U Visas: How Congruence Law, P.C. Helps Crime Victims Gain Protection by Assisting Law Enforcement

For noncitizens who have suffered substantial harm as the result of a serious crime in the United States, the U visaoffers a critical path to legal protection. Created to encourage victims to report crimes and support law enforcement without fear of deportation, the U visa provides lawful status, work authorization, and a future opportunity for permanent residency.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we assist survivors in navigating this complex process with sensitivity, discretion, and legal clarity.

The U visa is available to individuals who:

• Are victims of a qualifying criminal activity;

• Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime;

• Possess information about the crime;

• Were, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution;

• Are otherwise admissible to the United States (or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility).

Qualifying crimes include—but are not limited to—domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, stalking, trafficking, extortion, involuntary servitude, and certain other violent or exploitative offenses. The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we guide clients through every step of the U visa process. We begin with a confidential consultation to assess eligibility, understand the nature of the crime, and identify the appropriate law enforcement agency. The first and most critical step in a U visa application is obtaining a certified law enforcement supplement (Form I-918, Supplement B), which confirms the victim’s cooperation with law enforcement. We help prepare the request, communicate with the certifying agency, and provide supporting documentation to facilitate approval.

Once certification is obtained, we prepare and file the full U visa petition (Form I-918) along with detailed declarations, evidence of victimization and harm, and any necessary waiver requests (Form I-192) for individuals who may be inadmissible due to past immigration or criminal history.

U visa applicants face unique challenges, including trauma-related memory gaps, limited access to documents, and difficulty obtaining law enforcement cooperation. We assist clients in preparing compelling personal declarations and assembling medical reports, therapy letters, police records, court documents, and other corroborating evidence. For survivors who fear retaliation or stigma, we ensure their information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and care.

Due to the statutory cap on the number of U visas granted each year (10,000 for principal applicants), even approved applicants are often placed on a waitlist for several years. While waiting, eligible applicants receive deferred actionand may apply for work authorization. Eventually, U visa recipients may apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) after three years of continuous presence in U visa status and continued cooperation with authorities.

We also assist with derivative U visa applications for eligible family members—including spouses, children, parents (if the applicant is under 21), and unmarried siblings. These family members may also qualify for legal status and protection under the U visa program.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we recognize that many crime victims face not just legal obstacles, but emotional and psychological ones. We approach every U visa case with compassion and care, while maintaining the legal focus necessary to ensure a complete and persuasive petition.

If you or someone you know is a noncitizen victim of a crime who has cooperated with law enforcement, you may qualify for protection under the U visa program. Contact us at immigration@congruence.com to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to help you seek safety, justice, and a path toward lawful status.