What crimes qualify for a U-visa?

Many serious crimes qualify, including domestic violence, felonious assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, and others. We can review whether the crime in your situation is on the qualifying list.

Do I need the help of the police to apply?

A law-enforcement certification confirming your helpfulness is a required part of a U-visa petition. We help survivors request this certification from the appropriate agency.

How long does a U-visa take?

U-visa processing can take a long time due to annual numerical limits and demand. Applicants who are waiting may, in some cases, receive interim protections. We will explain what to expect in your case.

Practice Area · Humanitarian Relief

U-Visas

The U-visa provides immigration relief to victims of certain serious crimes who have suffered substantial harm and who help — or are willing to help — law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime.

U-visa status can offer a path to lawful status and, eventually, to a green card, while encouraging crime victims to come forward and cooperate with authorities.

Ahmad & Associates helps crime victims assemble the documentation a U-visa requires, including the law-enforcement certification, and guides them through a process that can take time but offers meaningful protection.

How It Works

Who may qualify

A U-visa has several core requirements. In general, an applicant must show that they:

01 · Victim of a qualifying crime

Such as domestic violence, felonious assault, trafficking, sexual abuse, and certain other offenses.

02 · Suffered substantial harm

Physical or mental abuse resulting from being a victim of the crime.

03 · Helpful to law enforcement

Possess information about the crime and assist (or are willing to assist) in its investigation or prosecution.

04 · Law-enforcement certification

Obtain a certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) confirming helpfulness.

Key Points

What U-visa relief can provide

For approved applicants, the U-visa can offer significant benefits:

Lawful nonimmigrant status for a period of years
Work authorization
Protection while assisting law enforcement
Certain family members may qualify for derivative status
A potential path to a green card for those who remain eligible

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Get Started

Ready to discuss your immigration matter?

Begin with an initial call with our intake staff. We assist clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and nationwide on federal immigration matters. Habeas corpus cases are accepted only in specific jurisdictions after review of the detention location. Multilingual assistance is available.

Schedule Intake Call 877-888-6400

8000 Westpark Drive, Suite 630, McLean, VA 22102

Start with an initial call with our intake staff. Attorney consultations are arranged after intake.