Applying for a U-Visa in Tuscaloosa

If you are not currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident but have been the victim of specific types of criminal offenses and are providing aid or are willing to aid law enforcement in their inquiry or pursuance of the perpetrator(s) of these criminal acts, you may be eligible for a U-visa. Qualifying and applying for a U-visa can be a lengthy and complicated process, and there are many detailed steps you must follow.

When you are considering applying for a U-visa in Tuscaloosa, you should obtain legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced u-visa attorney could advise whether your situation may give you the standing to apply for this type of permit. A lawyer could also walk you through the application process step-by-step while advocating for and filing all the necessary forms on your behalf.

General Requirements to Apply for a U-Visa in Tuscaloosa

Before an immigrant can apply for a U-visa, they must work with a knowledgeable Tuscaloosa attorney to satisfy a range of pre-requisites. The applicant must not only have been affected by a crime, but the crime must have inflicted personal or psychological harm to that individual. Common examples of specific crimes that could entitle an individual to apply for a U-visa include rape, kidnapping, sexual assault, trafficking, and other forms of violence.

The individual seeking the U-visa must also possess details about the crime in question and demonstrate that they have aided, are aiding, or could provide aid to investigators with holding the criminal party or parties responsible for these acts. The crime in question must either directly contravene existing U.S. laws or have occurred within the country’s borders. Furthermore, the individual must be eligible to obtain entry and remain in the United States.

Can an Undocumented Immigrant Apply for a U-Visa?

Fortunately, undocumented individuals are still often able to apply for U-Visas. Undocumented status should not deter potentially eligible parties from exploring the U-visa option. Even if someone is determined inadmissible to the U.S. on grounds such as illegal overstay, he or she can often pursue an immigration waiver that then allows for a U-Visa application.

The Application Process Explained

Several forms and documents must be submitted when applying for a U-visa. There is Form I-918, which is the petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Another essential document is Form I-918 Supplement B, which is an attestation from law enforcement showing that the applicant has, is, or is probable to provide aid in the inquiry into the crime or crimes involved. The applicant will also need to provide detailed supporting documentation related to the crime and alleged harm they suffered, in addition to any relevant immigration waiver. A dedicated attorney could offer guidance and support through each of these steps, since missing even a single detail can adversely impact the outcome of a u-visa case.

Benefits of Applying for a U-Visa

There are several critical benefits associated with seeking a U-visa in Tuscaloosa. While a U-visa is temporary, successful applicants grant immigrants the ability to live and work in the U.S. for the validity of the visa. Additionally, these permits could help bring temporary immigration relief for eligible family members, such spouses, children, or parents.

The most notable advantage of applying for a U-visa is the potential to obtain a green card or citizenship down the line. For example, U-visa holders may be able to seek lawful permanent residence via a green card after holding the visa for a period of three years. A lawyer could provide further guidance based on the specific situation of a prospective applicant.

Call Our Attorneys About Applying For a U-Visa in Tuscaloosa

The time to apply for, process, and gain approval for a U-visa can vary. While some applications may take months to process, others have been known to take years due to the volume of visa cases handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is wise to retain an attorney from the start when applying for a U-visa in Tuscaloosa.

Not only could legal representation stay on top of your case, but they can also ensure that all the required paperwork is filed correctly so you can avoid administrative issues causing delays with your visa application. To learn more about applying for a U-visa, contact a lawyer today and schedule your initial consultation.