Here at the Ranchod Law Group we have extensive experience with U Visas. As many Clients come forward with common questions, we have gathered them all to provide you with a complete set of answers.
- Do I Qualify for a U Visa?
- What relatives can I include in my U Visa Application?
- What are the Benefits of a U Visa?
- Why is the waiting period for a U Visa so long?
- Can I travel while on the wait list?
- Can I travel outside of the United States once my U Visa is approved?
- How does USCIS process my case?
- Can I be placed in deportation proceedings if my U Visa is denied?
- When can I become a resident?
- When can I apply to become a United States citizen?
- What to do while waiting for my U Visa Approval?
Do I qualify for a U Visa?
- You have been a victim of a qualified crime (e.g. domestic violence, incest, rape, stalking, sexual assault)
- You cooperated with the authorities in the investigation of the crime
- You suffered emotional or physical harm
- USCIS grants you a waiver of inadmissibility for criminal or immigration violations
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What relatives can I include in my U-Visa Application?
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What are the Benefits of a U- Visa?
- Legal status and protection from deportation
- Work Permit
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residency after 3 years
- Eligibility for CalWorks, Food Stamps and Medical after receiving the U Visa receipt notice
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Why is the waiting period for a U-Visa so long?
Once USCIS processes your case, they will put you on a wait list and grant you a work permit that lasts two years while you wait for your visa. It is likely that you will have to renew your work permit at least two times while you are on the wait list. The wait period can be longer or shorter depending on the resources that USCIS has. Unfortunately, in the past we have only seen the wait time increase.
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Can I travel while on the wait list?
Back to the list of U Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel outside of the U.S. once my U Visa is approved?
Back to the list of U Visa Frequently Asked Questions
How does USCIS process my case?
Back to the list of U Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be placed in deportation proceedings if my U-Visa is denied?
Back to the list of U Visa Frequently Asked Questions
When can I become a resident?
Back to the list of U Visa Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply to become a citizen?
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What to do while waiting for my U-Visa Approval?
- Avoid any negative contact with police as certain police departments can refer you to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Negative contact includes but is not limited to:
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- driving without a license;
- not paying tickets for crimes; and infractions
- not paying tickets for infractions.
Any negative contact with police can affect your U-Visa case.
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