A U-Visa can give immigrants protection from deportation and provide them with other crucial benefits if they were victims of qualifying crimes. The U-Visa is typically valid for up to four years. However, people with this visa can file for extensions in some cases.
An experienced U-Visa attorney could help you understand U-Visa extensions in Phoenix and take the necessary steps to file for one. Reach out today to learn more about how the process works.
Victims of qualifying crimes in the U.S. may be granted U nonimmigrant status, also known as a U-Visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets rules on the requirements for a U-Visa and who can apply. Among other requirements, applicants for the U-Visa must have suffered mental or physical abuse and be willing to help law enforcement officers prosecute the criminals involved in their case.
Overall, the U-Visa program seeks to help immigrants and the government simultaneously. Family members, including spouses or children, can also qualify for U-Visa status if the primary applicant is qualified and approved, and it is typically good for up to four years. While a U-Visa can eventually provide a path to a green card, it is not permanent. For those hoping to extend their U-Visa, a skilled lawyer in Phoenix could help you in that pursuit.
U-Visa recipients can receive critical protections and benefits, which include:
To learn more about the potential benefits of a U-Visa or ask about an extension, you can contact our Phoenix law firm to schedule a consultation.
U nonimmigrant status is initially valid for four years, and holders can apply for extensions if their initial period of admission was less than four years. After maintaining U-Visa status in the U.S. for at least three years, you can also apply for legal permanent residency through a green card.
Some U-Visa holders can apply for extensions based on law enforcement needs (if an investigation or case is ongoing) or other exceptional circumstances. For example, USCIS is required to extend a U-Visa when a law enforcement agency or official certifies that the resident’s continued presence in the U.S. is necessary for their investigation or prosecution. To claim the exceptional circumstances extension, applicants must file the correct paperwork and explain why the extension is essential. A common basis for extension might include where the U-Visa holder has a family member applying for a derivative visa, but no determination has been made yet.
Applicants for an extension will typically need to file Form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Filing the correct paperwork in a timely manner is critical to having an extension reviewed and approved.
The U-Visa is valuable for crime victims hoping to establish and maintain legal residence in the U.S. However, they typically expire after four years, and you might seek to file an extension. A dedicated immigration law attorney could help you understand U-Visa extensions in Phoenix and how to apply. Contact our legal team today to learn more.
