If you were the victim of a serious crime in the U.S. and helped law enforcement, you may qualify for a U visa — a path that can lead to lawful status and eventually a green card. It exists for an important reason: so that immigrants can report crimes and seek safety without fear.
What the U visa is for?
Congress created the U visa to encourage immigrant victims of crime to come forward and cooperate with police and prosecutors, rather than staying silent out of fear of their immigration status. It’s both a protection for victims and a public-safety tool. If you were harmed and you assisted (or are willing to assist) authorities, this may be a route worth exploring.
Who may qualify?
Generally, you may be eligible if:
- You were the victim of a qualifying crime (these include domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, and others).
- You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.
- You have information about the crime.
- You were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.
- The crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. law.
The certification requirement — the key piece
A central part of a U visa case is obtaining a certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other certifying official confirming you were helpful. Agencies are not required to sign it, and approaches differ across Texas jurisdictions. Securing this certification is often the hardest and most important step — and where an experienced attorney’s relationships and persistence matter.
What a U visa can lead to
- Temporary lawful status and work authorization
- Protection from removal in many cases
- Possible inclusion of certain family members
- A potential path to a green card after meeting the requirements
One important reality: there’s an annual cap on U visas, so there is typically a significant waiting period, during which other protections may be available. Patience and proper handling are part of the process.
The injury-and-immigration overlap, again: Crime victims are often injured victims — which is precisely the intersection Orange Law is built for. Attorney Karan Joshi handles both immigration and personal injury, so a single attorney can look at both the U visa path and any injury claim arising from the same incident. Confidential, with Spanish-speaking support.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is a U visa?
A U visa is immigration relief for victims of certain serious crimes who suffered substantial abuse and helped law enforcement. It can provide temporary lawful status, work authorization, and a potential path to a green card.
Who qualifies for a U visa in Texas?
Generally, victims of a qualifying crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, have information about the crime, and assisted or are willing to assist law enforcement.
What is the law enforcement certification for a U visa?
It is Form I-918 Supplement B, signed by a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or judge confirming you were helpful in the case. Agencies are not required to sign it, making this often the hardest and most important step.
Is there a wait for a U visa?
Yes. There is an annual cap on U visas, so applicants typically face a significant waiting period. During that time, other protections such as work authorization or deferred action may become available.
Hurt and not sure what to do next? Talk to Orange Law today.
Attorney Karan Joshi and the Orange Law team handle U visa and crime-victim immigration cases across Houston, Fort Bend County, all of Texas, and Arizona.
