If you survived a crime in Fort Worth and need lawful status to rebuild your life, a U visa lawyer in Fort Worth can help. At Mendoza Law, our humanitarian visa lawyer in Fort Worth assists immigrant victims and their families with U visa eligibility reviews, certification requests, applications, and waivers in Fort Worth.
You may feel overwhelmed by paperwork, deadlines, and safety needs. We help victims of domestic violence, assault, stalking, sexual offenses, and other qualifying crimes pursue U visas and related benefits in Fort Worth. We’ve served over 100,000 clients with our 100 years of combined experience.
Who Qualifies For A U Visa?
To qualify, you must be a victim of a qualifying criminal activity, have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, and possess information about the crime. You must also have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement.
The criminal activity must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law. You do not need to be in legal immigration status to apply from Fort Worth, and prior removal orders do not automatically bar you.
Eligibility depends on proof. Our immigration lawyer in Fort Worth gathers police reports, medical and therapy records, declarations, and the Form I-918B law enforcement certification that confirms your helpfulness.
For a free case evaluation with an u visa lawyer serving Fort Worth, call +1 (202) 933-3379
Qualifying Criminal Activity Recognized in Fort Worth
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes a list of qualifying criminal activities, including domestic violence, felonious assault, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, extortion, witness tampering, and related attempts or conspiracies. Texas offenses that match these categories can qualify.
In Fort Worth, local police codes may use different names for charges, but the underlying conduct can still fit the federal U visa list. We connect Texas Penal Code offenses to the federal categories in your filing.
Even if the case was declined or dismissed, the conduct can still qualify. What matters is the nature of the crime, the harm you suffered, and your helpfulness to authorities.
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Getting The Law Enforcement Certification in Fort Worth
The Form I-918, Supplement B, also called the “U certification,” confirms that you were a victim and were helpful. Without a signed certification, USCIS cannot approve a U visa, so obtaining it is a priority in Fort Worth cases.
Each agency sets its own process for certification review. We prepare a packet with the police report, your statement, and proof of helpfulness to make the request clear, accurate, and respectful of the agency’s time.
Some agencies prefer requests from attorneys. Others accept requests directly from victims. Our U visa lawyers in Fort Worth advise you on the local practice, including delivery method, updates, and how to respond to questions from the certifying officer.
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Filing Your U Visa: Forms, Evidence, and Process
We will help you file Form I-918 with personal evidence, the signed I-918B certification, and supporting records. If your spouse, children, or parents qualify for a visa as well, we add Form I-918A for each family member.
If you are not accepted for any reason, we request a discretionary waiver on Form I-192. Many grounds can be waived for humanitarian reasons, family unity, or public interest, especially for victims cooperating with law enforcement. We submit your application to USCIS with organized exhibits and translations.
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Bona Fide Determination and Work Permits For U Visa Applicants
USCIS may grant a Bona Fide Determination (BFD) if your filing is complete and passes initial checks. With a BFD, you may receive protection from deportation and a work permit before final U status approval.
For many Fort Worth families, BFD work authorization is a lifeline while waiting in the queue. We prepare initial filings with this goal in mind, including biometrics readiness and identity documents.
Processing times vary. Some applicants receive BFD decisions within months, while others wait longer, depending on volume and case factors. We monitor your case and submit timely updates if you move, change jobs, or add evidence.
Our U Visa Lawyers in Fort Worth Help With Adjusting To a Green Card
After three years of continuous presence in U status and continued cooperation, you may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence. You must not have unexcused absences and should maintain a clean record.
We prepare your adjustment of status packet with Form I-485, evidence of three years in U status, and updated background checks. For eligible family members, timing depends on your status and presence requirements.
A green card can lead to citizenship after five years as a permanent resident. We map your timeline so you know when to gather records, complete medical exams, and prepare for interviews in the Dallas–Fort Worth field office.
How We Build a Strong U Visa Case
We start with a detailed timeline of the crime and its aftermath. Then we collect records: police reports, medical files, counseling notes, and your personal statement explaining the harm and helpfulness.
Our U visa lawyers in Fort Worth coordinate the I-918B certification request with the right agency, present your cooperation, and maintain respectful communication until a decision is issued. If the agency needs more information, we respond promptly.
As a part of our thorough approach, we have an anti-fraud auditing process. Our robust screening system proves that your case is valid and removes any other cases that may be fraudulent, and protects your case from being delayed in any way.
What To Bring To Your U Visa Consultation
Bringing the right documents speeds up your case plan. If you do not have everything yet, come anyway, and we will build a checklist for your situation. Common items you should bring to your first meeting with us include:
- Any police reports, incident numbers, or case numbers from Fort Worth or Tarrant County
- Medical or therapy records related to the crime and its effects
- Court papers, protective orders, or communications with prosecutors
- Passports, IDs, prior immigration applications or receipts, and removal documents
- Marriage, birth, or adoption certificates for you and qualifying relatives
- Any evidence of cooperation with law enforcement, including emails or call logs
Contact Our U Visa Lawyer in Fort Worth
At Mendoza Law, we will discuss your situation, confirm eligibility, and map out the next steps. We are ready to help you secure protection, work authorization, and a long-term path forward in Fort Worth.
Contact us; your first call is free.
Call or text +1 (202) 933-3379 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
