U Visas

Los Angeles U Visa Attorneys

Helping Crime Victims Get Immigration Status

One path that can be helpful for certain individuals seeking immigration relief is to obtain a U visa based on being the victim of a crime. These people may achieve legal status after suffering an eligible crime and providing helpful information during a criminal investigation. However, like most aspects of immigration law, getting a U visa is a complicated process that requires legal advice from a trusted immigration attorney.

When you have an experienced Los Angeles immigration attorney from our law firm on your side, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving your immigration goals. Whether you hope for lawful permanent residency or eventual citizenship, we can help you through the complex and confusing immigration system.

Contact our immigration law firm for help with family-based immigration, immigration appeals, visas based on crimes or abuse, and various other immigration matters. We’ll apply our knowledge, dedication, and skills gained over decades of experience with the immigration process. You can reach us by calling 818-649-2720 today.

What Is a U Visa?

The U visa was designed to help victims of crimes and their family members remain in the United States. Individuals who receive a U visa are expected to help the criminal justice system by participating in criminal investigations and/or prosecutions against the criminal defendant in the case. These visas can be extremely helpful for people who might otherwise not qualify for an immigration benefit in the US.

Some crimes that are included in U visa eligibility requirements include:

  • Felonious assault (i.e. armed robbery or serious bodily injury)
  • Sexual assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Abduction/kidnapping
  • Murder/manslaughter
  • Stalking
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Extortion
  • Torture
  • Human Trafficking

Obtaining a U visa isn’t necessarily easy. You’ll need a certification (I-918, supplement B) signed by a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other investigating agency confirming you were the victim of a qualifying crime; you cooperated in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, and that the crime occurred in the United States. Afterwards, you’ll need to prove your victimhood and submit various documents to qualify for a visa, such as filing Forms I-918 (U visa), I-765 (work authorization), and I-192 (pardon); submitting an affidavit regarding your crime, and applying on behalf of your family members.

With our immigration lawyers by your side, you can proceed confidently as you seek legal status for yourself or your loved ones through a U visa. Call Abogada Nancy right away to learn more about our legal services.

What Benefits Come with a U Visa?

U visas come with many benefits, including:

  • Lawful status
  • Eligibility for public benefits
  • Ability to help certain family members obtain their own U visas
  • Confidentiality protections
  • Work authorization
  • Ability to overcome inadmissibility grounds (immigration violations) that might prevent applicants from being approved for other visas

While these and other benefits can be attractive, it’s important to remember that U visas are highly sought after. There is no time limitation for applying for a U visa. Whether crimes occurred 1 or 20 years ago, the immigration service will not deny your application due to the age of the victimization. With the ever-increasing competition for a U visa, the wait time and rigorous requirements can make getting one difficult. Agreeing to be involved in a criminal investigation can also be a con for many individuals.

If you are unsure whether you qualify or whether a U visa is correct for you, please get in touch with our team of immigration lawyers. We can advise you on your options and help you get started if you decide to proceed with your petition. You can trust our immigration attorneys for honest legal advice and dedicated representation in this and other immigration matters.

Can an Immigration Lawyer Help Me Obtain a U Visa?

Choosing to hire an immigration lawyer might be one of the most helpful things you can do when seeking a U visa or when facing any other immigration issues. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference when deciding what route to take on your immigration journey and getting the results you need.

We have a knowledgeable team ready to help you decide whether to pursue U visas, family visas, or any other immigration matter. Our Los Angeles immigration lawyers will stand by your side as you navigate the process, including facing proceedings in federal courts. We’ll back up your story with evidence that gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome. We represent clients facing a wide range of immigration issues, including citizenship matters, green cards, status applications, and more.

When you are seeking a U visa or hoping to enter the United States through any other petition, please let our legal team help. We have vast experience with family petitions, work-based immigration, and other aspects of the immigration process. We’ll answer your questions and help you gather evidence supporting your story.

Should You Hire Our Los Angeles U Visa Attorneys?

If you or a loved one is the victim of a crime and wants to enter the United States, please let our Los Angeles, CA team assist you. We have spent decades representing clients in various immigration law matters, and we are ready to apply that experience, knowledge, and skill to your immigration case.

At this difficult time, you deserve someone who will stand by your side and seek the best possible outcome on your behalf so you don’t have to carry this heavy burden alone. If you are the victim of a crime and are willing to help with the criminal investigation, you might be eligible for a U visa for yourself and your immediate family members. We’ll help you determine whether a U visa is right for your situation and assist you throughout the application process.

Our law firm is led by Abogada Nancy, who comes from an immigrant heritage. Abogada Nancy uses her family’s experience to guide her as she represents clients with care, compassion, dedication, and honesty. With so much at stake in your immigration case, you should seek representation from someone who knows what you’re going through and is willing to fight for you. You need the Law Office of Nancy Reyes Guarderas, A.P.C.

Contact us immediately to learn more about how we can help with your unique situation. You can reach us by dialing 818-649-2720 today.