U visa

U Visa
Type	Non-immigrant visa for victims of certain crimes
Purpose	Provide protection to victims who assist law enforcement
Eligibility	Victim of qualifying criminal activity; Suffered substantial physical or mental abuse; Possess information about the criminal activity; Helpful in investigation or prosecution of the crime;
Duration	Valid for 4 years, may be extended
Annual Cap	10,000 visas for principal applicants
Work Authorization	Principal applicants: Eligible for 4-year Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through Bona Fide Determination process; Derivatives: Must file Form I-765 for work permit;
Application Process	File Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Obtain law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B); Submit supporting documents;
Processing Time	Several years due to high demand and annual cap
Waiting List	Eligible applicants placed on waiting list if cap is reached
Path to Residency	May apply for Green Card after 3 years of continuous presence
Oversight	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The U visa is a United States nonimmigrant visa which is set aside for victims of crimes (and their immediate family members) who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse while in the U.S. and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. It permits such victims to enter or remain in the US when they might not otherwise be able to do so. An advantage that comes along with the acceptance of a U-visa is the individual will have deportation protection which is important when they are collaborating with law enforcement.

The US Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of people, and other crimes while, at the same time, offer protection to victims of such crimes. The legislation also helps law enforcement agencies to better serve victims of crimes.