One of the most valuable types of nonimmigrant permits is the U-visa. These statuses allow the victims of criminal acts to assist American law enforcement with the prosecution of their abusers. Cooperation with police departments, thankfully, will not result in harmful immigration consequences for the foreign national in question.
These visas are valuable, but there is no doubt the Aurora U-visa case process can be complex. There are important qualifications that must be met, and a successful case always requires extensive paperwork. If you are considering navigating this process, you should not hesitate to work with a skilled U-visa attorney.
As is the case with any immigration action, there are several steps that go into applying for a U-visa. This process begins with a document referred to as Form I-918. Preparing and filing this document formally petitions the U.S. government for U-visa status.
This form is not filed alone. In addition to the I-918, an applicant must also supply an array of supporting documentation. This documentation relates to the applicant’s status as a previous victim of crime and should provide evidence of the abuse or harm they sustained.
After submitting a U-visa application, the government will issue the foreign national a receipt reflecting that the application was received. It is important to remember that this receipt does not provide any insight into whether USCIS will accept the application. In the following weeks, the applicant must submit biometrics data, including his or her fingerprints. Once this step is completed, the case will remain open until the U-visa petition is adjudicated. If this application is granted, the applicant will be able to work in the United States and eventually seek lawful permanent residency.
Filing alone can be a challenge, but a detail-oriented attorney in Aurora can help a U-visa applicant collect all the documents and evidence they need to complete these first few stages of the case process.
One of the most challenging aspects of the U-visa case process is that an application can take years to resolve. This delay can feel like a lifetime for someone facing the threat of deportation. Additionally, U-visas have an annual cap. If the government reaches the cap each year, it could delay all remaining applications.
Delays during this process can be especially distressing for anyone already navigating deportation. The good news is that it could be possible to delay these proceedings while the U-visa application works its way through the system.
For instance, is possible to file a motion requesting that the federal government administratively close removal proceedings while a U-visa application is under consideration. This does not mean the case is dismissed, only that it is halted until a final decision on the U-visa is made.
There is no guarantee that the government will grant this request. There are additional appeals that can be made, but they are also not guaranteed a positive outcome. This might sound intimidating, but a tenacious Aurora lawyer could assist with understanding the process timeline and keeping a U-visa application on track.
The Aurora U-visa case process can be difficult, since long since delays and procedural errors might impact an application. This can be frightening for someone who faces removal from the U.S. and needs protection.
However, when you work with our legal team, pursuing a U-visa does not have to be difficult. With the right attorney, you could seek a U-visa and avoid the stress that can come with handling the application on your own. Reach out right away to learn more.
