The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

You may be eligible for a U nonimmigrant visa if:

• You are the victim of qualifying criminal activity.

• You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity.

• You have information about the criminal activity. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may possess the information about the crime on your behalf.

• You were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may assist law enforcement on your behalf.

• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.

• You are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver.

In general, qualifying criminal activities, include:

• Abduction

• Abusive Sexual Contact

• Blackmail

• Domestic Violence

• Extortion

• False Imprisonment

• Female Genital Mutilation

• Felonious Assault

• Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting

• Hostage

• Incest

• Involuntary Servitude

• Kidnapping

• Manslaughter

• Murder

• Obstruction of Justice

• Peonage

• Perjury

• Prostitution

• Rape

• Sexual Assault

• Sexual Exploitation

• Slave Trade

• Stalking

• Torture

• Trafficking

• Witness Tampering

• Unlawful Criminal Restraint

• Other Related Crimes*†

*Includes any similar activity where the elements of the crime are substantially similar.

†Also includes attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.

VAWA self-petitioner
– victim of battery or
extreme cruelty

• Abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Abused child (unmarried and under 21 years old) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Abused parent of a U.S. citizen

• Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by:

• A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse;

• A U.S. citizen parent;

• A U.S. citizen son or daughter;

• A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse; or

• An LPR parent.

You may self-petition under VAWA without your abusive family member’s knowledge or consent. A person who files a VAWA self-petition is generally known as a VAWA self-petitioner. If your self-petition is approved and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. You must be present in the USA to apply for adjustment of status.

If you are in Removal Proceedings (Immigration Court) you may also qualify for VAWA Cancellation of Removal.