What is a U visa?

A U visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa available to victims of certain crimes who are helping law enforcement in their investigation or prosecution. To be eligible, the individual must have suffered physical or mental abuse, be a witness or victim of a qualifying criminal activity, and possess credible and reliable information about the criminal activity. The individual must also be willing to cooperate in the investigation or criminal proceeding. The U visa provides temporary and often eventual permanent residency for the individual and certain family members, including spouses, children, and sometimes parents and siblings. In Washington, the U visa offers a degree of protection from deportation, eligibility for work authorization, and access to social services. It is important to note, however, that a U visa does not provide the individual with a path to United States citizenship. Additionally, there are a number of applications and forms that must be submitted and fees that must be paid throughout the process.

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What is a U visa?

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