Victims of Crime (U Visa)

U Visa Attorney, Encino

You can be qualified for a U-visa if you’ve been the victim of a major crime in the US and you want the incident investigated. When a victim of a specific crime has been subjected to physical or mental abuse and is ready to help the government investigate the crime, they may be awarded a U-visa, a sort of nonimmigrant visa. Under certain circumstances, it acts as a savior for the victims by enabling them to work and eventually settle permanently in the United States of America. A U-visa permits the holders to stay and work in the United States for a period of four years, and after three years they may apply for permanent residency. To assure their security, you will also need to add your spouse and children to your visa. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced U-visa attorneys in Encino at Sidman Law Group. Our staff of skilled U-visa lawyers has assisted several crime victims in determining their eligibility for U-visas and have helped them rebuild their lives. 

What Crimes Qualify For A U Visa?

Numerous qualifying offenses fall within the U visa eligibility. You may qualify for a U visa if you are a foreign national who has suffered severe harm because of physical or mental abuse. You may be eligible for if you have been a victim of the following:

• Torture
• Unlawful criminal restraint
• Trafficking
• Abusive sexual contact
• Domestic violence
• Hostage
• Blackmail
• Incest
• Genital female mutilation
• Felonious assault
• Sexual assault
• Slave trading
• Rape
• Peonage
• Prostitution
• Perjury
• Involuntary servitude
• False imprisonment
• Sexual exploitation
• Felonious assault
• Extortion abduction
• Murder
• Kidnapping

This list outlines the relevant offenses that can be used to get a U-visa. You can still apply for a U-visa despite your illegal presence in the United States, which is against immigration law there. If you want to learn everything there is to know about this legal procedure, you should employ a U-visa attorney.

What Requirements Must Be Met To Get A U-Visa?

You need to be able to demonstrate the following in order to be qualified for a U-visa:

• Having experienced a crime on the U-visa criminal list
• Enduring maltreatment of any kind as a result of a crime
• Possession of pertinent knowledge on the qualifying offense
• Being a victim of any crime that violates American law
• Complete supportive of law enforcement officers when they investigate any eligible criminal

What Are The Required Documents For U Visa Application?

You must provide supporting paperwork in addition to evidence that you are qualified for a U visa in order to complete the application process. The following records are necessary:

• A passport
• Your forms for obtaining a U visa
• Photos in passport size
• Certificates of birth and marriage for family members
• More evidence of severe physical and mental abuse
• A police record indicating that you were a victim of one of the offenses listed

How Can I Get A U-Visa?

The process for requesting a U-visa begins with the filing of a petition and the delivery of the duly completed and signed USCIS Form 1-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. The prospective agency then converts Form I-915 to Form I-981B. Then the information is gathered to determine the victim’s eligibility. You must now complete form I-756 if you have family members who are willing to work in the United States. You will need to wait for the scheduled USCIS interview while submitting your petition and all other paperwork. A knowledgeable U-visa lawyer like those at our firm can assist you with the complicated procedure of filling out a U-visa application. Together we can create a compelling argument if you work with an accomplished U-visa attorney. Additionally, you will require the assistance of a U visa attorney with experience in immigration court if you want to reduce your chances of deportation and submit your application quickly.

What Advantages Do U-Visas Offer?

Numerous advantages come with applying for a U-visa status. Victims who can get a U-visa are eligible to remain in the United States while it is still in effect. They gain the right to do things in the country like create bank accounts, study, get driving licenses, etc., but the list of benefits gained by U-visa continues:

• Getting a job permit
• The capacity to apply for permanent residence
• Accepting a waiver
• Enables you to assist eligible family members

Assisting Victims Around Encino

Handling all the challenges with being an unwilling criminal victor is difficult enough, and applying for a U visa can bring some comfort by ensuring that you receive justice and refuge. Our Encino U visa attorneys have a thorough understanding of the application process. What are you still holding out for? Call 818-981-0352 to speak with our U visa immigration lawyer for a free consultation or send us an email.