Quick Answer: U Visa Granetd Now What?

Immediately after the victim is granted U status, they obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and do not need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to get it. With the EAD, U visa holders can work in any legal industry and in any capacity, both full and part-time.

What happens when your U visa is approved?

After the U visa is approved at the USCIS Vermont Service Center, the file will be sent to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) for processing. The United States consulate in your client’s country of origin is responsible for issuing the U visa travel document.

Can I travel after U visa is approved?

Once USCIS has approved your U visa application, you may only enter the U.S. with an official visa from the consulate or with advance parole if you have filed your application for lawful permanent residence.

What is approved U visa?

The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa that is reserved for victims of crime who assist law enforcement. U visa holders have legal status in the United States, receive employment authorization (work permit), and even a possible path to a green card and U.S. citizenship.

What can you do with a visa U?

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

How do I know if my U visa is approved?

Remember: Look at your I-94 card to find out when your status started. If you got U nonimmigrant status while in the U.S., your I-94 card is at the bottom of your approval letter from USCIS. If you came into the U.S. on a U visa, you need to print your I-94 card from the website www.cbp.gov/I94.

How long does it take to get U visa after approval?

It typically takes about four and a half years for USCIS to fully process U visa applications, which includes the agency taking biometrics (photographs and fingerprints), processing all forms and supporting information (such as the Certification of Helpfulness by a qualifying agency), and finally, issuing an approval

Why is my U visa taking so long?

One reason it takes so long is that Congress limited the number of U visas the government can give out to 10,000 per year,¹ but far more than 10,000 people apply for U visas each year, so the line of applications waiting to get reviewed gets longer and longer every year.

Does the U visa expire?

Find out which applicants can apply for permanent residence in the U.S. based on having held a U visa. You should apply for a green card as soon you can, because you must continue to be eligible as a U visa crime victim when you apply, and because your U visa expires in only four years.

How does the U visa work?

A U-Visa lets victims of crimes who meet certain requirements stay in the United States. A U-Visa provides the following benefits: You can legally live in the United States for four years. After three years of having a U-Visa you can apply for a green card to stay in the U.S. permanently.

Why was U visa created?

Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa in 2000 when it passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. Its purpose was to encourage immigrants to report crimes to law enforcement and also to afford protection for those willing to cooperate.

How many U visas have been granted?

The U Visa Is a Sizeable Source of Permanent Immigration Currently there are more than 200,000 U visa petitions that are pending action from USCIS. More than 170,000 applications have been approved since 2009.

Can U visa be denied?

USCIS may deny a U visa petition for a variety of reasons including if the victim’s criminal history warrants such a decision. Denials may occur in cases where a victim has multiple arrests, convictions, or has a serious or violent criminal arrest record.

How long are U visas taking?

Unfortunately, the U visa takes quite some time to process. It can take from 12 to 18 months for the U visa to be processed and approved. The processing times may vary widely though, since for example, if you are required to send in additional evidence to USCIS, processing times may become longer.

Can you work on U visa?

With approved U nonimmigrant status, the victim and their immediate family members (under derivative U visas) may temporarily reside in the United States for up to four years. During that time, the applicant can live and work in the United States with a valid work permit under deferred action status.

Is U visa a green card?

U.S. immigration law allows aliens who have been victims of certain crimes and granted U nonimmigrant status (U visa) to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card). To qualify for a Green Card as a crime victim, you must have U nonimmigrant status and meet certain eligibility requirements.