At the Phoenix Arizona Law office of Ybarra Maldonado, we provide skilled legal help for immigrants seeking all types of visas. As an experienced Phoenix U Visa attorney, we have helped many crime victims determine if they are eligible and obtain U Visas.
If you were the victim of a violent crime and are not a U.S. citizen, you don’t need to fear reporting the crime to law enforcement.
Enlist the help of a Phoenix U Visa attorney from Ybarra Maldonado Law Group to help you fight back against your attacker and secure your rights. Call (602) 905-9299 today.
U Visa Eligibility
Congress created the U Visa system to allow victims of crimes to call the police and not be afraid of their legal status. It also allows victims to assist as witnesses in investigations and prosecution of the crimes. Before the program started, many victims wanted to report crimes but were too afraid to do so. They were afraid they might get deported. They feared detention by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if their immigrant status was not legal. Without the U Visa provision, criminals could target immigrant populations without fearing consequences. Congress intended for the U Visa program to help victims seek justice for the crimes in which they were victims.
A U Visa allows non-citizen victims of crimes who meet certain requirements to stay in the United States. Non-citizen victims of crimes who meet certain requirements may apply for a U Visa. Obtaining a U Visa provides the following benefits:
You may legally live in the U.S. for 4 years.
After three years of having a U Visa, you can apply for a Green Card. This will allow you to stay in the U.S. permanently. After receiving a Green Card, you may eventually apply to become a U.S. citizen.
Permission to work in the U.S.
Halting any deportation proceedings against the applicant
Some family members may be eligible to get a U Visa as well.
In some states, U Visa holders may be eligible for public assistance and benefits
In order to qualify for a U Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You were the victim of a qualifying criminal activity.
Because you were a victim of a criminal activity, you suffered physical or mental abuse.
You have information about the criminal activity. You must be willing to help law enforcement in their investigation or prosecution of the crime.
The crime committed against you happened in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
You are admissible to the U.S. according to current laws. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver.
Some of the qualifying criminal activity for a U Visa include but are not limited to:
Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Being Held Hostage
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Felonious Assault
Female Genital Mutilation
Fraud in Foreign Labor
Contracting
Incest
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder
Obstruction of Justice
Peonage
Perjury
Prostitution
Rape
Sexual Assault
Sexual Exploitation
Slave Trade
Stalking
Torture
Trafficking
Witness Tampering
Unlawful Criminal
Restraint
This is not a complete list of all crimes that qualify. A qualifying crime could also include any similar activity. Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of these crimes might also count as qualifying criminal activity.
In addition to being the victim of a crime and suffering physical and/or mental damage, you must also be helpful to law enforcement. There are many ways you can be helpful to law enforcement. Calling 911 is one way. Telling police about what happened to you and who did it could also be a way to help law enforcement. Contact us to learn more about qualifying crimes for a U Visa and how to be helpful to law enforcement.
Filling out all of the documentation required for a U Visa is one of the biggest challenges for applicants to overcome. Hiring a Phoenix immigration attorney to help you with your U Visa application will help you make sure you’re submitting all of the required documents and that you meet all of the requirements.
After submitting your application, USCIS must process it. Processing times vary a lot. Sometimes it can take 12-18 months for the U Visa to be processed and approved. If you are required to submit extra evidence to USCIS, it might take longer.
10,000 U Visas are granted every year. This is no limit to the amount of U Visas for spouses and other eligible family members of crime victims. If 10,000 U Visas have already been granted when you apply, USCIS creates a waiting list for eligible applicants.
If you are on the waiting list, you can’t be deported and will be eligible to apply for work authorization. People on the waiting list receive their visas in the order in which they were received.
A common question we receive is “Can I apply for a U Visa or am inadmissible to the United States?”
People convicted of felonies or other crimes can be “inadmissible” to the U.S. This means they can’t apply for visas and can be deported if they are in the U.S.
However, just because you are “inadmissible” does not mean you can’t obtain a U Visa. If you are inadmissible, you must fill out the waiver for Form I-192. Form I-192 is an application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-immigrant.
You are still eligible to apply for a U-Visa even if you have a deportation order.
“I especially appreciated the communication—if they said they would call, they did. I felt confident that my family member's case truly mattered. Their compassion, professionalism, and genuine concern gave me peace of mind.”
- Nidia F.
A Weight Was Lifted
“The entire process was easy. Every question I had was answered, and I ended up deciding to move my case from a different firm to here. I instantly felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I left with a gift! 10/10 experience.”
- Hadeel E.
Empathy and Peace of Mind
“From day one, they gave us confidence, empathy, and peace of mind. Their professionalism and genuine care truly stand out. Thank you for all your support and for always being willing to help.”
- Paulina O.
I Felt Completely at Ease
“From my very first conversation, I felt completely at ease and confident in their abilities. They truly seem like a strong and capable legal team. I feel much more comfortable knowing they're on our side.”
- Former Client
Respect, Warmth, and Excellence
“I left truly touched by the kindness, professionalism, and genuine care shown by everyone in the office. Ybarra Maldonado Law Group is truly a rare jewel in our community. Every single interaction made us feel valued and cared for.”
- Arleth G.
Extremely Helpful
“Salvador was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and made us feel at ease despite turbulent immigration policy changes. He was very detailed and answered all of our questions and concerns that we had.”
- Former Client
Very Diligent and Patient
“Alberto was very helpful; he was very diligent and patient with us. He answered all our questions and fit us in his schedule efficiently and he was very friendly and professional!”
- Former Client
They Kept Me Informed
“They kept me informed and made sure I understood every step of the legal process. Their professionalism, prompt communication, and dedication gave me confidence during a stressful time.”
- Syd O.
They Took the Time
“I had a fantastic experience working with Alberto! He was incredibly helpful and took the time to make sure everything was set up perfectly. He showed so much patience and kindness throughout the entire process.”
- Hayyan A.
Justice Without Barriers
We stand alongside people who have been targeted, mistreated, or denied access to the legal system, providing compassionate representation when it matters most.
Rooted in the Community
We come from the communities we serve, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges our clients face and the fight it takes to protect their rights.
Every Team Member is Bilingual
Our 100% bilingual team makes it easier for clients to be heard, understood, and represented with confidence in both English and Spanish.
Advocates in and Out of Court
We combine proven legal experience with a history of civil rights advocacy, fighting for our clients wherever justice demands it.
U Visa Application Inside the US
If you are inside the US at the time of the application, you need the following for you application:
Petition for U Non-immigrant Status.
Certification of Helpfulness. This form requires a signature from law enforcement. It declares you were helpful in the criminal case or that you will be helpful in the future for a successful investigation.
This will describe your situation and the crime you were a victim of. You can also talk about the abuse, pain, and suffering you have gone through.
These will prove you were a victim of a crime:
Documentation from hospitals and doctors that prove you have suffered physical or mental abuse from the crime.
This might also include letters, photographs, or affidavits.
A passport or birth certificate is eligible. They must be translated into English
Testimony from people who know about your pain and suffering can support your application
This form is also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. It is for foreign nationals who want to travel temporarily to the United States temporarily and for K fiancé visa applicants.
You must provide a photo that meets US Visa photograph requirements.
Helping Immigrants in Phoenix Obtain U Visas
Every case is different and we customize our services to the needs of each client. We work hard to explore every option for you. Our attorneys help you fill out the correct forms, obtain the right documentation. We can help you stop deportation proceedings against you.
If you are the victim of a crime, we know how traumatic it can be to speak about it. We are here to listen and guide you. Let us help you navigate through the U Visa application process.
Contact us today for a confidential case evaluation.
