What are the requirements for obtaining a U visa for crime victims in the US, and what are the associated benefits?

The U nonimmigrant visa is specifically designated for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are helpful to U.S. law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. This visa category was created by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization in 2000.

To qualify for a U visa, an applicant must meet several core requirements:

• Victimization: The applicant must be the victim of a qualifying criminal activity (e.g., rape, torture, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, involuntary servitude, etc.).
• Substantial Abuse: The victimization must have resulted in substantial mental or physical abuse.
• Helpfulness to Authorities: The applicant must possess information concerning the criminal activity and be willing to assist, or have assisted, law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
• Admissibility: The applicant must be admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.

The application process requires obtaining a certification on Form I-918, Supplement B, from a certifying official (such as a police department, prosecutor’s office, or specialized federal agency). Once the U visa petition (Form I-918) is approved, the victim is granted U-1 nonimmigrant status for up to four years. A significant benefit of the U visa is that U-1 nonimmigrants may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and may petition to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (green card) after three years in valid U-1 status, provided they continue to meet the requirements and have not unreasonably refused to cooperate with authorities.

Source: USCIS, U Nonimmigrant Status, and U.S. Code Title 8, Section 1184(p).