U-Visa and Green Cards for Victims of Abuse (VAWA)
Immigration through U Visa
The U non-immigrant status (U Visa) was created for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Generally, the individual must show the following to warrant a granting of U Non-immigrant status (U Visa):
Battered Spouse, Children & Parents Protected under VAWA
Such victims may be eligible for certain immigration benefits, as provided under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Under the law, victims related to citizens and lawful permanent residents may file a self-petition, without the abuser’s knowledge. Therefore, the victim can seek a level of protection and independence from the abuser, who is not made aware of the filing.
General Eligibility - Spouse
General Eligibility - Child
General Eligibility - Parent
Immigration Attorney Experienced with U-Visa and VAWA Cases
If you reside in California or anywhere else in the United States and have been a victim of a crime and want to determine if you may be eligible for a U Visa, contact our immigration law office at (714) 441-2800 to schedule an initial consultation so that we may evaluate your case.
The U non-immigrant status (U Visa) was created for victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Generally, the individual must show the following to warrant a granting of U Non-immigrant status (U Visa):
- s/he was a victim of a qualifying criminal activity; AND
- Has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity;
- Has information concerning that criminal activity;
- Has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime;
- The criminal activity violated U.S. laws
Battered Spouse, Children & Parents Protected under VAWA
Such victims may be eligible for certain immigration benefits, as provided under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Under the law, victims related to citizens and lawful permanent residents may file a self-petition, without the abuser’s knowledge. Therefore, the victim can seek a level of protection and independence from the abuser, who is not made aware of the filing.
General Eligibility - Spouse
- The marriage to a citizen or resident is currently in effect, or was terminated within 2 years to the self-petition filing;
- The marriage was entered into in good faith and the abused spouse is a person of good moral character;
- The spouses lived together at some point.
General Eligibility - Child
- Is the child of and resided with the citizen or resident abuser;
- Is of good moral character;
General Eligibility - Parent
- Has been abused by the U.S. citizen son or daughter or is the parent of a child that has been victim to abuse by a citizen or resident;
- Resided with the abusive son or daughter;
- Is a person of good moral character
Immigration Attorney Experienced with U-Visa and VAWA Cases
If you reside in California or anywhere else in the United States and have been a victim of a crime and want to determine if you may be eligible for a U Visa, contact our immigration law office at (714) 441-2800 to schedule an initial consultation so that we may evaluate your case.