For individuals who have endured serious harm as victims of certain crimes, a U visa offers an important form of protection. Designed to support public safety and encourage cooperation with law enforcement, the U visa allows victims to remain in the United States temporarily and apply for work authorization.
However, not everyone who experiences a crime is eligible. Below are the four key requirements that must be met to be considered for a U visa.
You must be the victim of a qualifying crime
The foundation of U visa eligibility is proof that the individual was directly harmed by a qualifying criminal act. These crimes include but are not limited to, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping and other serious offenses. Attempted or related crimes that are substantially similar may also meet the requirement. The offense must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law.
You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse
Experiencing a qualifying crime is not enough on its own. The harm caused must rise to the level of “substantial abuse,” whether physical, psychological, or both. Evidence such as medical records, therapy reports or personal statements can help establish this requirement. The abuse should reflect lasting or serious harm, not minor or temporary discomfort.
You must possess information about the criminal activity
The applicant must know details about the crime, what happened, when and who was involved. This information should be relevant and credible enough to assist investigators. Young children or those who are incapacitated may still qualify if their guardians provide information on their behalf.
You must be, have been or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement
A critical element of the U visa is cooperation with officials. This cooperation could involve reporting the crime, answering questions during an investigation or participating in legal proceedings. A signed law enforcement certification is required to support this eligibility point.
Seeking legal guidance can be helpful for individuals who believe they meet the U visa requirements and want to begin the application process with strong, well-documented support. With so much at stake, you don’t want to proceed without solid support.