Administrative process · USCIS

U Visa (Crime Victims) in Orlando

The U visa is a humanitarian protection for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who cooperate with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. It is an administrative application, filed with USCIS through Form I-918, and it was created to encourage victims to come forward to authorities without fear, while offering a path to protection and, in the future, a possible route to permanent residence.

Who can apply and the requirements

The U visa has its own requirements set by law. In general terms, it applies to a person who:

Was the victim of a qualifying crime that occurred in the United States or that violates U.S. laws
Suffered substantial physical or mental harm as a result of that crime
Has information about the crime and is cooperating, has cooperated, or is likely to cooperate with the investigation or prosecution
Obtains a certification from a competent authority (Form I-918, Supplement B)
Certain family members may be included as derivatives, depending on the victim's age and the degree of relationship

Eligibility depends on the type of crime, the harm suffered, and the cooperation with authorities. Each case is analyzed individually and confidentially, with attention to the victim's circumstances.

How the process works

Obtaining the certification of cooperation from the competent authority (Form I-918, Supplement B)
Preparation of the application with the victim's narrative and evidence of the crime and the harm
Filing of Form I-918 with USCIS, together with any applicable dependents
Monitoring of the review and, when granted, a work permit
In the future, once the requirements and deadlines are met, the possibility of applying for permanent residence

Documents and evidence

The U visa is an application based on evidence and certification. The following are usually relevant:

The authority's certification (Supplement B), the central piece of the application
The victim's personal statement describing the crime and the impact suffered
Police reports and police and court records related to the crime
Medical and psychological records that prove the physical or mental harm
Identity documents and proof of family relationship, in the case of dependents

The authority's certification is the central piece of the U visa and has its own rules: without it, the application does not move forward. What is at stake is an important humanitarian protection for the victim and their family, and details in the documentation can affect the outcome. Gathering the right evidence from the start, with sensitivity and confidentiality, avoids delays and denials and protects the person throughout the process.

What to expect during the process

The U visa is an administrative process before USCIS, not a judicial process. After Form I-918 is filed, the case undergoes review, which usually requires patience. The victim may be asked to supplement information or evidence. The cooperation with authorities, proven by the certification, is monitored along the way. Because of the nature of the benefit, it is common for there to be stages and waiting periods, and the process tends to extend over a considerable period. Keeping your information updated and responding to USCIS's requests within the deadlines is essential to the progress of the case.

How Without Borders handles your case

Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Your U visa application is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to appear in administrative processes before USCIS, within the scope of their accreditation. We handle the narrative and the evidence with sensitivity to the victim's circumstances, provide guidance on the authority's certification, and follow every stage through to the final review. We serve you in Portuguese and English, confidentially, in Orlando, without promising results: our commitment is to prepare your case with care and responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have reported the crime?

Cooperation with authorities is a requirement, and their certification (Supplement B) is a central part of the application. We evaluate your situation with care and confidentiality at the consultation to see how this requirement applies to your case.

Does the U visa lead to a green card?

The U visa is a temporary protection, but it can, once the requirements and deadlines provided by law are met, open a path to permanent residence in the future.

Can I include my family?

Certain family members may be included as derivatives, depending on the victim's age and the degree of relationship. We evaluate the family composition during our work with you.

Can I work with a U visa?

When the U visa is granted, it usually comes with work authorization. We explain the conditions that apply to your case at the consultation.

Is my case confidential?

Yes. We handle your case with confidentiality and sensitivity to your circumstances as a victim, and the law provides privacy protections for this type of humanitarian application.

What types of crime qualify?

The law provides a list of qualifying crimes. Not every crime qualifies, so it is important to evaluate the facts at the consultation to check eligibility.

Related services

Were you the victim of a crime? Evaluate the U visa

Sensitive service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando.

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Informational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.