What immigration options are available for crime victims?

Crime victims may be eligible for U visas (for victims who help law enforcement), T visas (for trafficking victims), VAWA self-petitions (for domestic violence victims), asylum (for persecution), or other forms of relief depending on their specific circumstances.

Do I need to report the crime to police to get immigration relief?

For U visas, you must have reported the crime and be helpful to law enforcement. For T visas, cooperation is required unless you're under 18 or unable due to trauma. For VAWA, police reports are helpful evidence but not always required.

Can I get work authorization as a crime victim?

Yes, most crime victim immigration programs provide work authorization. U visa applicants can apply for work permits while waiting for approval. T visa and VAWA applicants also receive work authorization if their cases are approved.

How long does it take to get immigration relief as a crime victim?

Processing times vary significantly. U visas currently have long backlogs (4-6 years), but you may get deferred action while waiting. T visas take 12-24 months. VAWA self-petitions take 18-24 months. Asylum cases vary widely by court location.

Can my children be included in my crime victim immigration case?

Yes, most crime victim immigration programs allow you to include qualifying family members. U visas include spouses and unmarried children under 21. T visas include spouse, children, and sometimes parents or siblings depending on your age.

What if the perpetrator was a family member or intimate partner?

VAWA self-petitions are specifically designed for victims of domestic violence by U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members. You can also potentially qualify for U visas or asylum depending on the circumstances.

Do I need a lawyer for crime victim immigration cases?

While not required, legal representation is strongly recommended. These cases involve complex trauma-informed legal work, and many organizations provide free or low-cost legal services specifically for crime victims.

What if I'm afraid to cooperate with law enforcement?

Your safety is the priority. Discuss your concerns with a victim advocate or attorney. Law enforcement and prosecutors have special procedures for working with immigrant victims, and your cooperation for immigration purposes can often be limited to providing information rather than testifying.

Protection for Crime & Trafficking Victims

🚨 Safety First

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help but are not in immediate danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Confidential Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

U Visa - Crime Victims

Protection for victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement in investigation or prosecution.

Duration: 4 years
Green Card: Eligible after 3 years
Annual Cap: 10,000 per year

T Visa - Trafficking Victims

Protection for victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are present in the U.S. due to trafficking.

Duration: 4 years
Green Card: Eligible after 3 years
Annual Cap: 5,000 per year (updated 2024 rules)

VAWA Self-Petition

Protection for spouses, children, and parents abused by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Duration: Path to green card
Independence: Don't need abuser's cooperation
Annual Cap: No limit

Comparison of Protection Types

Protection Type	Purpose	Key Requirement	Duration	Family Benefits
U Visa	Crime Victims	Victim of qualifying crime with law enforcement cooperation	4 years (can lead to green card after 3 years)	Spouse, children, and sometimes parents/siblings
T Visa	Trafficking Victims	Victim of severe trafficking, present due to trafficking	4 years (can lead to green card after 3 years)	Spouse, children, and sometimes parents/siblings
VAWA Self-Petition	Abused Spouses/Children	Abused by U.S. citizen/permanent resident family member	Can lead directly to green card	Can include children in petition

U Visa: Qualifying Crimes

U visas are available to victims of the following qualifying crimes (or similar activities):

AbductionAbusive Sexual ContactBlackmailDomestic ViolenceExtortionFalse imprisonmentFemale genital mutilationFelonious assaultFraud in foreign labor contractingHostageIncestInvoluntary servitudeKidnappingManslaughterMurderObstruction of justicePeonagePerjuryProstitutionRapeSexual assaultSexual exploitationSlave tradeTortureTraffickingWitness tamperingUnlawful criminal restraintOther related crimes

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Similar criminal activities may also qualify. Consult with an immigration attorney to determine if your situation qualifies.

Human Trafficking Indicators

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts. Signs may include:

Forced labor or services through fraud, force, or coercion
Commercial sex acts induced by force, fraud, or coercion (or involving minors)
Debt bondage or peonage situations
Being controlled by someone else's identity documents

Unable to leave work or living situation
Forced to perform labor or services against your will
Working for little or no pay
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to control you

Types of Abuse (VAWA)

Physical Abuse

HittingSlappingPushingBurningUse of weaponsRestraining

Sexual Abuse

Forced sexual activitySexual assaultRapeSexual coercion

Emotional/Psychological Abuse

ThreatsIsolationHumiliationIntimidationStalkingControlling behavior

Economic Abuse

Controlling financesPreventing workHiding assetsIdentity theft

U Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step U Visa Process

Obtain Law Enforcement Certification

Get Form I-918B signed by law enforcement agency

Varies by agency

Required Documents:

•Form I-918, Supplement B
•Evidence of the crime
•Your cooperation with law enforcement
•Contact information for investigating agency

File Form I-918 Petition

Submit U visa petition to USCIS with all supporting evidence

2-3 months to prepare

Required Documents:

•Form I-918 (U visa petition)
•Form I-918A (family member petitions if applicable)
•Certified Form I-918B from law enforcement
•Evidence of substantial harm suffered

Receive Receipt and Wait

USCIS issues receipt notice and places case in queue if cap reached

Several years due to backlog

Required Documents:

•Keep receipt notice safe
•Maintain contact with law enforcement
•Update address with USCIS
•Continue cooperating in criminal case

U Visa Approval and Status

Receive U visa status and work authorization

4 years of status

Required Documents:

•Continue cooperation requirements
•Apply for work authorization if not already granted
•Maintain lawful status
•Prepare for green card application after 3 years

U Visa Requirements

Eligibility for U Visa

You are the victim of qualifying criminal activity
You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the criminal activity
You have information about the criminal activity
You were helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigation or prosecution
The criminal activity violated U.S. laws or occurred in the United States
You are admissible to the United States (or eligible for a waiver)

T Visa Requirements

Eligibility for T Visa

You are or have been a victim of severe trafficking in persons
You are physically present in the United States on account of trafficking
You have complied with reasonable requests for assistance in investigation or prosecution (unless under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma)
You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States
You are admissible to the United States (or eligible for a waiver)

VAWA Requirements

Eligibility for VAWA Self-Petition

You are married to or were married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who abused you
OR you are the child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who abused you
OR you are the parent of a U.S. citizen child who was abused by your U.S. citizen spouse
The abuse was committed by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent
You are a person of good moral character
You entered into the marriage in good faith (not to get immigration benefits)
You currently live in the United States

Important Considerations

Confidentiality Protections

• USCIS cannot disclose information about your case to your abuser
• Law enforcement agencies are trained on confidentiality requirements
• You have the right to an interpreter during proceedings
• Evidence of abuse is kept confidential in immigration proceedings

Work Authorization

• U visa holders can apply for work authorization
• T visa holders are eligible for work authorization
• VAWA self-petitioners can apply for work permits
• Work permits are usually valid for 4 years for U/T visas

Need Immediate Help?

If you're in danger or need urgent assistance.

Legal Assistance

Find qualified immigration attorneys who specialize in victim protection.

Green Card Path

Learn about adjusting from victim status to permanent residence.

2024 Updates Available

Important 2024 rule changes for T visa holders and updated VAWA filing procedures are covered in our detailed guides for each protection type. Click the links above for complete current information.

Official Resources & Forms

USCIS Forms & Information

Form I-918: U Visa Petition Form I-914: T Visa Application Form I-360: VAWA Self-Petition USCIS Victim Information

Detailed Guides

Complete U Visa Guide →Complete T Visa Guide (2024 Updates) →Complete VAWA Guide (2024 Filing Changes) →Asylum & Refugee Protection →

National Hotlines

Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233

Human Trafficking: 1-888-373-7888

Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741