Terpollari & Terpollari, LLC are experienced immigration attorneys located in Jacksonville and Tampa, serving clients across the USA. They specialize in various areas of immigration law, including asylum and refugee status, citizenship and naturalization, deportation defense, and family-based immigration.
U VISA
U Visa Attorney: Immigration Relief for Crime Victims
U Visa Attorney: Immigration Relief for Crime Victims
- The U nonimmigrant visa (U visa) is a form of immigration relief created by Congress to protect immigrant victims of crime while strengthening the ability of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute serious offenses. If you or a family member has been the victim of a qualifying crime in the United States, you may be eligible for U visa status — even if you are currently undocumented or have prior immigration violations.
Who Qualifies for a U Visa
- To be eligible for U nonimmigrant status, an applicant generally must show that they:
- Were the victim of a qualifying criminal activity, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, felonious assault, kidnapping, or other serious crimes
- Suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of that crime
- Possess information about the criminal activity
- Have been helpful, are currently helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement, prosecutors, or judges in the investigation or prosecution of the crime
- Are admissible to the United States, or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility
- A critical component of every U visa petition is the Form I-918B certification, signed by a qualifying law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other authority confirming the applicant's cooperation. Obtaining this certification often requires direct coordination with local police departments, state attorneys, or federal agencies.
Evaluating Eligibility and Waiver Options
- Every case is different, and many applicants have circumstances that raise questions about admissibility. As part of our evaluation, we assess whether an individual may qualify for U visa relief and whether a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192) may be available based on their specific facts. A waiver may be available for certain grounds of inadmissibility, including unlawful entry, unlawful presence, certain immigration violations, misrepresentation, and other issues, depending on the circumstances of the case. Because inadmissibility findings can vary widely from one case to the next, a careful review of an applicant's immigration and personal history is essential before determining what relief may be possible.
Benefits of U Visa Status
Approved applicants receive:
- Employment authorization to legally work in the United States
- Protection from removal during the period of valid status
- Eligibility to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) after three years in U status
- The ability to petition for certain qualifying family members, including spouses, children, and in some cases parents or siblings
Why Work With an Experienced U Visa Attorney
- U visa cases involve significant evidentiary requirements, strict USCIS filing procedures, and close coordination with law enforcement — and current processing times can extend for several years due to an annual visa cap. Our experienced immigration attorneys can help gather supporting evidence, secure law enforcement certification, evaluate waiver eligibility, prepare a well-documented petition, and advise on interim options such as deferred action while a case is pending.
- Our firm represents crime victims throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area in U visa petitions, from initial eligibility screening through final adjustment of status. If you believe you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
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