Tuscaloosa U Visa Lawyer

A U-visa is a significant immigration authorization that offers opportunities for the victims of crimes to obtain legal status in the United States. In order to qualify, an applicant must fit within a number of eligibility criteria. The permit can be challenging to obtain but it is definitely worth considering.

If you have been a victim of a crime within the United States, you might be entitled to apply for a U-visa with the help of a dedicated visa attorney. This permit could keep you safe, help you stay here in the country to work, and allow you to word towards permanent legal status. Let a Tuscaloosa U-visa lawyer help you pursue this option.

Who Qualifies for a U Visa?

The U-visa serves many different purposes. When Congress enacted this visa category, they did so to help protect undocumented individuals, a common target for criminal behavior. In addition, congress recognized U-visas as a tool that law enforcement could use to build meaningful relationships with immigrant communities.

It is important to remember that not every immigrant can apply for a U-visa. There are strict eligibility requirements, and each one must be met. First and foremost, a U-visa is only available to the victim of specific, qualifying criminal activity. Serious crimes like murder, extortion, abduction, or stalking are examples of offenses that might qualify a foreign national for the permit. An applicant must also have suffered mental or physical abuse as the result of the criminal act.

It is not enough to simply be a victim of a crime, however. An applicant must also be able to provide law enforcement with useful information to benefit the investigation. If the applicant cannot assist law enforcement with prosecuting the criminal activity in question, they might not be able to obtain a U-visa.

A knowledgeable attorney in Tuscaloosa could assess a foreign national’s circumstances to determine whether they would be eligible for a U-visa.

Applying for a U Visa from Another Country

Many people apply for a U-visa while they are currently located within the United States. However, it is also possible to petition for this type of visa from outside of the country. The process differs slightly, but a seasoned legal representative could explain each step, in detail.

When a person applies for a U-visa while currently residing in the United States, they do so through a process known as adjustment of status. If their application is accepted, they will receive a notice that they have been granted a visa that will be active for four years. The recipient will then have the opportunity to pursue lawful permanent status later down the road.

However, this process does differ for individuals applying from outside of the country. These immigrants must go through the consular system in their country before they receive a visa. If a foreign applicant is approved for an American U-visa, they will be granted a passport stamped with an indicator of their U-visa status. This will allow them to take the next step and travel to the United States. A Tuscaloosa lawyer could help someone apply for a U-Visa from outside U.S. borders.

Reach Out to a Tuscaloosa U-Visa Attorney As Soon As Possible

If you were the victim of a severe crime, it can be challenging and tedious to recover. Thankfully, you might have an option if you believe that a new immigration status could help keep you safe. For many non-residents who have been a victim of a crime, a U-visa is the perfect option for their situation. If you believe you qualify for a U-visa, contact our office to schedule your consultation. A Tuscaloosa U-visa lawyer could help with your application and offer personalized guidance.