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

April Perez • May 25, 2022
Click here to read this article in English or Portuguese

      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:
  1. Ser víctima de un delito calificable con tal por USCIS;
  2. Haber sufrido abuso físico o mental sustancial como resultado de la actividad delictiva; 
  3. Debe tener información sobre la actividad delictiva;
  4. 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;
  5. El crimen debe haber ocurrido en los Estados Unidos o haber violado las leyes de los Estados Unidos;
  6. 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.

This Facebook widget is no longer supported.

Similar Posts

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.
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.
Show More
By April Perez January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
By Joseph Lennarz November 20, 2025
Once you have connected with a college program, have been admitted to the school, and deemed eligible to compete athletically, you will need to secure an F-1 student visa in order to actually attend your new college and begin your time as a student athlete. The first step in the visa process is to receive your Form I-2
By Joseph Lennarz November 6, 2025
For many talented athletes around the world, U.S. college athletics represent a remarkable opportunity to combine elite athletic competition with higher education. In sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, and tennis, among others, hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States offer struct
Show More