¿Es usted víctima de un crimen? ¿Califica usted para una Visa U?

April Perez • May 25, 2022

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El estatus de no inmigrante U (Visa U) es para víctimas de ciertos crímenes que han sufrido abuso mental o físico y son de ayuda para las fuerzas del orden público o los funcionarios gubernamentales en la investigación o enjuiciamiento de actividades delictivas.

Desglosado en partes, usted podría ser elegible si cumple con todos los siguientes requisitos:

Ser víctima de un delito calificable con tal por USCIS;
Haber sufrido abuso físico o mental sustancial como resultado de la actividad delictiva;
Debe tener información sobre la actividad delictiva;
Fue útil, es útil o es probable que sea de ayuda para las fuerzas del orden público en la investigación o el enjuiciamiento del crimen;
El crimen debe haber ocurrido en los Estados Unidos o haber violado las leyes de los Estados Unidos;
Es admisible en los Estado Unidos. Si no es admisible, puede solicitar un perdón.

Para comenzar el proceso de solicitar una visa U, debe poder obtener el Formulario I-918 Suplemento B de la Certificación de Estatus de No Inmigrante U. Este formulario es una certificación firmada por un funcionario autorizado de la agencia gubernamental pertinente que certifica que usted fue útil, actualmente está siendo útil o probablemente será útil en la investigación o enjuiciamiento del crimen. Este documento es extremadamente importante y sin él, no hay base para presentar el caso. La categoría de visa U se creó para ayudar a las fuerzas del orden público a investigar y procesar ciertos casos penales y proteger a quienes han sufrido como víctimas de estos crímenes, por lo que debe poder obtener este documento. Si puede obtener la certificación, debe trabajar en estrecha colaboración con su abogado para preparar los formularios y documentos adicionales para presentar su petición.

Uno de los documentos que también debe incluirse en su solicitud es una declaración personal suya que describa la actividad delictiva y cómo le ha afectado. Esto puede ser especialmente difícil para las víctimas de crímenes, teniendo que revivir en algunos casos una experiencia muy traumática. Sin embargo, es importante que brinde tantos detalles como sea posible para darle una comprensión completa de los efectos físicos y mentales de lo que le dejaron el crimen al oficial que leerá su caso. La declaración es una oportunidad para que usted cuente su historia a nivel personal.

Otras pruebas, como informes médicos, informes psicológicos y, a veces, fotografías, también pueden ser pruebas útiles para su caso. Al final, todo esto es para demostrar que usted es elegible y merece una visa U que posiblemente pueda conducir más tarde a una tarjeta verde (Green Card o Tarjeta de Residente Permanente).

Si ha sido víctima de un crimen, puede comunicarse con nuestra oficina para ver si existe la posibilidad de solicitar una visa U.

Este blog no pretende ser un consejo legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que lea aquí.

April Perez

U Visa eligibility

By Denice Flores • May 9, 2025

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) offers vital protection and legal relief to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. U visa recipients are granted a work authorization card and can live and work legally in the United States for up to four years, with a path to lawful permanent residency (green card) after having a U visa for three years. The U visa serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of crime who courageously step forward to help law enforcement while navigating their own recovery. Understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering the right documentation is essential to building a strong case. To qualify for a U visa, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Victim of a Qualifying Crime You must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity , such as: Domestic violence Sexual assault Human trafficking Kidnapping Felonious assault Extortion Witness tampering Other serious offenses A full list of qualifying crimes is provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under INA § 101(a)(15)(U). See also: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status . 2. Suffered Substantial Physical or Mental Abuse You must demonstrate that you suffered substantial harm as a result of the crime. This may include: Physical injuries Psychological trauma Lasting emotional distress 3. Helpful to Law Enforcement You must be, have been, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This includes: Reporting the crime to authorities Cooperating with police or prosecutors Providing information that aids law enforcement efforts A law enforcement certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) is required as proof of this cooperation. 4. The Crime Occurred in the U.S. or Violated U.S. Laws The criminal activity must have: Taken place in the U.S., its territories, or possessions, and Violated U.S. federal, state, or local laws Applicants must also be admissible to the United States. If you are not, based on your immigration history, you may request a waiver using Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant) . Certain qualifying family members may be included in your U visa petition: If you are under 21 years old: Your parents, unmarried siblings under 18, spouse, and children may be eligible to apply with you. If you are 21 years or older: Your spouse and children may qualify to apply with you. Each derivative must meet specific requirements and file appropriate forms. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the U visa eligibility requirements, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

If you are a U-1 Nonimmigrant visa recipient, do you know that you may still petition for and help certain family members obtain lawful status through your U visa approval?

By Denice Flores • July 14, 2023

USCIS has a specific application that allows principal U-visa holders (U-1) to petition for family members, even after their U visa was approved. If this petition is approved, the family member can obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States.

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Annual Asylum Fee – What you Need to Know

By Denice Flores • October 9, 2025

Under the new regulation, if a person filed or files Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal after October 1, 2024, and the application remains pending with USCIS for 365 days, the applicant must pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) on the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date.

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025

It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.