What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Victims of Crime Visa?
Are you a US crime or domestic violence victim? Immigration difficulties like illicit entry or expired visas? With this situation, reporting offenses to law enforcement may have been difficult. You may be afraid of prosecution or deportation, preventing you from seeking help. However, there are ways to get a victims of crime visa in Charlotte NC.
Quick Summary:
- Victims of Crime Visa, known as The U Visa or T Visa provides legal status and protection to victims of domestic violence or human trafficking in the US.
- The U Visa covers domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking, while the T Visa covers human trafficking.
- The U Visa and T Visa require being a victim of a qualifying crime, suffering substantial injury, cooperating with law enforcement, and being admissible to the U.S.
- The U Visa application process may take up to approximately six years, involving various steps and documentation.
- Due to intricate legal requirements, local complexities, and the necessity to establish a compelling case, an immigration lawyer is essential for U Visa application success.
- Legal assistance can mitigate errors, help with appeals, and ensure that applicants stay updated with changing immigration laws.
- Victims of crime in Charlotte, NC, can rely on the Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC to provide guidance and support in obtaining a Victims Of Crime Visa.
- The Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC offers Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Consolidation, and Wage Garnishment services.
- Interested individuals are encouraged to schedule a free consultation to begin their journey toward justice and security.
The Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC has assisted many Charlotte, NC residents get U or T Visas. Our expertise and service have earned us over 20 years of confidence.
Contact us if you or a loved one has been a Charlotte, NC crime victim. Let us help you get justice and restore your life. Contact the skilled legal team at the Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC to learn how we may help you get a U or T Visa.
What is a Victim Of Crime Visa?
A Victims of Crime Visa, often known as a “U Visa or T Visa,” is for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking in the US. A visa gives survivors legal status and access to assistance and empowerment initiatives.
If you’ve been a victim of qualifying U.S. crimes or acts that violated U.S. laws, you may be eligible for a U or T Visa from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Two Primary Types of Visas for Victims of Crime
The U and T Visas are Charlotte NC’s main crime victim visas. Crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting specific offenses receive legal status and protection with these visas. Here’s some information on both:
U Visa (U Nonimmigrant Status)
- The U Visa is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
- Qualifying criminal activities include but are not limited to:
- domestic violence,
- sexual assault,
- human trafficking,
- other serious crimes.
- U Visa recipients are granted temporary legal status, and work authorization, and can eventually apply for a green card.
T Visa (T Nonimmigrant Status)
- The T Visa is for victims of human trafficking, which includes both sex and labor trafficking.
- T Visa recipients are eligible for temporary legal status, and work authorization, and may also apply for a green card.
- To qualify for a T Visa, victims must be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.
For the latest visa opportunities for Charlotte NC crime victims, please visit the official USCIS website or consult a lawyer. Immigration policy and regulations vary over time.
Am I Eligible for a Victims of Crime Visa?
The eligibility criteria for both the U Visa and T Visa are distinct and cater to different situations. Below is a summary of the eligibility criteria for both visas:
U Visa (U Nonimmigrant Status) Eligibility Criteria
Criminal Activity
You must have been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity that occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws. Qualifying criminal activities included in the link.
- Abduction
- Abusive Sexual Contact
- Blackmail
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- False Imprisonment
- Female Genital Mutilation
- And etc.
Suffered Substantial Harm
You must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
Helpful to the Investigation
You have information about the criminal activity, and you have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
Admissible to the U.S.:
Generally, you need to be admissible to the U.S., but if you’re not, you might be eligible for a waiver on Form I-192, “Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant.”
Certification from a Law Enforcement Agency
You must be certified by a U.S. law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other authority as helpful in the case. This is usually provided via Form I-918, Supplement B.
T Visa (T Nonimmigrant Status) Eligibility Criteria
Victim of Trafficking
You must be a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. This can include both sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
Physical Presence
You are physically present in the U.S., American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry due to trafficking.
Compliance with Law Enforcement
You are under 18 or have complied with any legitimate law enforcement request for human trafficking assistance.
Suffering Extreme Hardship
You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you were removed from the U.S.
Admissible to the U.S.
Like the U visa, you generally need to be admissible to the U.S. If you’re not, you might still be eligible if you can obtain a waiver.
Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee U or T Visa approval. USCIS will evaluate each application individually. An immigration attorney at the Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC can provide personalized advice for individual instances or more information.
How Much Does the U Visa Cost?
Applying for U Visa status is free of charge. If you need to fill out other forms and need a fee waiver, use Form I-912 or include a written statement asking for the cost waiver with the paperwork.
How Long Does It Take to Get the U Visa?
U visa applications might take USCIS up to six years to process. This includes taking your pictures and fingerprints, reviewing your documentation and papers (such the Certification of Helpfulness from a certified agency), and issuing you a work permit.
Why Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer for a Victims Of Crime Visa in Charlotte NC?
In Charlotte, NC, local laws and nuances make obtaining a Victims of Crime Visa (U Visa) complicated and stressful.
At the Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC, we are here to provide the following:
- Understanding of the Legal Process: The U Visa application process requires particular documents and evidence for each step. Each level can be guided by an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure you understand and meet the requirements.
- Valuable Knowledge in Local Regulations: Understanding local regulations in Charlotte, NC, can provide you an advantage in U Visa processes, notwithstanding federal rules. Charlotte immigration lawyers know the local offices and staff and can foresee and resolve issues.
- Compiling a Compelling Case: Creating a compelling case for the U Visa goes beyond establishing a crime. It shows your cooperation with law enforcement and your physical or mental abuse. We can help establish a convincing case with evidence and testimony.
- Mitigation of Errors: Minor application problems can cause delays or denials. With our experienced immigration lawyer, paperwork errors are eliminated.
- Staying Updated with Changes in Law: Immigration laws and rules might change. Our experienced immigration attorney keeps up with developments to ensure your application meets the newest rules.
- Protecting Your Rights: When victims face threats or retaliation, we collaborate with law enforcement to protect their safety and rights.
- Appeals and Further Assistance: If your application faces challenges or denials, having a lawyer can be crucial. We can assist you with appeals, provide additional documentation, or suggest alternative paths to ensure your safety and legal status.
Call our Immigration Attorney Today to Get Your Victims Of Crime Visa in Charlotte NC!
Are you overwhelmed by the legal obstacles of being a crime victim? The Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC’s skilled lawyers are committed to helping you get the best possible conclusion. We understand the difficult and emotional issues Charlotte, NC crime victims face daily. Our legal team can help you get justice, safety, or a Victims Of Crime Visa.
Imagine getting the Victims Of Crime Visa you deserve to take charge of your life, secure your family’s future, and escape to the US. We want to make it happen, not simply fantasize. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Consolidation, and Wage Garnishment are among our immigration services outside crime victim visas.
Contact us for a free consultation to start this brighter future. Our compassionate and skilled legal team at the Law Office of Jack G. Lezman, PLLC will listen, advise, and work hard to help you navigate the legal system. Your path to justice and security begins here. Don’t hesitate—trust us as your lawyers.
Talk to us about your case immediately to start getting the relief and calm you deserve.
