Victims of certain criminal activities that either occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws may be eligible to petition for U nonimmigrant status to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Victims must have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse due to the criminal activity and possess information concerning that criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities must also certify that the victim has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Foreign citizens seeking U nonimmigrant status must be physically present in the United States. Therefore, U.S. Embassies and Consulates (outside the United States) do not issue U visas, but may issue qualifying family members U (derivative) visas.
