U.S. Citizenship and Victims of Crime (U Visa Holders)

1. What are the eligibility requirements for a U Visa?


To be eligible for a U Visa, an individual must have been the victim of certain qualifying criminal activities, have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the qualifying criminal activity, possess information concerning the criminal activity, have been or is being helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity, and have been admitted to the United States either lawfully or with some form of immigration relief. The individual must also have certification from a certifying agency confirming that they have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.

2. Can I apply for a U Visa if I do not have lawful status in the U.S.?


Yes, you can apply for a U Visa even if you do not have lawful status in the U.S. However, applicants must demonstrate that they are currently in the U.S. and that they qualify under one of the categories of people eligible for a U Visa.

3. What is the maximum period of stay for a U Visa holder?


U Visa holders can stay in the United States for up to four years. However, they are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence after three years.

4. Are there any restrictions pertaining to employment for U Visa holders?


Yes, there are restrictions for employment for U Visa holders. U Visa holders must obtain employment authorization from the USCIS before they can legally work in the United States. Furthermore, U Visa holders may only be employed in occupations that are related to their U Visa status. Finally, employers must ensure that they are not employing U Visa holders in jobs that adversely affect the wages and working conditions of other US workers.

5. How do I know if I qualify for a U Visa?


In order to qualify for a U Visa, you must meet the following requirements: You must have been the victim of a qualifying criminal activity; you have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the criminal activity; you possess information that is helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity; you have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in furtherance of the criminal activity; and, you have not been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, there may be other specific circumstances that make you eligible for a U Visa. It is important to speak with an immigration attorney to determine if you meet the requirements for a U Visa.

6. Can I travel outside the U.S. while my U Visa application is pending?


It is not advisable to travel outside of the United States while a U Visa application is pending. If you have to travel, consult with an experienced immigration attorney before you do so.

7. How do I apply for a U Visa?


You can apply for a U Visa by filing Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. This form, along with supporting documentation, should be sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more information, see the USCIS website or contact a qualified immigration attorney.

8. What happens after I have applied for a U Visa?


Once you have applied for a U visa, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your application and supporting documentation. If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, USCIS will grant you a U visa and issue you a Form I-797, Notice of Action. You will then be eligible to work in the United States and apply for permanent residency.

9. How long does it take to receive approval for a U Visa?


It can take anywhere from six months to over a year to receive approval for a U Visa. The processing time varies depending on the individual case and the current backlog at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

10. Is it possible to extend my stay as a U Visa holder?


Yes, it is possible to extend your stay if you are a U Visa holder. You must apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to complete Form I-539 and provide evidence of any changes in your circumstances since you initially applied for your U Visa. Extensions can be granted in one-year increments up to 4 years. After 4 years, you may be eligible to adjust your status to become a lawful permanent resident.

11. What rights and benefits are available to U Visa holders?


U Visa holders are eligible for temporary legal status in the U.S. and a number of associated benefits, including the ability to travel, work authorization, and protection from removal. Additionally, U Visa holders may be eligible for access to certain public benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, and cash assistance. Finally, after three years of continuous presence in the U.S., U Visa holders may be eligible to apply for legal permanent residence.

12. Are there any special considerations for foreign nationals who are victims of crime in the U.S.?


Yes, there are special considerations for foreign nationals who are victims of crime in the U.S. Individuals who are foreign nationals, including victims of human trafficking, are eligible for certain benefits and services under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA). This includes access to health care, legal assistance, trauma-informed counseling, and other forms of assistance. Foreign nationals may also be eligible for a T visa or a U visa, which grant certain temporary immigration benefits to victims of certain crimes and those who have suffered substantial physical and/or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity.

13. Can I be deported if I am a victim of crime in the United States?


No, you cannot be deported if you are a victim of crime in the United States. The U.S. government recognizes that victims of crime can be especially vulnerable and in need of special protections, and has created certain programs that provide legal immigration status to victims of crime who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

14. Is there any financial assistance available to victims of crime in the United States?


Yes, financial assistance is available to victims of crime in the United States. Financial help is available through a number of sources, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations. Each state has its own victim compensation fund that provides financial assistance to victims of certain crimes. Additionally, the federal government provides financial aid through the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). Victims may also be eligible for assistance from private foundations, such as the Crime Victims Fund and the National Center for Victims of Crime.

15. How do I become a citizen of the United States if I am a victim of crime?


In order to become a citizen of the United States, you must first file an application for naturalization. If you are a victim of crime, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship under the U-Visa program. The U-Visa program is a nonimmigrant visa program designed to provide protection and work authorization to victims of certain qualifying crimes. To be eligible for this program, you must meet certain criteria, including:

-You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
-You must have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime
-You must have information about the criminal activity
-You must have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime
-You must be admissible to the United States

Once you have been found eligible for the U-Visa program, you can apply for an adjustment of status, which allows you to become a permanent resident and eventually apply for naturalization. For more information on the U-Visa program and how to apply, please visit the USCIS website.

16. Do I need to have legal immigration status in order to qualify for citizenship?


Yes, you must have legal immigration status to qualify for citizenship in the United States. This means that you must have a green card, refugee status, asylum status, or some other form of legal immigration status in order to apply for citizenship.

17. What are the benefits of becoming a United States citizen?


The benefits of becoming a US citizen include:

1. The right to vote in US elections.
2. The right to own property and travel freely within the US.
3. The right to obtain certain government benefits, including Social Security, Medicare, and other health care benefits.
4. Access to certain government jobs and programs.
5. Family reunification rights for US citizens.
6. Access to US embassies and consulates abroad for assistance with immigration and other matters.
7. US citizenship may provide a pathway to greater economic opportunities, including education, employment, and business opportunities.
8. US citizens can sponsor family members who wish to come to the US as immigrants or temporary visitors.
9. US citizens have the right to live and work in any US state or territory without obtaining additional visas or permits.
10. US citizens are eligible for certain tax advantages, including being able to exclude up to $97,600 of their foreign earned income from US taxes each year and being able to deduct certain types of foreign taxes paid from their US taxes.

18. How do I apply for citizenship?


In order to apply for citizenship, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, which include having a permanent resident status for at least five years, being 18 years of age or older, being able to read, write and speak basic English, having good moral character, and having knowledge of U.S. history and government. Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can file Form N-400 with USCIS. Additionally, you will need to submit various documents as proof of identity and residence, as well as evidence of good moral character. You will also be required to attend an interview with an officer from USCIS and pass a citizenship test.

19. How long does it take to process my application for citizenship?


The processing time for a citizenship application varies depending on your location and the complexity of your application, but it usually takes between 6 months and 1 year.

20. What is USCIS’ Victim of Crime Policy (VOCP)?


The USCIS Victim of Crime Policy (VOCP) is a policy that allows individuals who have been the victims of certain crimes to receive compensation from USCIS. The VOCP provides eligible victims with funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, mental health care, and other costs associated with the crime. The VOCP provides compensation to individuals who have been victims of crime on or after November 3, 1990, regardless of their immigration status. Victims may be eligible for a one-time financial award of up to $2,000 depending on their circumstances.