Victims of crime may be eligible for permanent residency in the United States (green cards) under categories such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U visa, T visa, and Special Immigrant Minor Status (SIJS) applicants. Below, we provide a concise overview of these important visa categories, along with their prerequisites.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) visa reinforces our commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence, abuse, and qualifying crimes. This inclusive visa category extends protections to individuals of all genders and ages who have suffered abuse at the hands of a spouse, parent, or adult child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Requirements
The U visa serves as a lifeline for victims of specific crimes, offering comfort to those who have suffered physical or mental anguish and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement or government authorities in the pursuit of justice.
Requirements
For survivors trapped in the clutches of human trafficking, the T visa represents a chance for freedom. Reserved for those subjected to severe forms of trafficking, this type of visa offers a path to remain in the U.S. and rebuild their lives.
Requirements
The SIJS visa is designed for single immigrants under the age of 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
Requirements
The U visa is a form of immigration protection for victims of certain crimes in the United States who have suffered physical or mental abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement.
To qualify for a U visa, an individual must: be a victim of a qualifying crime (such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, etc.); have suffered significant physical or mental abuse as a result; possess credible information about the criminal activity; and be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime.
Qualifying criminal activities include aggravated criminal acts such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, abduction, extortion, false imprisonment, torture, etc., and any similar state or federal law violation.
Yes — the crime must have occurred in the U.S. or have violated U.S. laws for the U visa eligibility requirements to apply.
The applicant must have been helpful, be helpful, or be likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, prosecution, or sentencing of the qualifying criminal activity. This typically involves providing information and working with authorities.
Yes — individuals granted U nonimmigrant status may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency (a Green Card) if they meet additional requirements after holding U status for certain time and comply with other rules.
The applicant must file Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-918 Supplement B (U Nonimmigrant Status Certification) signed by a qualifying law enforcement authority documenting the victim’s cooperation and the crime.
