Obtaining a U Visa in Anne Arundel County

There are many steps a person must take in order to acquire a U visa. A person must begin with collecting and filling out the necessary paperwork required for applying for a U visa. However, completing this step by oneself could prove to be difficult. One may be highly susceptible to filling out the wrong documents as well as making clerical errors. With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to increase the likelihood of obtaining a U visa in Anne Arundel County.

Process of Obtaining U Nonimmigrant Status

A person may obtain a U visa by submitting the Form I-918 and Form I-918, Supplement B. If applicable, they should submit Form I-912 which is the application for advance permission to enter the nonimmigrant if they seek a waiver of inadmissibility. In addition, the person should submit evidence showing that they are a victim of a qualifying criminal activity.

They should also be able to demonstrate that the crime is in violation of US law or occurred in the United States. The individual should show that they assisted law enforcement and prosecution or are willing to help. They should establish that they suffered mental and/or physical harm as a result of the crime.

Process for Becoming a U.S. Citizen After Obtaining a U Visa

After the U visa application is granted, the person becomes a U visa holder. After being a U visa holder for three years and being physically present in the United States, a U visa holder can apply to become a lawful permanent resident. After five years of being a lawful permanent resident (being a Green Card holder) a lawful permanent resident can apply to become a US citizen.

Requirements for Obtaining a U Visa

Those who are eligible to apply for a U visa are a victim of a qualifying crime. The crime must be in violation of U.S. law or the crime occurred in the United States. The victim must have suffered substantial mental and/or physical harm as a result of the crime. It does not matter whether the criminal activity is a federal crime. Eligibility of the specific crime must meet the criteria for qualifying the criminal activity as described on the USCIS website.

Immigration Benefits Associated with Obtaining a U Visa

The benefits that come with obtaining a U visa are that the person is able to remain in the U.S. under a period of authorized stay and obtain employment authorization  Once the U visa holder is physically present in the United States for three years, they can apply to become a lawful permanent resident. In the future, after at least 5 years as a lawful permanent resident, they can apply to become a U.S. citizen.

When Does a U Visa Expire in Anne Arundel?

The U visa lasts four years and may be extended. A U visa holder can apply for an extension if for some reason they do not meet the requirements to apply to adjust to become a lawful permanent resident. As soon as they are able to apply to become a lawful resident and are eligible to do so, it is recommended that they apply to become a lawful resident.

Risk of Submitting an Application Close to the U Visa Cap

If the applicant is approved after the cap is reached, they are included in that cap and their U visa should be approved. If an applicant is eligible for a U visa, but the cap was hit and they were not included, they may still apply and wait or consider other forms of relief.  For instance, if they were the victim of trafficking then the applicant would be eligible for a T visa, a nonimmigrant visa whose cap is often not hit. In order to avoid filing an application close to the U visa cap, contact an attorney for help with obtaining a U visa in Anne Arundel County.

Contacting an Attorney for Help with Acquiring a U Visa in Anne Arundel County

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a crime in Anne Arundel, they may qualify for a U visa. However, obtaining a U visa in Anne Arundel County may warrant the assistance of an experienced attorney familiar with this process. An attorney could help you gather the necessary information required for filling out the application, as well as advise you on other related legal options. Schedule an appointment with a lawyer today to get started on your case.