It can be incredibly difficult to get a U visa. Thankfully, legal help is available to those who want to obtain U non-immigrant status. By meeting with a U visa lawyer in Bakersfield, you can take the first step toward securing this status and becoming a lawful permanent resident.
At Mendoza Law, the fight continues. We have over 100 years of combined experience and know the challenges that immigrants often face in getting U visas. If you want help from a humanitarian visa lawyer serving Bakersfield, we’ll assist you in any way possible.
Our attorneys will be on your side as you apply for the U visa and position you to achieve the results you want without delay. Contact us for more information.
Why Hire a Lawyer for Your U Visa Case in Bakersfield, California?
Commit time and resources to your search for an immigration lawyer serving Bakersfield. Whomever you choose as your legal representative and advocate will make a world of difference as you go through the U visa application process.
Some of the ways that your lawyer will help you as you apply for the U non-immigrant status include:
- Getting law enforcement or government officials to sign the necessary certification to verify your helpfulness in investigating or prosecuting a crime
- Building a case that shows that you were harmed due to a trafficking, kidnapping, or another U visa-qualifying crime
- Preparing a waiver of inadmissibility if past immigration violations or criminal records could keep you from receiving the U non-immigrant status
- Making sure that your application materials are accurate and complete to reduce the risk of errors that can lead the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reject your petition
- Providing updates and handling communications with USCIS while you wait for a decision on your petition
Mendoza Law has served more than 100,000 clients. We will simplify the U visa application process for you, ensuring that you are well-equipped to prove to USCIS why your petition should be approved. To learn more, discuss your U visa case with us.
Are You Eligible for a U Visa?
Your U visa attorney serving Bakersfield will let you know if you qualify for the U nonimmigrant status. They can teach you about the eligibility requirements for the U non-immigrant status, which include:
- Qualifying crime: You must be a victim of criminal activity that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws. USCIS offers the U visa to victims of severe crimes, such as sexual assault or domestic violence.
- Substantial harm: You’ve suffered substantial physical or mental abuse because of a crime.
- Helpfulness: You have been, are being, or will likely help law enforcement, prosecutors, or judges with the investigation or prosecution of a crime.
- Certification: A certifying agency has signed Form I-918, Supplement B, to confirm your helpfulness in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity.
- Admissibility: You’re admissible to the U.S. However, if this is not the case for you due to prior immigration violations or your criminal history, you can request a waiver of inadmissibility.
Remember, not all humanitarian visa options are the same, and the U nonimmigrant status has distinct eligibility requirements.
As such, it is beneficial to consult with a Bakersfield U visa lawyer before you start the application process. If you’re eligible for the U visa, your attorney will walk you through this process and help you submit the required documents to USCIS.
How to Apply for a U Visa
Ask for help from a Bakersfield U visa attorney, as they are familiar with all aspects of the U nonimmigrant status application process. Your lawyer will remain accessible to you throughout this process, which consists of these steps:
- Have a law enforcement agency sign Form I-918, Supplement B, to certify that you are a victim of a qualifying crime and are, were, or plan to be helpful to the investigation and prosecution of a crime.
- Gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other proof.
- Write a personal statement that explains the criminal activity and the suffering that you’ve experienced because of it.
- Complete your petition.
- Submit your application materials to USCIS.
Unfortunately, it can take five years or longer to receive a U visa. Regardless, your humanitarian visa lawyer is committed to increasing your chances of U visa approval. As part of your lawyer’s efforts to help you, they will stay in contact with USCIS as you await your decision on your U non-immigrant status request.
Our U Visa Lawyers Serving Bakersfield Can Help You Realize the American Dream
The U visa is an opportunity for you and your family. It can be tough to obtain this visa, but you don’t have to file your application materials alone. U visa attorneys serving Bakersfield will help you with your application, ensuring that you can make informed decisions as you submit the necessary materials to USCIS.
At Mendoza Law, we proudly uphold the rights of the immigrant community. If you want to know all about the U visa or are ready to apply for U nonimmigrant status, we’re here for you. Reach out to us today.