U Visa Lawyer | Immigration Relief for Crime Victims Nationwide
If you are a victim of a crime in the United States and have cooperated — or are willing to cooperate — with law enforcement, you may qualify for a U visa. This visa provides temporary legal status, work authorization, and a path to a green card.
At Marcano Legal, Grace Marcano, Esq. represents U visa applicants nationwide.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
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Schedule a consultation to discuss your U visa eligibility and options. We represent clients in all 50 states.
Understanding the U Visa for Crime Victims:
The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa created by Congress to protect victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and are willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime. It was established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.
A U visa gives you legal status in the United States, the ability to work, and after 3 years, eligibility to apply for a green card.
Key Benefits of a U Visa
- Legal status — temporary nonimmigrant status for up to 4 years
- Work authorization — you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Path to a green card — after 3 years in U status, you may apply for adjustment of status
- Protection for family members — qualifying family members may receive derivative U visas
- No cost to file — there is no filing fee for Form I-918
U Visa Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for a U visa, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Victim of a qualifying crime that occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law
- Suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime
- Have information about the crime and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution
- Law enforcement certification — a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other authority must sign Form I-918 Supplement B certifying your helpfulness
- The crime violated U.S. law or occurred in the United States
- Admissible to the United States — or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility
Qualifying Crimes for U Visa Applications
Congress defined qualifying crimes broadly. They include but are not limited to:
Domestic violence · Sexual assault · Rape · Human trafficking · Felonious assault · Kidnapping · Abduction · Murder · Manslaughter · Stalking · Torture · Blackmail · Extortion · False imprisonment · Involuntary servitude · Witness tampering · Obstruction of justice · Perjury · Fraud in foreign labor contracting · Female genital mutilation
Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of these crimes also qualifies. (Source: USCIS)
Contact our law firm today to start the U Visa Process.
If you believe you may qualify for a U visa, contact Marcano Legal to discuss your situation. Grace Marcano, Esq. can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the application.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
The U Visa Application Process:
The U visa application involves several steps:
Step 1 — Obtain Law Enforcement Certification
A certifying agency (police department, prosecutor, judge, or other qualifying agency) must sign Form I-918 Supplement B confirming that you were helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Step 2 — File Form I-918
Submit the U visa petition to USCIS along with supporting evidence: a personal declaration describing the crime and abuse, the signed Supplement B, evidence of the crime, and any other supporting documentation.
Step 3 — Bona Fide Determination
USCIS may issue a bona fide determination, which grants deferred action and work authorization while your petition waits for final adjudication.
Step 4 — Final Adjudication
USCIS reviews your petition for final approval. Due to the 10,000 annual cap on U visas, there is a significant backlog. (As of 2025, USCIS was processing petitions filed as far back as 2017. Wait times are subject to change.)
Step 5 — Green Card Eligibility
After maintaining U status for at least 3 years, you may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident.
How an U Visa Immigration Lawyer Can Help:
The U visa process involves coordination between you, law enforcement, and USCIS. An attorney can help with:
- Identifying whether your situation involves a qualifying crime
- Working with law enforcement to obtain the Supplement B certification
- Preparing a strong personal declaration and supporting evidence
- Filing the petition and tracking its progress
- Applying for work authorization and bona fide determination
- Filing for adjustment of status when you become eligible
- Including qualifying family members in derivative petitions
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Petitions for U Visas
You receive U nonimmigrant status for up to 4 years, along with work authorization. After 3 years in U status, you may apply for a green card. Qualifying family members may also receive derivative status.
If USCIS issues a bona fide determination on your petition, you can receive deferred action and work authorization while waiting for final adjudication. Your attorney can request this as part of the application process.
Yes. Qualifying family members can receive derivative U visas. For petitioners under 21, eligible derivatives include spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18. For petitioners 21 or older, eligible derivatives include spouse and children. Derivative visas do not count against the 10,000 annual cap.
Yes. Immigration status does not bar you from applying for a U visa. If you have immigration violations or other inadmissibility issues, you may apply for a waiver (Form I-192) as part of the U visa petition.
If your petition is denied, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or explore other forms of immigration relief depending on your situation. An attorney can evaluate your options.
Due to the 10,000 annual cap, the U visa backlog is significant. Final adjudication can take several years. However, the bona fide determination process can provide work authorization and deferred action much sooner while your case is pending. (Wait times are subject to change; check USCIS for current processing information.)
No. There is no filing fee for Form I-918 (U visa petition) or Form I-192 (waiver of inadmissibility filed with a U visa).
Challenges in the U Visa Application Process:
U visa applicants should be aware of these realities:
- 10,000 annual cap — Congress limits principal U visas to 10,000 per fiscal year. This creates a significant backlog and long wait times for final approval.
- Law enforcement certification — Some agencies are reluctant to sign. An attorney experienced in U visas can help navigate this process and advocate on your behalf.
- Bona fide determination — While waiting for final approval, USCIS may grant deferred action and work authorization through the bona fide determination process, providing protection while your case is pending.
- Inadmissibility waivers — If you have prior immigration violations or other issues, you may need to file a waiver (Form I-192) along with your U visa petition.
Adjusting Status from U Visa to Green Card:
After maintaining U nonimmigrant status for at least 3 continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for a green card. The requirements include:
- Continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least 3 years since receiving U status
- You have not unreasonably refused to cooperate with law enforcement
- You are not inadmissible (or have obtained a waiver)
- Your continued presence in the U.S. is justified on humanitarian grounds, to ensure family unity, or is in the public interest
The application is filed on Form I-485 with USCIS.
Why Choose Marcano Legal for Your U Visa Application:
Immigration law is federal — your attorney can represent you from anywhere.
- We represent U visa applicants in all 50 states — virtual consultations available
- Available by phone and WhatsApp — Call (786) 314-7330 or WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
- Experience with law enforcement coordination — we work with police departments and prosecutors to obtain the Supplement B certification
- Bilingual service — full representation in English and Spanish (se habla español)
- Direct attorney access — you work with Grace Marcano, Esq. directly
Virtual Consultation: Start Your U Visa Process
Contact Marcano Legal to discuss your U visa eligibility. Grace Marcano, Esq. represents crime victims nationwide.
📞 (786) 314-7330 · WhatsApp us at (786) 645-5370
Disclaimer: This website contains general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a formal agreement is signed. Past results do not predict future outcomes. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.