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Can I Get A Visa By Witnessing A Crime?

A U visa is a nonimmigrant visa for victims of certain crimes who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. The U visa is a temporary visa, but it can lead to permanent residency.

To be eligible for a U visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must have been the direct victim or bystander victim of a qualifying crime, such as a violent crime.
  • You must have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

If you are eligible for a U visa, you can apply for the visa through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application process can be complex, so you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

Here are some of the benefits of having a U visa:

  • You will be able to live and work in the United States temporarily.
  • You will be eligible for a green card after you have been in the United States for 3 years with your U-visa status..
  • You will be able to bring your spouse and children to the United States with you.

If you are a victim of a crime and you have been helpful to law enforcement, you may be eligible for a U visa. This visa can provide you with a path to permanent residency in the United States. Even undocumented or out-of-status parents may qualify for a u-visa indirectly if the crime happened to their child.

Who Qualifies For A U Visa?

Here are some of the crimes that qualify for a U visa:

  • Violent crimes: This includes crimes such as murder, assault, and rape.
  • Human trafficking crimes: This includes crimes such as forced labor, involuntary servitude, and sex trafficking.
  • Smuggling crimes: This includes crimes such as transporting undocumented immigrants across international borders.

If you have been the victim of a qualifying crime, you should contact law enforcement immediately. You should also contact an immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility for a U visa.

Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney for a U Visa Case Is Important

The U visa application process can be long and complex, and it is important to have an experienced immigration attorney on your side. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, prepare your application and represent you before USCIS.

Here are some of the reasons why it is important to retain an attorney for a U visa case:

  • An attorney can help you understand your rights.
    The U visa program is complex, and there are many rules and regulations that you need to be aware of. An attorney can help you understand your rights and make sure that your application is compliant with the law.
  • An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence.
    The U visa application requires a lot of evidence, including documentation of the crime you were a victim of, your cooperation with law enforcement, and your financial hardship. An attorney can help you gather this evidence and ensure that it is properly submitted.
  • An attorney can represent you before the USCIS.
    The U visa application process is adversarial, and you will need to be represented by an attorney if you want to have the best chance of success. An attorney can represent you at your interview and make sure that your case is presented in the best possible light.

If you are considering applying for a U visa, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

Talk To U Visa Lawyer

There are a limited number of U visas available each year. If you or a family member was a victim of a crime or domestic abuse and want to live in the United States, you may be entitled to a U visa. Contact an experienced U visa lawyer to ensure your application is complete and does not have any mistakes that will result in your application being denied or rejected. Call us at 630-912-0322 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties

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