If you were the victim of a serious crime in the United States and helped, or are willing to help, law enforcement, the U visa (U Nonimmigrant Status) can give you legal status, a work permit and, in time, a green card — even if you have no status today.
At Hayoon Kane Law Firm, we handle U visa cases for clients in all 50 states. We work with police, prosecutors and judges to obtain the certification your case requires, and we plan every contact so the person who hurt you is never involved.
Police Certification (I-918B)
Form I-918 Petition
Work Permit While You Wait
Green Card After 3 Years
The U visa covers many crimes, not only violence between strangers. If even one of these feels close to home, you may qualify.
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You were hurt or threatened by a spouse, partner or family member
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You were sexually assaulted or harassed, at work or anywhere else
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You were attacked, robbed or seriously injured by someone
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Someone used threats to take money, work or silence from you
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You reported the crime, or you are willing to, but fear your status
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The crime happened years ago and the case is already closed
You do not need to decide anything today. Tell us what happened, and we will explain your options before you take any step.
Talk to Us ConfidentiallyThe U visa was created so that crime victims can safely work with police and prosecutors without fear of deportation. It provides:
U nonimmigrant status lets you live in the U.S. lawfully for up to four years, regardless of how you entered.
Only 10,000 U visas are issued each year, so the wait is long. USCIS can grant deferred action and a work permit (EAD) early through a bona fide determination.
After three years in U status you can apply for permanent residence (Form I-485).
Your spouse and children can be included. If you are under 21, your parents and unmarried siblings under 18 may qualify too.
Unlawful entry, overstays and many other problems can be waived with a Form I-192 waiver filed alongside your case.
Federal law sets four requirements. You do not need current immigration status, and the crime does not have to be recent. If you were forced or tricked into work or sex, a T visa may be the better fit.
Domestic violence
Sexual assault
Felonious assault
You were the victim of one of the crimes on the U visa list, or a similar crime, that happened in the U.S. or violated U.S. law.
Physical
Mental or emotional
You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime. Emotional harm counts.
Police report
Form I-918B
You helped, are helping, or are willing to help investigate or prosecute. A police department, prosecutor or judge must sign a certification.
No status needed
Waiver available
Most past immigration violations can be forgiven with a waiver. We review your history before you file anything.
The certification is the step most cases get stuck on. We handle the request so you are not negotiating with a police department alone.
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We request the law enforcement certification from the police, prosecutor or court that handled your case.
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We file your petition with your declaration, medical or counseling records and any waiver you need.
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If USCIS finds your petition bona fide, you receive deferred action and a work permit while you wait for a visa.
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When your U visa is approved, the clock starts. After three years we file for your green card.
The wait is long, but the work permit is not. Because of the annual cap, final approval can take years. Filing a complete case early is what gets you a work permit sooner.
A U visa case is won on the certification, the declaration and the waiver. We take each one off your shoulders.
Confirm the crime qualifies and review your immigration history for anything that needs a waiver.
Identify the right agency and prepare the request so the I-918B is signed, even for closed cases.
Help you tell what happened and how it affected you, in a way USCIS recognizes as substantial harm.
Prepare and file the petition, family member petitions and any inadmissibility waiver.
Respond to USCIS requests for evidence and renew your work permit while you wait.
File your adjustment of status after three years in U status, including for your family members.
Start with an intake call with our client care team. Tell us the safest way and time to reach you.
If you need an attorney consultation, we will explain the fee upfront. Consultations are available virtually nationwide, in English and Korean.
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