What is the U Visa, and How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

Imagine this: you survive a traumatic experience in the United States, and instead of receiving protection, you are facing the fear of deportation. It is unfair, right? This is exactly why the U Visa exists—a powerful immigration tool and humanitarian visa to protect those who need it most: victims of certain serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.

The U Visa doesn’t just help you regularize your immigration status, my people—it can also lead to a work permit and, in some cases, permanent residency in the U.S.

Once again, it’s your friend, immigration attorney Maria Mendoza. In this article, I’ll explain the U Visa—what it is, who may qualify, and how long the approval process usually takes. Keep reading!

Also read: How to increase your chances of U Visa approval?

What is the U Visa?

As I mentioned above, the U Visa was created by the United States Congress to protect individuals who have suffered physical, psychological, or emotional harm as a result of serious crimes committed within the country and recognized by USCIS. Some examples of qualifying crimes include:

• Domestic violence

• Assault

• Stalking

• Extortion

• Sexual abuse

• Kidnapping

At the same time, this immigration benefit encourages victims to assist law enforcement and helps strengthen the ability of public agencies to investigate and prosecute cases. It ensures that perpetrators are held accountable while supporting those who have suffered in silence.

You may also be interested in: Were you a victim of assault? You may qualify for the U Visa.

Who Qualifies for the U Visa?

One important thing to know is that even if you entered the country without documentation, have previous deportations, permanent detentions, or certain criminal records, you may still qualify for the U Visa. It’s one of the few immigration pathways that offers this flexibility. However, to be eligible, you must meet some key requirements:

• Be a victim of a USCIS-qualified crime. The crime must have occurred in the United States and be verifiable. 

• Have suffered physical, psychological, or emotional harm as a result of the crime.

• Cooperate with law enforcement. This includes providing information, testifying, assisting in investigations, and ideally, pressing charges.

Here's more about it: Requirements to Apply for the U Visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a U Visa Approved?

While timelines can vary depending on each case, and the U visa approval process can be lengthy, these are some average processing times:

• Provisional Work Permit. While your U Visa application is under review, it may take from 1 to 2 years to receive a work permit.

• U Visa Approval. Depending on the processing center’s workload, the average time to receive a final decision is between 5 and 6 years. 

• Permanent Residency (Green Card). Once your U Visa is approved, it may take between 7 and 10 years from the beginning of the process to obtain a Green Card, or even longer in some cases.

Benefits of the U Visa

As you can see, the U Visa is more than just a legal path to remain in the U.S.—it’s a lifeline of justice and hope for victims. Getting approved can mean a safe and stable life beginning, with the opportunity to work legally, protect their families, and eventually apply for permanent residency.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a qualifying crime and may be eligible for a U Visa, it’s essential to seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney. At The Mendoza Law Firm, we have more than 15 years helping crime victims to find the protection they deserve. Contact us today—let’s fight for your rights together! Your bravery deserves to be recognized!

¡La lucha sigue!