Immigrants in the United States are sometimes victims of serious crimes – and unfortunately, many are afraid to report what happened. Fear of deportation can keep survivors from coming forward, even when they have critical information to help law enforcement. If you or someone you love is an undocumented immigrant and has been a victim of a violent or exploitative crime, the U Visa could offer legal protection and a path to permanent residency.
At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, we help crime victims apply for U Visas from any state in the U.S., with offices across Greater Chicago.
A U Visa (U nonimmigrant status) is a special visa available to non-citizens who are victims of certain serious crimes that happened in the U.S. or violated U.S. law. Congress created the U Visa in 2000 as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act to encourage undocumented crime victims to help law enforcement without fear of deportation.
If approved, U Visa recipients receive:
To qualify for a U Visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
You must file Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and provide:
Just saying you were a victim is not enough. You must prove substantial harm through evidence.
There are 28 qualifying crimes, including:
Violent Crimes:
Crimes of Exploitation:
Sexual Crimes:
Other crimes like perjury, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice may also qualify if they result in harm.
Yes. Your spouse, children, or other close family members may also qualify for a U derivative visa. If you are under 21, your parents and unmarried siblings under 18 may also qualify.
After three years in the U.S. on U Visa status, you may apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) if:
What is a U Visa?
A U Visa is for non-citizens who are victims of serious crimes and can help law enforcement. It allows them to stay in the U.S. legally, work, and eventually apply for a green card.
What crimes qualify for a U Visa?
There are 28 qualifying crimes including rape, kidnapping, sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and more.
Do I have to report the crime?
Yes. You must report the crime and cooperate with law enforcement. A signed certification is required.
Can my family get visas too?
Yes. Depending on your age, your spouse, children, parents, or siblings may qualify.
What evidence do I need?
Can I get a work permit?
Yes. You will be eligible for a work permit once your U Visa is approved.
How long is the visa valid?
Up to four years. You can apply for a green card after three years.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not required, but strongly recommended. The process is complex, and an experienced immigration lawyer can help strengthen your case.
How can Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers help?
We help crime victims across the U.S. apply for U Visas, work permits, and green cards. With six offices in Greater Chicago, we offer compassionate and experienced legal support.
At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, our experienced immigration and U Visa attorneys have helped hundreds of crime victims across the U.S.
📞 Call now for a 100% confidential consultation: 855-908-3963
📍 Serving all 50 states from 6 convenient Chicago locations
Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora
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Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
