U Visa

The U visa (or U nonimmigrant status) is a visa given to eligible victims of crimes who assist law enforcement in the prosecution of those crimes. After three years, the U visa holder may be eligible for legal permanent residence status. Qualifying family members may also be eligible for “derivative” U visas by their relationship to the victim and principal U visa holder. [Learn More]

Benefits

If approved for a U-visa, the U-visa holder will hold it for three years and can then apply for a Green Card
Spouses and children under 21 of U-visa holders will also receive U-visa benefits

Eligibility Requirements

You are the victim of a “qualifying” criminal activity (see below)
You have suffered physical or mental abuse as a victim of a criminal activity
You have information to assist law enforcement in the prosecution or investigation of that criminal act, and you are helpful with law enforcement in their work toward that prosecution or investigation
The crime occurred in the US or violated a US law

Qualifying Criminal Activities

[source: USCIS]

Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Female Genital Mutilation
Felonious Assault
Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
Hostage
Incest
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder
Obstruction of Justice
Peonage
Perjury
Prostitution
Rape
Sexual Assault
Sexual Exploitation
Slave Trade
Stalking
Torture
Trafficking
Witness Tampering
Unlawful Criminal Restraint
Other Related Crimes – Any similar activity where the elements of the crime are substantially similar.
- Also includes attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.