Victims of Crime and Domestic Abuse

Visa for Victims of Crime (U Visa)

Victims of certain crimes may qualify for U nonimmigrant visa and eventually become a permanent resident and citizen. In order to qualify for a U-visa, an individual must:

• have been the victim of a qualifying crime such as domestic violence, felonious assault, murder, rape, sexual assault and trafficking
• have suffered substantial physical or mental harm due to the crime
• have information about the crime
• have helped or be likely to help in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

A unique feature of the U-visa is that most grounds of inadmissibility, including entering the U.S. illegally, can be waived. In addition, U-visa applicants can also request a U-visa for certain relatives who are living in the U.S. or abroad. U-visas are valid for four years and allow the individual to work legally in the U.S.

After three years, the U-visa holder may be eligible for permanent resident status as long as they have been or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Domestic Abuse Victims (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) gives domestic abuse victims who are the spouse, parent or child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident a path towards permanent resident status and ultimately citizenship. Both men and women are eligible for VAWA. Your VAWA application is confidential so you do not have to worry about your abuser discovering that you applied, where you live or any other information about you.

Most individuals who file a VAWA application submit their VAWA petition and their application for permanent resident status at the same time. Even though you submit the applications together, this is really a two step process. First, an immigration officer makes a decision on whether you meet the requirements for a VAWA petition. If your petition is approved, your file is sent to the local immigration office where you will attend a personal interview. The officer at the personal interview will decide if you meet the requirements for permanent resident status.

Hire an Experienced U-Visa or VAWA Attorney

A strong application is very important because U-visa applications and VAWA  petitions are approved or denied based only on the documents you submit. You will not have a personal interview to convince the immigration officer that you suffered abuse. When you hire me, I will help you gather documents for your case and write a personal statement. I will prepare and submit your application packet to immigration and communicate with immigration on your behalf. I will prepare you for and attend your personal interview for your green card.

My goal in every case is to make the process as simple and straight forward as possible for you. I will communicate with you at every step so you know exactly what is happening in your case and why. With a flat fee and monthly payment plan, you know the cost up front and are not surprised with additional fees later on. Schedule your consultation by calling me at 651-278-9858 or click here to schedule online.