Applying for a U Visa in Maryland
There are various requirements a person must meet when applying for a U visa in Maryland. Not only does a person have to submit evidence pertaining to the harm they suffered as a result of a crime, they must also submit various documents as part of the application process. To learn more about applying for a U visa in Maryland, or if you wish to retain legal assistance for a specific case, schedule a consultation today.
Applying for a U Visa in the United States
If a person is trying to apply for a U visa from within the United States, they should begin by petitioning for U visa nonimmigrant status. Once an applicant completes this step, they should fill out Form I-918 Supplement B. This form is completed by law enforcement or prosecution. Along with these applications, individuals are to submit evidence of any harm they have suffered. Once all these steps have been completed, an applicant would submit Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.
Obtaining a U Visa from Outside of the United States
If the applicant is outside of the United States, they still submit Form I-918 and Form I-918 Supplement B. Their fingerprints would be taken at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas. If the U visa is approved, the applicant would go through consular processing and have their interview again at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad to enter the U.S. under U visa status.
Necessary Testimony for Acquiring a U Visa
An individual seeking to obtain a U visa may have to provide specific information regarding the crime in order to show that the crime was a qualifying crime, as well as explain how they have suffered. The information provided by an individual does not have to result in a conviction for an application to be accepted. Cooperation with the police department, prosecutor or both is sufficient.
What is Law Enforcement Certification?
Law Enforcement Certification shows the USCIS that a qualifying crime occurred, that the applicant was the victim of the qualifying crime, and that they cooperated with law enforcement or the prosecution. This form is signed by a member of law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office. In addition to submitting this form, the U visa applicant would have to provide information about the law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office that is signing the certification. This information includes:
- The status of the case
- The case number
- The date in which the qualifying crime occurred
- Where it occurred
- How the applicant assisted in the investigation and prosecution of that crime
Applying with a Criminal Record
A person may be able to obtain a U visa with a criminal record depending upon the nature of the offense committed. Some criminal and immigration violations are waivable, and some are not, which is why it is important to speak to an attorney about past criminal and immigration violations. Criminally inadmissible grounds can include:
- Crimes involving moral turpitude
- Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentences is confinement of five years or more
- Other crimes, such as human trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, etc
Retain Professional Legal Assistance Today
When applying for a U visa in Maryland, it is vital that you retain the help of a professional lawyer who can assist you with your needs. With a lawyer at your side, you may be able to complete your U visa application in a prompt and efficient manner. An attorney could also review your application to make sure that all evidence was correctly submitted and that there are no errors. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.