Visas

A U Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to victims of certain crimes who are in the United States and who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

Victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse in the United States and who are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity may be eligible for a U Visa.

A U Visa is available to victims of qualifying criminal activity, which includes domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes that cause mental or physical harm.

The time it takes to obtain a U Visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the workload of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the completeness of the application, and the availability of U Visas for that fiscal year. Generally, it can take several months or even years to obtain a U Visa.

There are only 10,000 U Visas available each fiscal year. Once this limit is reached, any additional eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list until new U Visas become available.

Certain family members of a U Visa applicant may be eligible for U Visas themselves, depending on their relationship to the victim and their involvement in the crime.

Yes, U Visa holders may be eligible to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) after three years of continuous physical presence in the United States and compliance with other requirements, such as maintaining good moral character and not being convicted of certain crimes.

U Visa holders are granted authorization to remain in the United States for up to four years, may be eligible for work authorization, and may be eligible to receive certain public benefits. In addition, U Visa holders are protected from deportation while their U Visa application is pending.

To apply for a U Visa, the applicant must submit a completed Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, along with other required documentation, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is recommended that applicants work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that their application is complete and accurate.

Yes, individuals who are in removal proceedings may still be eligible to apply for a U Visa, but they must first obtain a “stay of removal” from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or from the immigration judge. This allows them to remain in the United States while their U Visa application is pending.

A T Visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are present in the United States as a result of trafficking. The T Visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

Victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are present in the United States as a result of trafficking and who are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases may be eligible for a T Visa.

“Severe forms of trafficking” includes both sex trafficking and labor trafficking. It can involve force, fraud, or coercion, and includes both adults and children.

The time it takes to obtain a T Visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the completeness of the application and the workload of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, it can take several months or even years to obtain a T Visa.

There are 5,000 T Visas available each fiscal year. Once this limit is reached, any additional eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list until new T Visas become available.

Certain family members of a T Visa applicant may be eligible for T Visas themselves, depending on their relationship to the victim and their involvement in the trafficking.

Yes, T Visa holders may be eligible to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) after three years of continuous physical presence in the United States and compliance with other requirements, such as maintaining good moral character and not being convicted of certain crimes.

T Visa holders are granted authorization to remain in the United States for up to four years, may be eligible for work authorization, and may be eligible to receive certain public benefits. In addition, T Visa holders are protected from deportation while their T Visa application is pending.

To apply for a T Visa, the applicant must submit a completed Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, along with other required documentation, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is recommended that applicants work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that their application is complete and accurate.

Yes, individuals who are in removal proceedings may still be eligible to apply for a T Visa, but they must first obtain a “stay of removal” from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or from the immigration judge. This allows them to remain in the United States while their T Visa application is pending.

A Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is a type of visa that allows individuals who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in certain capacities in Afghanistan or Iraq, as well as their eligible family members, to immigrate to the United States.

Eligibility for a Special Immigrant Visa depends on the specific category of the visa. Generally, individuals who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in certain capacities in Afghanistan or Iraq may be eligible, as well as their eligible family members.

The different categories of Special Immigrant Visas include the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification, and others.

The application process for a Special Immigrant Visa varies depending on the specific category of the visa. Generally, applicants must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provide supporting documentation, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

The documentation required for a Special Immigrant Visa application varies depending on the specific category of the visa. Generally, applicants must provide evidence of their eligibility, including proof of their work for or on behalf of the U.S. government, as well as other supporting documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police certificates.

The processing time for a Special Immigrant Visa varies depending on the specific category of the visa and other factors such as the volume of applications and the completeness of the application package. Generally, the process can take several months to over a year.

If your Special Immigrant Visa application is denied, you will be notified of the decision and the reasons for the denial. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider.

Yes, in most cases, individuals who hold a Special Immigrant Visa are authorized to work in the United States.

Yes, in most cases, eligible family members of the primary Special Immigrant Visa holder can also immigrate to the United States on a derivative visa.

Yes, in most cases, Special Immigrant Visa holders are allowed to travel outside of the United States, but they should be aware of any potential travel restrictions or requirements that may apply to their specific situation.

A Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Visa is a type of visa available to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents, and who cannot be reunited with either parent due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law. The SIJ program is intended to provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency for children who are unable to return to their home country due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

To be eligible for an SIJ Visa, the child must be under the age of 21, unmarried, and must have been declared dependent on a juvenile court in the United States due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law. The child must also be unable to be reunited with either parent due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law.

No, children must be under the age of 21 to be eligible for an SIJ Visa.

The time it takes to obtain an SIJ Visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the completeness of the application and the workload of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, it can take several months to over a year to obtain an SIJ Visa.

No, only the child who has been declared dependent on a juvenile court in the United States due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law may apply for an SIJ Visa. However, once the child obtains lawful permanent residency, he or she may be able to petition for family members to obtain immigrant visas.

Yes, SIJ Visa holders may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of lawful permanent residency in the United States, provided they meet other requirements, such as being physically present in the United States for a certain period of time and maintaining good moral character.

SIJ Visa holders are granted authorization to remain in the United States for up to four years, may be eligible for work authorization, and may be eligible to receive certain public benefits. In addition, SIJ Visa holders are protected from deportation while their SIJ Visa application is pending. Once the SIJ Visa is granted, the child will receive lawful permanent residency in the United States.

Yes, children who are present in the United States may be able to apply for an SIJ Visa.

A Spousal Visa allows a foreign-born spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to enter and live in the United States.

The eligibility requirements for a Spousal Visa include being legally married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, demonstrating a genuine relationship, and meeting the financial requirements.

Processing times can vary, but typically it takes between 12-18 months to process a Spousal Visa.

Yes, once the Spousal Visa is approved and the foreign-born spouse enters the United States, they can obtain work authorization and work legally.

Yes, but it is important to have the proper documentation, such as a travel permit, and to ensure that the foreign-born spouse does not spend too much time outside of the United States.

A Spousal Visa is for spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are already married, while a Fiancé(e) Visa is for those who are engaged to be married and planning to marry in the United States.

No, a Spousal Visa is only available to those who are legally married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The cost of a Spousal Visa varies and includes USCIS fees, medical exams, and other associated costs. It can vary depending on details of each individual case.

If a Spousal Visa is denied, the applicant can file an appeal or reapply. It is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the best course of action.

Yes, once the foreign-born spouse has lived in the United States for a certain period of time on the Spousal Visa, they may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.