U-VISA

U-VISA DETAILS

If a U-Visa is right for you, schedule an appointment to talk to us.

🛡️ What Is a U Visa?

The U Visa is a special immigration benefit for people who:

• Were victims of a serious or violent crime,

• Suffered substantial physical or emotional harm, and

• Helped or are willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime.

You don’t need to have legal status. You don’t need the perpetrator to be convicted. You just need to show that you cooperated and that you were harmed.

✅ U Visa Benefits

• Legal status for 4 years

• Work authorization

• Ability to apply for a green card after 3 years

• Possibility to include certain family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings in some cases)

You may be eligible if:

• A qualifying crime occurred in the U.S.

• You suffered significant mental or physical abuse

• You reported the crime and are helping or willing to help police or prosecutors

• A law enforcement agency is willing to sign a certification form (I-918B)

🔍 Do You Qualify?

✅ U VISA

Everything You Need to Know About the U Visa

The U Visa is designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Victim of a qualifying crime

• Suffered substantial physical or mental abuse

• Possess information about the crime

• Have been or will be helpful to law enforcement

Qualifying Crimes Include:

• Domestic violence

• Sexual assault

• Kidnapping

• Trafficking

• Felonious assault

Benefits of a U Visa:

• Temporary legal status and work authorization for 4 years

• Eligibility to apply for a green card after 3 years

• Derivative U Visas available for certain family members

Certification Requirement: Applicants must obtain a signed law enforcement certification (Form I-918B)

📙 Case Study: Rosa's Path to Safety Rosa, an undocumented woman from Guatemala, was the victim of an armed robbery. She cooperated with police and testified against the suspect. We helped her apply for a U Visa, gathering police records, witness affidavits, and the law enforcement certification. Rosa was granted U status, and is now on the path to permanent residency.

💡 Can I Apply for a U Visa Without an Attorney?

Yes — it is possible to apply for a U Visa without an attorney. Here are the general steps you’ll need to follow if you choose to file on your own. But please read all the way through, especially the warning at the end.

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a U Visa Without a Lawyer

1. Determine if You Qualify

   
   Make sure you meet the requirements:

   • You were the victim of a qualifying crime (e.g., domestic violence, assault, trafficking)

   • You suffered significant physical or emotional harm

   • You cooperated with law enforcement

   • You can obtain a signed law enforcement certification (Form I-918B)

2. Request the Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B)
   Contact the police department, prosecutor, or other agency that investigated the crime. Politely request they sign the I-918B. This is required to submit your case.

3. Prepare and File Form I-918
   Complete Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) and include:

   • A personal statement describing the crime and how it affected you

   • Police reports, court records, medical or therapy records (if available)

   • Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)

   • Signed Supplement B certification (Form I-918B)

   • Optional: I-765 (for a work permit after approval)

4. Mail Your Application to USCIS
   Send the full package to the correct USCIS address based on current filing instructions (double check at uscis.gov).

5. Wait for a Decision or Waitlist Placement
   If approved, you may be granted deferred action and receive a work permit while you wait for a visa number. After 3 years in U Visa status, you can apply for a green card

⚠️ Important Warning

While you are legally allowed to apply without an attorney, U Visas are highly complex and sensitive. Many applicants are denied because:

• They cannot get the law enforcement certification

• Their personal statement is unclear or incomplete

• They submit the wrong documents or forms

• Or they unintentionally incriminate themselves (especially if they were present during the crime or undocumented)

✔️ Our Advice:

If you're not sure where to start — or you've been denied before — we can help. We’ve worked with victims of serious crimes, many who were afraid to speak up, and guided them through the process with compassion and care

📞 Need help reviewing what you’ve prepared? We offer low-cost consultations and document reviews.
🗓️ [Schedule a U Visa Case Review]

💼 Why Burt and Cleveland, PC?

At Burt and Cleveland, PC, we treat every client like family. We understand the fear, confusion, and pain that come with being a victim — especially when your immigration status is uncertain.

Here’s why clients choose us:

• Experienced, compassionate immigration attorneys

• Fluent Spanish-speaking team

• We handle U Visa cases nationwide

• Affordable flat fees and flexible payment plans

• Free, confidential consultations