U Nonimmigrant Visas

Congress created the "U" nonimmigrant classification with passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence 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 aliens and other crimes while, at the same time, offering protection to victims of such crimes.

"U" nonimmigrant status is set aside for victims fo crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse because of the crime and who have information regarding the activity and are willing to assist government officials in the investigation of the criminal activity.

• How does one become eligible for U nonimmigrant status?
• What qualifies as "criminal activity"?
• What are the procedures to request U Nonimmigrants status?
• What prevents any alien from claiming this status by saying they were a victim of a crime?
• What qualifies as a "certifying agency"?
• Can an alien petition for U Nonimmigrant status from outside the U.S.?
• Can family members of the petitioner apply for U Nonimmigrant status?
• Is there a cap on the number of U Nonimmigrant status grants?
• How long can one maintain the U nonimmigrant classification?
• Can an individual who has held U nonimmigrant status eventually apply for permanent resident status?
• Is there a fee for applying for U Nonimmigrant status?