Foreign Nationals who have been victims of serious crimes in the United States, and who have cooperated with law enforcement by reporting the crimes, cooperating with responding officers and investigators, and/or assisting with the criminal prosecution of crimes are potentially eligible to apply for a U-Visa with the United States Immigration and Citizenship Service (USCIS). In order to apply for a U-Visa, a law enforcement agency, prosecuting authority, or judge must sign on to a form confirming the individual was cooperative. If you have been the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, assault or battery, armed robbery, or another serious crime, and you reported this crime to law enforcement, you may be eligible to apply for a U-Visa. Contact our office to set up a consultation if you believe you may be eligible for a U-Visa
After a foreign national holds U-Visa status and remains in the United States for three years, that person becomes eligible to apply for Legal Permanent Resident Status. This is called “U Visa Adjustment of Status” and a successful application with USCIS results in the applicant receiving Legal Permanent Residence Status, or a “green card.” If you have U Visa status, near the end of your third year in status you should be preparing to apply for adjustment of status. Contact our office to set up a consultation if you would like more information on this process.
