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Pathway

U.S. U Visa for Victims of Certain Crimes

United States Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

U status may protect victims of certain crimes who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have helped, are helping, or are likely to help law enforcement. An authorized official must sign a certification supporting that cooperation.

Crime and harm
A victim of qualifying criminal activity involving U.S. law or territory who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
Help to authorities
Have information and be helpful in the investigation or prosecution process, subject to age or incapacity rules
Required certification
An authorized agency must sign Form I-918 Supplement B

Summary

The U visa is designed for victims of certain crimes connected to the United States who cooperate with law enforcement. It is sensitive and evidence-heavy, but it can provide work authorization and a later green card path in some cases.

There is an annual limit and a large backlog. Even a complete application that meets the requirements can face a long wait, and temporary protection or work permission during that wait requires a separate decision.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

The main applicant generally must show:

The certification must be properly signed and generally filed within six months of signature. It confirms helpfulness; it does not decide USCIS eligibility.

Document the crime, harm, and help to law enforcement
  1. Show the qualifying crime and harm Document the crime and substantial physical or mental abuse.
  2. Get the required certification Identify the authorized agency and obtain the signed certification of helpfulness.
  3. Complete the supporting documents Review the evidence, immigration history, and any needed legal exceptions.

The annual limit and backlog mean even an application that meets the rules can face a long wait.

What This Route Allows

U status is generally granted for up to four years. The main applicant is allowed to work once granted U-1 status, and qualifying family members may receive their own U status under the applicable age and relationship rules.

Because only 10,000 principal U-1 grants are available each fiscal year, USCIS may place cases that meet the requirements on a waiting list. USCIS may also grant temporary protection from removal (deferred action) and work permission after a preliminary review while a case remains pending. These decisions are made case by case.

A U-1 holder may apply for permanent residence after at least three years of continuous physical presence in U status. The person must not have unreasonably refused to help law enforcement and must show that approval serves humanitarian needs, family unity, or the public interest. Most ordinary grounds for refusing admission do not apply at this stage, but the law bars certain serious human-rights offenders, and past conduct can still lead USCIS to deny the case.

What This Route Is Not

It is not available for every offense or every person harmed by a crime. A police report alone is not the required certification, and a certification does not guarantee USCIS approval. Deferred action or a work permit during the backlog is not U status or a green card.

Next Steps

  1. Work with a victim-services organization or qualified immigration representative.
  2. Identify the proper certifying agency and its certification process.
  3. Gather police, court, medical, counseling, protective-order, and helpfulness evidence.
  4. Review criminal and immigration history to see whether a legal exception is needed.
  5. Plan for a long queue and keep USCIS updated with safe address information.

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Sources