{"id":642,"date":"2025-10-28T17:27:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T22:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalizatestag.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=642"},"modified":"2026-03-06T10:52:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:52:35","slug":"petition-for-u-nonimmigrant-status-victims-of-certain-crimes","status":"publish","type":"custom-practice","link":"https:\/\/legalizateya.com\/en\/practice-areas\/petition-for-u-nonimmigrant-status-victims-of-certain-crimes\/","title":{"rendered":"Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Victims of Certain Crimes) [Form I-918]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Immigration protection for victims who cooperate with justice in the United States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Form I-918<\/strong>&nbsp;allows **victims of certain serious crimes** to petition for **U nonimmigrant status**, also known as the **U visa**. This immigration benefit was created to protect those who have suffered physical or mental abuse as a result of a crime and have cooperated\u2014or are willing to cooperate\u2014with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of those responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>U status is a humanitarian tool that provides **safety, immigration stability, and the opportunity to obtain permanent residence**, recognizing the value and cooperation of victims in the U.S. justice system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is Form I-918?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who qualifies for the U visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Qualifying crimes under the law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benefits of U nonimmigrant status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requirements and necessary documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step-by-step application process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rights and responsibilities of the beneficiary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal advice with Legal\u00edzate Ya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83d\udcde Contact us today<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Form I-918?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status<\/strong>, is filed with **U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)** to request immigration protection intended for victims of crimes occurring within U.S. territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>U status grants beneficiaries the possibility to **legally remain in the U.S. for up to 4 years**, with the option to apply for **permanent residence (Green Card)** later. Additionally, it encourages collaboration between victims and authorities, strengthening the country&#8217;s efforts in the fight against crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who qualifies for the U visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be eligible for **U nonimmigrant status**, the applicant must meet the following requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have been a **victim of a qualifying crime** under federal law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have **suffered substantial physical or mental abuse** as a result of the crime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possess **useful or relevant information** regarding the crime committed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have **collaborated, are collaborating, or are willing to collaborate** with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The crime must have occurred **within the United States or violated U.S. laws**.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, certain **immediate family members** (spouse, children, parents, or minor siblings, depending on the case) may apply for derivative benefits via **Form I-918, Supplement A**.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qualifying crimes under the law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The U visa covers a wide range of crimes involving violence, coercion, or breach of trust. Some of the most common qualifying crimes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Domestic violence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual assault or rape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human trafficking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kidnapping or unlawful imprisonment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extortion or blackmail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obstruction of justice or witness tampering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incest, sexual exploitation, or forced prostitution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Homicide, attempted homicide, or felonious assault<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hate crimes or torture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>USCIS will evaluate the case comprehensively, considering the severity of the crime and the level of the victim&#8217;s cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of U nonimmigrant status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Obtaining U status provides significant immigration and personal benefits, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Protection against deportation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work permit (EAD)<\/strong>\u00a0valid throughout the status period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to **social services and victim assistance programs.**<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Possibility to **adjust status to permanent resident** after three years in U status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>**Permission to include eligible family members** and maintain family unity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right to **live and work legally** in the United States during the validity of the status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This benefit represents an essential step toward **safety, stability, and justice** for those who have been victims of serious crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements and necessary documentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Form I-918 application must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Completed and signed **Form I-918**.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>**Form I-918B**, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification (Law Enforcement Certification), signed by a law enforcement, prosecutorial, or judicial agency confirming your collaboration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>**Applicant&#8217;s personal statement**, describing the crime, the harm suffered, and the cooperation provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>**Documentary evidence**, such as police reports, medical records, court orders, letters from social or psychological services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>**Identity documents and proof of family relationship**, if derivatives are included.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A complete and well-supported application significantly increases the chances of approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-step application process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Obtaining the certification (Form I-918B):<\/strong>\u00a0an authorized agency must confirm your cooperation with the investigation or criminal proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preparation of Form I-918:<\/strong>\u00a0with the help of a specialized attorney, gather all pertinent information and evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Filing with USCIS:<\/strong>\u00a0send the form and supporting documents according to official instructions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review and possible Request for Evidence (RFE):<\/strong>\u00a0USCIS may request complementary information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Determination of U status or placement on waitlist:<\/strong>\u00a0if approved, you will obtain temporary protection and a work permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjustment of status:<\/strong>\u00a0after three years with a U visa, you may apply for **lawful permanent residence (Green Card)** via Form I-485.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rights and responsibilities of the beneficiary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remain in the U.S. lawfully during the validity period of the status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for and renew employment authorization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for social benefits approved for crime victims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include eligible family members in your application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain conduct respectful of U.S. laws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update your address with USCIS in case of moving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooperate with authorities, as established in your certification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal advice with Legal\u00edzate Ya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At&nbsp;<strong>Legal\u00edzate Ya<\/strong>, we understand that behind every U visa application there is a story of suffering, courage, and a quest for justice. Our team offers **sensitive, confidential, and effective legal representation**, guiding you through every stage of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will help you **correctly prepare your Form I-918**, obtain the required certification, and present your case solidly before USCIS, maximizing your chances of success and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcde Contact us today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you been a victim of a crime and need help applying for the U visa?<br>Call us today at\u00a0<strong>(956) 725-9714<\/strong>\u00a0or visit\u00a0<strong><a href=\"\/en\">www.legalizateya.com\/en<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to schedule a confidential consultation with our expert immigration attorneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal\u00edzate Ya \u2014 Support, justice, and hope for victims seeking a new beginning in the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<h3>Immigration protection for victims who cooperate with law enforcement<\/h3>\n<p>This immigration benefit was created to protect people who have suffered physical or mental abuse as a result of a crime and who have cooperated \u2014or are willing to cooperate\u2014 with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of those responsible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-642","1":"custom-practice","2":"type-custom-practice","3":"status-publish","5":"practice-categories-humanitarian-relief-protection","6":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - 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