AWhat is U visa?
The U non-immigrant 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. USCIS issues 10,000 U visas every year.
AU Non-immigrant Eligibility?
You may be eligible for a U non-immigrant visa if:
1.You are the victim of qualifying criminal activity.
2.You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity.
3.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 (see glossary for definition of ‘next friend’).
4.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.
5.The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
6.You are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver on a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-immigrant.
Note:
1)Next friend:A person who appears in a lawsuit to act for the benefit of a foreign national who is under the age of 16, or is incapacitated or incompetent, who has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of qualifying criminal activity. The next friend is not a party to the legal proceeding and is not appointed as a guardian.
2) Those who have been convicted of felony are not eligible to apply for a U visa.