U Victim/Witness (Direct/Indirect) Visas
1. U visas are temporary visas for victims (direct or indirect victims or witnesses, depending on criteria) of qualifying criminal activity. The victim should also:
(a) Possess credible and reliable information establishing that (s)he has knowledge of the details concerning the qualifying criminal activity which the U visa is based on; and
(b) Have been, is being and/or is likely to be helpful to a certifying agency in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity; and
(c) The qualifying criminal activity: (i) occurred in the U.S. or U.S. possession, U.S. territories; or (ii) violated a U.S. federal law that provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction.
2. U visa holders are eligible for employment authorization.
3. U visa status allow the visa holders to eventually apply for U.S. permanent residence status or green card.
4. Family members and non-spouse partner (regardless of gender) of temporary visa holders may join them in the U.S., depending on the criteria.
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This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as a legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. For more information, please contact Aik Wan Kok, Immigration Attorney at Tiya PLC, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 202-507-9767 (office) or 703-772-8224 or www.tiyaimmigration.com. Tiya PLC is a U.S. professional law practice specializing in U.S. immigration law. Ms. Kok and Tiya PLC provide legal representation to foreign nationals, individuals and their families, employers and companies in all stages and aspects of green card and work visa matters.