U Visa Lawyer in Puerto Rico
Being a victim of physical or mental abuse can be one of the most heartbreaking and devastating experiences, but you are not alone. A U Visa attorney in Puerto Rico will provide you with the counsel you need to navigate this complex legal process, ensuring that you obtain the legal relief that the U Visa can grant you.
What is the U Visa?
The U nonimmigrant Visa offered by the U.S. Immigration Act is a special permit for temporary residence in the United States, specifically designed to protect victims of certain types of crimes. These include those who have suffered physical or mental abuse and who arewilling to cooperate with authoritiesin the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
This type of visa, introduced in 2000, has become a vital resource for thousands of immigrantswho have been victims of crimes on U.S. soil. Through the U Visa, victims are granted the possibility to legally stay in the country, work and eventually apply for permanent residency.
At Garcia Immigration Group we know that obtaining a U Visa is not a simple process due to great number of factors, including high demand. For this reason, we work tirelessly to provide effective solutions to your immigration case. Contact a U Visa attorney today to review your case and determine your eligibility.
Requirements to Obtain a U Visa
To be eligible for a U Visa, there are several requirements that must be met.
- Being a victim of a qualifying criminal activity.
- Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of a criminal act.
- To have information on criminal activity.
- Have been of assistance, are assisting, or have the ability to assist the authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
- If the crime occurred in the United States, or violated the laws of the United States.
- The applicant meets the eligibility criteria for admission to the United States. Those who are not admitted may apply for a waiver on Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.
The process to apply for the U Visa is complex and can take considerable time. Thus, at Garcia Immigration Group we believe it is fundamental to forge our commitment to provide legal support and accompany each client through the immigration process. Let us help you solve your case. Contact a U Visa attorney in Puerto Rico to schedule a consultation.
What types of crimes are covered under the legal assistance provided by the U Visa?
- Domestic violence
- Sexual offenses
- Human trafficking
- Torture
- Kidnapping
- Involuntary servitude
- Extortion and fraud
- Assault with weapon
- Interference with witnesses
- Obstruction of justice
- Perjury
Documents Required to Apply for a U Visa
In order to file a U Visa application and validate your eligibility it is necessary to complete a series of relevant documents. These include the following:
- Form I-918, Petition for U. Nonimmigrant Status.
- Form I-918, Supplement B, Certification of Nonimmigrant Status U, signed by law enforcement authority.
- A personal statement detailing and describing the criminal activity of which you were a victim.
- Evidence and documents proving the traumatic experience (medical records, psychological evaluations, medication records, photos, among others).
- If there is an admissibility problem, you must file Form I-192 to request a waiver.
Benefits of Acquiring a U Visa
- Legal status and work authorization
- Possibility of obtaining permanent residency
- Right to obtain certain benefits
- Protection against deportation
- Family members may also be eligible
Experts in the U Visa process in Puerto Rico
Being a victim of physical and/or emotional abuse, in addition to being traumatic, can be a lonely road, full of uncertainty. That is why having the help of a U Visa lawyer in Puerto Rico is essential to apply for thislegal remedy designed to protect victims of crime and provide them with a path to citizenship in the United States.
At Garcia Immigration Group, we pride ourselves in providing personalized service, helping victims re-establish a promising future on U.S. soil. With a proven track record of success, we help our clients navigate complex legal processes. We are committed to the dreams of our clients. Consult a U Visa attorney today for a review of your case.
FAQs about U Visa Attorneys in Puerto Rico
To qualify for a U Visa, you must be a victim of a qualifying crime in the United States, have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of that crime, and be willing to assist legal authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
To apply for a U Visa, you must complete Form I-918, the Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. You also need a certification from legal authority confirming your assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, and you must submit all relevant documents and proof of eligibility.
Yes, certain family members of the U Visa applicant may be eligible to obtain a derivative visa. If the principal applicant is under the age of 21, their spouses, children, parents and unmarried siblings under the age of 18 may qualify. If the principal applicant is 21 years of age or older, their spouses and children may qualify.
Yes, you can apply for a U Visa even if you are in deportation proceedings. In fact, the U Visa can provide relief from deportation. However, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for the U Visa and to make sure that everything is in order, it is advisable to obtain legal advice. Contact Garcia Immigration Group to review your case.
While your U Visa application is pending, you do not have permission to work in the United States. However, once the U Visa is approved, you will automatically be granted a work permit that will allow you to work legally in the country.
Although having a criminal record may complicate your U Visa application, it does not necessarily disqualify it. USCIS evaluates each case individually and may grant waivers for certain circumstances. You must prove that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and submit your complete record.
