U Visa

Suppose you or a loved one currently reside in the United States and are undocumented but have suffered from a violent crime or other criminal activity. You may be eligible for a U Visa if you are a victim of certain crimes.

The dedicated team at Francis Law Center is committed to upholding the rights of those facing immigration issues, including victims of violent crimes. Accordingly, we strive to provide the necessary support for a favorable outcome.

What is a U Visa?

The U Visa offers a lifeline to victims of serious criminal offenses. It grants immunity to those who have suffered physical or psychological harm and wish to collaborate with law enforcement to prosecute criminal activities.

The U Visa was established through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act, in 2000. The law aims to amplify law enforcement’s efficacy in responding to domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other felonies and provide a shield for crime victims who have been mistreated and wish to collaborate with authorities.

The U Visa facilitates such cooperation by facilitating a better relationship between law enforcement and crime victims.

Do I Qualify for a U Visa?

Eligibility for a U Visa is based on several criteria, such as you must be the victim of a qualifying criminal activity that has resulted in substantial physical or mental abuse.

You must also possess information about the crime and be willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity. If you have a disability or are of a young age that prevents you from providing necessary information to law enforcement, a parent, guardian, or another appropriate adult can do so in your place.

Another requirement to qualify is the crime must have occurred within the United States or violated U.S. laws, and you must be admissible to the United States. If you are inadmissible, you may apply for a waiver through Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.

Crimes that Qualify You for a U Nonimmigrant

To clarify the eligibility criteria for a U Visa, the U.S. government has defined the various crimes that permit victims to apply for U Visa status.

These transgressions are permissible for the U Nonimmigrant Status:

Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Female Genital Mutilation
Felonious Assault
Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting

Hostage
Incest
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder
Obstruction of Justice
Peonage
Perjury
Prostitution
Rape

Sexual Assault
Sexual Exploitation
Slave Trade
Stalking
Torture
Trafficking
Witness Tampering
Unlawful Criminal Restraint
Other Related Crimes

This includes the commission of a qualifying crime, an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit the crime, and any similar activity with substantially identical elements.

The U Visa Process

Once it has been determined you are a candidate for a U Visa, you must go through the following process:

Cooperation with law enforcement is required to obtain U Visa status as a victim. It involves seeking certification from law enforcement and assisting in detecting, investigating, and/or prosecuting the qualifying crime. Based on their assessment of your cooperation and helpfulness, law enforcement will decide whether to sign Form I-918 and/or Supplement B.

U Visa Petition

If you are located within the U.S., you must submit the following documents to USCIS:

Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. Form I-918, Supplement B, must be signed by a law enforcement agency’s authorized official and confirm that you have been, are, and verify that you have provided, are currently providing, or will be of assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying crime.
Any documents proving your identity, like a valid passport or birth certificate.
A written account detailing the crime in which you were a victim.
Evidence in the form of police and court records demonstrating that you were a victim of the crime.
Medical evidence, such as letters from healthcare professionals, photographs, and sworn statements, demonstrating the substantial physical or mental harm caused to you due to the crime.
Testimonies from family and friends detailing the abuse you faced due to the crime.
Any other documentation or evidence that would help prove eligibility with a clear picture of the abuse you endured because of the crime.
If you have any past immigration violations that render you inadmissible, you must file Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant, to request a waiver of the inadmissibility.

Processing Times

After USCIS reviews the petition to determine its eligibility, it may require more evidence. If all requirements are met, but the U Visas for that year are at capacity (10,000 annually), USCIS will add you to a waiting list. After a visa becomes available, USCIS verifies eligibility again, and then the U nonimmigrant status is officially approved.

Common Challenges in Obtaining a U Visa

Obtaining a U Visa can be challenging, including determining eligibility and receiving certification from law enforcement agencies. Gathering sufficient evidence and facing long processing times can also present difficulties. In addition, navigating inadmissibility issues and the complex process without legal representation can further complicate the U Visa application process.

Why Choose Francis Law Center to Navigate the U Visa Process

At Francis Law Center, we specialize in navigating the complex U Visa process for victims of criminal activity. Our experienced attorneys provide personalized support to help clients succeed.

With a proven track record and offices in Schaumburg, IL, Chicago, IL, Naperville, IL, and Madison, WI, led by expert Attorney Jae Francis Lee, you can trust us for thorough research and successful documentation. Contact us today to start the process.

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Based on 451 reviews

Roberto Negron

August 9, 2026

Francis Law deliver outstanding result with our case. 100% recommend!

Jeff Steenwyk

August 8, 2026

Francis Law Center took a very difficult process (i.e. getting my wife & two daughters a marriage visa/green card) and made it go so much more smoothly. For those that have have not gone through this process, it is very cumbersome and downright scary. Francis Law Center, with huge kudos to Jae and our para legals Alex and Grace, made this tiresome process go much more smoothly. Grace was particularly awesome at the very end, as many last minute items came up that she handled extremely professionally. THANK YOU FRANCIS LAW CENTER, especially Alex, Grace & Jae

Yascara Romero

July 31, 2026

My family has trusted Francis Law Center for two completely different immigration cases, and we are incredibly grateful for the results. My own case was marriage-based. I had DACA and had previously traveled with Advance Parole, so I was able to adjust my status without leaving the United States. Attorney Jae Francis guided me through every step of the process, making everything clear, organized, and surprisingly stress-free. The entire process was smooth, efficient, and I successfully received my permanent resident card. My father’s case was much more complex and included an immigration waiver. His petition was through his U.S. citizen son, and unfortunately, he had initially started the process with a notary, which created several complications. Attorney Francis took over the case midway through, carefully untangled the issues, and guided our family through a much longer and more challenging process. They conducted extensive research to make sure they fully understood every aspect of the case and developed the best strategy possible. During the waiting period, we would have appreciated a little more proactive follow-up and communication. We understand the firm was going through a restructuring process at the time, which likely contributed to some delays, so we tried to be patient. Despite that, Attorney Francis remained committed to my father’s case, and we’re happy to report that he attended his immigrant visa interview in Ciudad Juárez just last week and was approved for his green card. That is no small victory, especially under the current immigration climate. One thing I really appreciate is that they offer free consultations and are upfront about their fees. Transparency is important, especially when you’re making a significant financial investment and choosing legal representation that can truly make the difference between successfully obtaining legal status and losing the opportunity to remain with your family in the United States. Overall, Attorney Jae Francis is knowledgeable, honest, and thorough.

Gabriela Ortiz Gaspar

July 29, 2026

I consistently receive prompt, efficient service and exceptional professional results. I have renewed my DACA through this firm for years, followed their recommendation to complete the advanced parole process, and successfully obtained my marriage-based green card with their assistance. I offer my highest recommendation.

Estrella Flores

July 25, 2026

Hola buenos días quería información trabajan sobre visa juvenil? Gracias

Vitou Sor

July 9, 2026

I highly recommend Francis Law Center. Ms Miri is knowledgeable, reliable, and very responsive. She explained everything clearly from the beginning and guided us through every step of the process. Ms Miri always responded quickly to our emails, texts, and phones call, no matter the time.

Kendall Grant

July 8, 2026

Finished in person consultation with Dr Jae Francis. The staff and Dr Jae were friendly throughout the appointment. We had many questions prepared and were satisfied that they were all explained. We signed a contract and started our immigration journey with them. Very excited

Kirenia Vazquez Ulacia

June 25, 2026

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sendy arzadon

June 21, 2026

I am incredibly grateful to Francis Law Center for helping me with my I-751 case after I received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). From the beginning, their team was knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive during a very stressful time. They carefully reviewed my case, helped me prepare a strong response, and guided me through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and expertise gave me confidence when I needed it most. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend Francis Law Center to anyone dealing with complex immigration matters. They truly care about their clients and go above and beyond to help families stay together. Thank you to Attorney Francis and the entire team for your outstanding service and support.