U Visa 2021, how to obtain it?

A U visa is a temporary residence card that allows foreigners with a type of work or student relationship to remain in the United States, without being immigrants. U-Visa status is granted to protect victims of crime and help them process the case. The U visa can also be granted as a benefit for those who have witnessed the crime and are close relatives (of the perpetrator).

What is the U visa 2021?

The U 2021 visa is a United States non-immigrant visa that is directed to victims of crimes who have suffered mental abuse or physical violence while in the United States, which grants the option to remain in the country for four (4) years . People who have suffered some type of crime can remain in the United States and apply for a work permit, as well as a future Legal Permanent Residence.

Who qualifies for a 2021 U visa?

People who have gone through the following circumstances:

You have been the victim of a criminal act.
You have suffered physical or mental abuse as a result of being the victim of a crime.
It has relevant information about the criminal activity. If you are under sixteen (16) years of age or are unable to provide information due to a disability, your parent or legal representative may provide information on the crime on your behalf.
Collaborates with the investigation (police, prosecution, judges, state entities, child protection agencies and the like) or criminal prosecution of the crime.
The crime occurred in the United States and violated the laws.

How to obtain the U visa 2021?

First, the DS-160 form must be completed as a Non-Immigrant Visa application that can be completed online and then submitted along with the required documents. You will receive a confirmation page and a number which will serve as your document file.

Next, you will need to submit the following documents to USCIS:

Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Form I-918, Supplement B: Certification of Nonimmigrant Status.
Personal statement describing your situation (crime in which you were involved).
Police and court records that prove that you really were the victim of a crime.
Medical certificate signed by a doctor or hospital clinic in the United States showing that you have suffered mental or physical abuse as a direct consequence of the crime committed against you.
Documents that prove your identity, such as a valid passport or a birth certificate.
Confirmation page of form DS-160.
A photograph that meets the US visa photograph requirements.

How long does the approval of the U visa 2021 take?

The processing time for the U visa 2021 depends on the number of applications that are submitted. However, some people may wait between four (4) and five (5) years for a response to their request.

The status will last four (4) years. Then you could apply for Legal Permanent Residence if you want to continue with your life in the United States, regardless of whether you are undocumented or non-immigrant.

What are the benefits of obtaining the U visa 2021?

If your U visa 2021 is approved, you can have the following benefits:

Work as legal employees.
Open a bank account.
Get a driver’s license.
Enroll in academic or vocational studies.

Can U 2021 visa holders work?

Holders of the U Visa have the right to work, immediately after the approval of their visa. They need to register with the Social Security system for their work and contributions to it, as well as with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) agency or they will receive a court order from the Immigration Department if they don’t.

The U Nonimmigrant Status is an exclusive Visa for victims involved in serious crimes such as rape or sexual abuse of non-immigrants with the objective of protecting their civil rights basically because they had some type of contact with American justice.

The U 2021 Visa allows applicants to work legally within the United States, in addition to having the visa, they obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), without the need to present Form I-765. Once they have the EAD, they can apply for the Legal Permanent Resident Visa after having completed the term of four (4) years.

Additional information about the U visa 2021

To obtain this visa it is necessary to have been a victim of a crime of a violent nature that has occurred in the United States, these violent crimes include: crime, sexual abuse, violence to minors (under 18) or other type of violence against immigrant victims. It is also necessary to have evidence and information about the crime, in order to collaborate with the competent authorities and for the case to be processed effectively. Likewise, it is important that the applicant is admissible in the country according to immigration laws.

In order to apply for the U Visa, some forms must be completed. First, the I-98 Petition for U Nonimmigrant status must be completed. In order to apply, it is necessary to have all the information available on the crime, judicial data and address; The testimonies of family and friends will also be of great help to solve it and that you can obtain the visa. After this, the I-918 Supplement B form must be completed, this form will be completed by the agency that has the capacity to investigate the crime, since they must certify that the victim who is requesting the U visa is collaborating to solve the case.

It is important to remember that these Visas have a duration of approximately four (4) years, but this time can be extended depending on the resolution of the case. After this time, the victim will be able to apply for a Legal Permanent Residence or Green Card (Green Card) through an adjustment of status in order to be able to stay in the country legally and work, so that in the future they can obtain American citizenship.

This is everything you need to know about the U Visa 2021, if you need help to apply for this visa or have any questions you can contact us through the following form.