U visas are meant for the victims of certain crimes like abduction, sexual assault, trafficking, domestic violence and other related crimes. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues these non-immigrant visas to those who have suffered mental or physical abuse. To become eligible for this status, such victims must be willing to assist law enforcement authorities to investigate the criminal activity.
Victims of crimes must file Form I-918, Petition for U Non-immigrant Status, to obtain U non-immigrant status. Law enforcement authorities who are investigating the criminal activity can use Form I-918, Supplement B to certify that the victims applying for this status are willing to help them in the prosecution of the criminal acts.
Victims of crimes who receive U non-immigrant status, can apply for permanent resident status in America and get green cards. They need to meet a variety of requirements and they must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the USCIS Vermont Service Center.
U nonimmigrants can apply for adjustment of status and become lawful residents if they have been living in the U.S. for the past three years. It is mandatory to prove that they have been in the U.S. for 3 years for which they can use their rent receipts, employment records, tax returns or other relevant papers.
The U non-immigrant status must be valid at the time of applying for permanent resident status. If they fall out of status, they cannot file Form I-485. Apart from that, they must be admissible into the U.S. If they meet the requirements, they need to file Form I-485 along with a Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form I-693.
U non-immigrant status will be valid for four years. The date on which their non-immigrant status started can be found on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. U non-immigrants need to remember to file applications for permanent resident status before their non-immigrant status ends.