The powerful u visa

The ‘U-Visa’ was introduced in 2000 with the passing of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The U-Non immigration status is given to victims who suffered different physical or mental abuses with information of their offender being of use to law enforcement. In applying for the ‘U-Visa’ the victim must provide a ‘certificate of helpfulness’ from a government agency to better facilitate cooperation and the apprehending of the criminal. In order to qualify for the U-Visa you must provide the USCIS with medical records that corroborate your claims and indicate substantial physical or mental abuse.

U Visa Certification Form: USCIS Form I-918, Supplement B:
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• He/she is the victim of qualifying criminal activity
• He/she has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity.
• He/she has information about the criminal activity. If under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may possess the information about the crime on the individual’s behalf.
• He/she was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may assist law enforcement on behalf of the individual.
• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws
• He/she is admissible to the United States. If not admissible, an individual may apply for a waiver on a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant.

U VISA QUALIFYING CRIMES

• 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

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Prepared by Gabriel Martinez

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