Are you facing any of these?
Abused and threatened at home, afraid to call the police without status
You worry that calling the police could get you deported instead.
Your employer took your documents, withheld pay, or wouldn't let you leave
Your boss threatens to report your immigration status if you quit.
You reported a crime years ago and didn't know you could apply for status
The case closed long ago, and you're not sure it's still possible.
Your child or another family member was the victim
If the victim was under 21, parents and unmarried siblings under 18 may also qualify.
You have an immigration court case or received a Notice to Appear
The U visa petition and the court case need to be planned together.
What we handle
Eligibility assessment
Whether the crime is on the qualifying list, whether the harm was serious, what help you gave, and whether there is a criminal record or a prior removal order.
Police reports
We request the police report from the agency on your behalf.
Law enforcement certification (Form I-918 Supplement B)
We request certification from the police, a prosecutor, a judge, or another agency with investigative authority, track the deadline, and plan the next step if the request is refused.
Preparing the I-918
We assemble your declaration, medical and counseling records, and witness letters, and try to spare you from retelling painful events again and again.
Inadmissibility waiver (I-192)
If entry without inspection, an overstay, or a criminal record is an issue, we request a waiver.
Family members (I-918A)
Qualifying family members can apply with you, whether they are in the U.S. or abroad.
Work permit and status while you wait
We follow USCIS's initial review and the waiting list and apply for work authorization.
Green card after 3 years (I-485)
After 3 years in U status, we prepare the green card application and the interview.
Coordination with immigration court
If you are already in court proceedings, we handle the court case alongside the petition.
Rules to know before you apply
Based on current USCIS rules and California law. Policy has changed often in recent years, so we recheck before filing.
- Four basic requirements：You were the victim of a qualifying crime and suffered substantial physical or mental abuse; you have information about the crime; you have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement or government officials investigating or prosecuting it; and the crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. law. If you are inadmissible, you can request a waiver.
- The crime must be on the qualifying list：The list includes domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment, human trafficking, involuntary servitude, extortion, blackmail, stalking, felonious assault, murder, manslaughter, obstruction of justice, perjury, and fraud in foreign labor contracting, plus attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit them. Ordinary theft, robbery, and general fraud are not on the list by themselves, but a case that also involved felonious assault, kidnapping, or extortion may qualify.
- A law enforcement certification is required：Form I-918 Supplement B is signed by a certifying agency and must be filed with USCIS within 6 months of the signature. In California, police departments, prosecutors, judges, child protective services, the Civil Rights Department, and the Department of Industrial Relations can all certify.
- California law gives victims extra protection：A certifying agency generally must process a certification request within 30 days, or within 7 days if the victim is in removal proceedings or a family member will age out within 60 days. Police must provide a copy of the police report within 7 days. As long as you haven't refused a reasonable request for help, the law presumes you were helpful. An agency can't refuse because of your criminal or immigration history, or because the case is closed or the time to prosecute has passed, and a denial must explain its reasons in writing (Penal Code section 679.10).
- Only 10,000 a year, so expect a long wait：The annual cap for principal petitioners is 10,000; family members don't count against it. Once the cap is reached, petitioners go on a waiting list, receive deferred action or parole, and can apply for work authorization. Getting from filing to the U visa itself currently takes several years in most cases.
- Family members can apply too：A principal under 21 can include a spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18; a principal 21 or older can include a spouse and children.
- Green card after 3 years：After at least 3 years of continuous physical presence in the U.S. in U status, without unreasonably refusing to help law enforcement, you may apply for a green card.
How the case runs
Initial call
Tell us what happened, when it was reported, your current status, and whether you have an immigration court case.
Gather records
We request the police report and collect medical, counseling, and other evidence.
Request certification
We submit the request to the right certifying agency and track the deadline.
File the I-918
We file within 6 months of the certification, with the waiver and family petitions if needed.
While you wait
We follow the initial review and the waiting list and apply for work authorization.
Apply for the green card
After 3 years in U status, we file the I-485 and prepare for the interview.
Fees
Free initial phone call
Tell us what happened and we will tell you whether a closer review is worthwhile.
Paid attorney consultation
When you need an attorney to review documents and lay out a plan, we schedule a paid consultation and tell you the fee in advance.
Quote after assessment
Attorney fees for the certification request, the I-918, waivers, and the green card stage are quoted after assessment and itemized in the engagement agreement.
- The I-918 and I-918A currently have no filing fee; other forms such as the I-192 follow the fee rules in effect at filing, and some fees can be waived.
- During the engagement, we respond to questions about your case within 1 business day.
- We do not guarantee any USCIS or court outcome.
Frequently asked questions
The following is general legal information and is not legal advice for any specific matter. For your situation, contact Lingtu Law APC at 415-547-9999 or on WeChat at lingtulaw.
