Immigration Relief for Victims of Crime: Understanding U and T Visas
Immigration Relief for Victims of Crime: Understanding U and T Visas
Those who have experienced serious crimes and exploitation often face not only physical and emotional trauma but also uncertainty about their immigration status. Victims may be eligible for special immigration protections—the U visa and the T visa.
Both were established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. These visas offer temporary legal status and work authorization to certain noncitizen victims of crimes who are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
Our compassionate and experienced immigration attorneys at dePaz Cabrera Immigration Law provide legal guidance throughout this process. We help victims gather necessary evidence, communicate with law enforcement agencies for certifications, and ensure applications are complete and compelling.
What Is a U Visa?
The U nonimmigrant visa is available to victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity.
To qualify for a U visa, an applicant must:
- Be the victim of a qualifying crime (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, felonious assault, stalking, etc.).
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.
- Possess information about the crime.
- Be or have been helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution.
- The crime must have occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
Applicants must obtain a signed certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency confirming their cooperation.
What Is a T Visa?
The T nonimmigrant visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking—both sex trafficking and labor trafficking—who are in the United States as a result of the trafficking and who are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting human trafficking crimes.
To qualify for a T visa, an applicant must:
- Be a victim of a severe form of trafficking (i.e., sex and labor) in persons.
- Be physically present in the U.S. or at a port of entry due to trafficking.
- Comply with any reasonable request from law enforcement for assistance (unless under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma).
- Demonstrate that removal from the U.S. would cause extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm.
T visa holders are granted legal status and can include immediate family members, and, in certain circumstances, unmarried siblings under the age of 18.
Seek Legal Help from Our Immigration Attorney
Applying for a U or T visa status involves careful preparation and documentation. Victims often need to collect reports, medical records, and evidence of cooperation with law enforcement. Each visa category has specific forms and timelines that must be followed, and errors or omissions can delay relief or result in denial.
Immigration protections like the U and T visas are designed to support victims in rebuilding their lives without fear of deportation. Speak with our immigration attorney to help you understand victim-based immigration relief and how you can take the next step toward safety, stability, and a brighter future in the United States.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a serious crime or trafficking and is unsure of what steps to take, contact dePaz Cabrera Immigration Law today for a consultation.