program seeks to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes while providing protection to immigrant victims.
Requirements to apply for the U visa
To be eligible, the applicant must meet the following requirements established by USCIS:
1. Be a victim of a qualifying crime
The person must have been a victim of a criminal activity that qualifies for the U visa.
Among the recognized crimes are:
- Violencia doméstica.
- Agresión sexual.
- Trata de personas.
- Secuestro.
- Privación ilegal de la libertad.
- Acecho (stalking).
- Extorsión.
- Manipulación de testigos.
- Obstrucción de la justicia.
- Agresión grave.
- Homicidio e intento de homicidio.
- Otros delitos similares contemplados por la ley.
2. Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
The victim must prove that they suffered significant physical or psychological damage as a consequence of the crime.
3. Possess information about the crime
The applicant must possess relevant information about the criminal activity they suffered.
4. Cooperate with authorities
It is necessary to have been helpful, to be helpful, or to be willing to help authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
5. Obtain official certification
One of the most important requirements is submitting Supplement B of Form I-918, signed by a law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office, judge, or other authorized official that confirms the victim's cooperation with investigations.
How to apply for the U visa step-by-step
Step 1. Obtain certification from an authority
The victim must ask the authority that investigated or prosecuted the crime to complete and sign Form I-918, Supplement B.
Step 2. Complete Form I-918
Subsequently, you must fill out Form I-918, known as Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Step 3. Gather evidence
It is recommended to submit documentation that supports the case, such as:
- Reportes policiales.
- Documentos judiciales.
- Registros médicos.
- Evaluaciones psicológicas.
- Declaraciones personales.
- Cualquier prueba relacionada con el delito y sus consecuencias.
Step 4. Include eligible family members (if applicable)
Some family members may be included in the petition through Form I-918 Supplement A, depending on the age of the primary applicant and the family relationship.
Step 5. Send the petition to USCIS
The application must be filed with USCIS following the current form instructions.
Step 6. Wait for case review
Due to annual limits established by law, waiting times are usually long. Currently, there is a limit of 10,000 principal U-1 visas per fiscal year.
How much does it cost to apply for the U visa?
One of the main advantages of this immigration benefit is that there is no filing fee for Form I-918. There is also no fee to file Form I-918 Supplement A for derivative family members.
However, some applicants might need additional forms related to inadmissibility or other immigration benefits, the costs or waivers for which will depend on the circumstances of each case. USCIS recommends checking the official instructions before filing any additional paperwork.
Does the U visa allow you to work?
Yes. USCIS notes that certain applicants with pending petitions may be considered for processes that grant them employment authorization and deferred action while they wait for the final resolution of their case.
Can the U visa lead to a Green Card?
Yes. Individuals who obtain U status and meet the requirements established by law may subsequently apply for legal permanent residency.
Be part of our WhatsApp channel. VIVE USA is now available! Stay informed from your mobile device about the most relevant news regarding travel, work, life in the United States and Canada, celebrities, trends, and much more.
[Publicidad]