Do You Qualify for a U Visa?

To be eligible for a U visa, you must meet several criteria:

You were the victim of a qualifying crime that occurred in the U.S.
You suffered physical or emotional harm from that crime
You have information about the crime
You are, were, or may be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution

What Crimes Qualify for a U Visa?

The list is broader than most people realize. Qualifying crimes include:

Domestic violence
Sexual assault or exploitation
Trafficking
Rape
Felonious assault
Kidnapping
Extortion
False imprisonment
Witness tampering
Perjury
Obstruction of justice
Involuntary servitude
Slave trade
Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above

How to Get a U Visa Approved – Step by Step

Getting a U visa approved involves more than paperwork — it’s about telling your story clearly, proving harm, and showing cooperation with law enforcement. Here’s how we guide our clients:

1. Get Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B)

You need a signed certification from law enforcement confirming you helped (or will help) in the case. This can be the police, a prosecutor, or other certifying agencies.

2. Write a Powerful Personal Statement

This is where you explain, in your own words, what happened and how it’s affected your life. We help you craft a statement that is both honest and compelling.

3. Collect Strong Supporting Evidence

This may include police reports, court documents, medical records, psychological evaluations, and witness statements.

4. File the Required USCIS Forms

We’ll help you complete and file all the necessary forms:

Form I-918 (main U visa petition)
Form I-918 Supplement B (law enforcement certification)
Form I-192 (if you need a waiver of inadmissibility)
Form I-765 (optional application for work authorization)

5. Submit Your Application Package

All forms, evidence, and statements must be assembled into one clear, organized petition and sent to USCIS.

What Happens After You Apply?

The current wait times are long due to high demand:

Initial Review (Bona Fide Determination): About 2.8 to 3 years
Final Decision: 4.5 to 5 years total in most cases

Once your petition is considered “bona fide,” you may receive a work permit and deferred action, meaning you can stay and work in the U.S. while your case is pending.

Why Work with a U Visa Immigration Attorney?

Many people try to handle their U visa petition alone — and end up delayed, denied, or stuck. We help you avoid those outcomes.

As experienced U visa immigration attorneys, we know how to:

Get hard-to-obtain law enforcement certifications
Build strong, clear case files with the right evidence
Anticipate and fix issues that cause denials
Give you peace of mind throughout the years-long process

We’ve helped survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other serious crimes get approved — even when their cases seemed complicated or impossible.

What Are the Benefits of a U Visa?

If your U visa is approved, you may receive:

Legal protection to stay in the U.S. for up to four years
Work authorization
The ability to include family members in your petition
Eligibility to apply for a green card after three years
Access to some public benefits and services
The chance to finally build a stable future

If the main applicant is a minor, they may be able to include parents and siblings under age 21 as derivatives.

Talk to a U Visa Immigration Attorney Today

You don’t have to figure this out on your own — and you don’t have to stay in the shadows.

At Shepelsky Law Group, we treat every client with compassion and fight for your right to stay safe in the U.S. We’ll help you understand your eligibility, gather what you need, and give your case the best possible shot at approval.

📞 Call us now: (718) 769-6352
🌐 Schedule a consultation: www.ShepelskyLaw.com
📍 Visit us: 2415 Avenue U, Suite 2R, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance, please contact our office.