Filing for Qualifying Family Members
| If you, the principal, are | Then |
|---|---|
| Under 21 years of age | You may petition on behalf of your spouse, children, parents and unmarried siblings under age 18 |
| 21 years of age or older | You may petition on behalf of your spouse and children. |
Contents
- 1 Who qualifies as a derivative for U visa?
- 2 Can I add my spouse to my U visa?
- 3 Can U visa be denied?
- 4 How long does it take for U visa to be approved?
- 5 How many U visas have been granted?
- 6 Is there an interview for U visa?
- 7 Does U visa lead to green card?
- 8 Can you travel with U visa?
- 9 When Can U visa apply for citizenship?
- 10 How much is the U visa?
- 11 Can a US citizen apply for U visa?
- 12 Can I work while U visa pending?
- 13 How long are U visas taking 2021?
- 14 What are the benefits of Visa U?
Who qualifies as a derivative for U visa?
Your family member may be eligible to obtain derivative U visa status based on their relationship to you as the principal petitioner. A principal U visa petitioner can be 21 years of age or older or under 21 years of age.
Can I add my spouse to my U visa?
Answer. The spouse of a U visa holder can’t get a U visa in the traditional way, as a derivative (who obtains benefits through the primary applicant). According to the facts you’ve set forward, you got married after you applied for your U visa, such that your spouse does not qualify as your derivative.
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 does it take for U visa to be approved?
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.
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.
Is there an interview for U visa?
To apply for a U-Visa, you need to fill out certain forms and put together papers that support what you say on the forms. The government will decide whether you should receive a U-Visa. You do not need to go to court or an interview.
Does U visa lead to 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).
Can you travel with U visa?
U Visa Applicants Can Get Stuck Outside the U.S. If They Leave. A pending application for U status does not give you any reentry privileges. Therefore, applicants should not travel outside the U.S. unless an emergency situation requires it.
When Can U visa apply for citizenship?
The basic rule is that you cannot submit your Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship (or apply to naturalize) until you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. That means exactly five years, to the day.
How much is the U visa?
How much does it cost to obtain a U visa? There is no fee to apply for a U visa. There is a filing fee of $230 in order to apply for a derivative visa for a family member (Form I-929).
Can a US citizen apply for U visa?
In some cases, witnessing a crime or being related to a crime victim can qualify someone for U immigration status. Noncitizens who have themselves been the targeted victims of crimes are not the only ones who can apply for U nonimmigrant status (a U visa) in order to remain in the U.S. lawfully.
Can I work while U visa pending?
Deferred action is not an immigration status, but it allows USCIS to give you a work permit so you can work legally while you wait for a decision on your U visa.
How long are U visas taking 2021?
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
What are the benefits of Visa U?
U visa status benefits include the following:
- Lawful status for up to four years;
- Work authorization;
- Derivative benefits for qualifying family members; and.
- Eligibility to adjust status to a lawful permanent resident after three years.
