After receiving a U visa, you can apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency) once you have been physically present in the United States for at least three years since the date of your U visa approval, and you can demonstrate that you have met the additional eligibility requirements for a green card.
A more thorough response to your inquiry
After receiving a U visa, individuals can apply for a green card, also known as lawful permanent residency, in the United States. The eligibility requirements for applying for a green card after having a U visa are as follows:
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Physical presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least three years since the date of their U visa approval. The continuous presence requirement is an essential criterion to be eligible for a green card.
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Additional eligibility requirements: In addition to meeting the physical presence requirement, applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the necessary eligibility criteria for a green card. This includes factors such as having a valid immigrant visa number available, being admissible to the United States, and meeting any specific requirements outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It is important to note that the U visa allows individuals who have been victims of certain crimes and have suffered mental or physical abuse to remain in the United States temporarily. It provides them with the opportunity to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. However, the U visa is not a pathway to immediate permanent residency or citizenship.
To shed further light on the topic, here is a quote from an immigration law expert, David Leopold:
“Obtaining a U visa can be a critical step for victims of crime who have been living in fear and are seeking safety and stability. While it provides temporary relief, the possibility of applying for a green card opens up opportunities for a more secure future in the United States.”
Here are some interesting facts related to U visas and the application process for a green card:
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U visas were created by the U.S. Congress in the year 2000 to encourage immigrant victims of crime to cooperate with law enforcement agencies without the fear of facing deportation.
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The U visa is available to both adults and children who have experienced substantial physical or mental abuse resulting from a qualifying crime committed in the United States.
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A U visa holder can include certain family members in their petition, such as spouses, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under the age of 18.
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The application process for a U visa involves submitting various forms and supporting documents, as well as obtaining a certification from law enforcement or other government agencies confirming the victim’s cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
To summarize the information in a table format:
| U Visa Application Requirements |
|---|
| Physical presence in the United States for at least three years since U visa approval |
| Meeting additional eligibility criteria for a green card |
| Having a valid immigrant visa number available |
| Being admissible to the United States |
| Fulfilling specific requirements outlined by USCIS |
Please note that this information serves as a general overview and it is always recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative for accurate and up-to-date guidance on individual cases.
See a related video
After obtaining an approved U visa, which provides victims of qualifying crimes with protection against deportation, work permits, and driver’s licenses, individuals can apply for permanent residency. To do so, they must prove their visa status, continuous assistance to law enforcement, a positive exercise of discretion, and continuous physical presence in the US since the U visa was approved. This requires submitting various evidence such as tax returns, passport pages, pay stubs, and bank statements. However, due to the complexity of the process, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney.
Some further responses to your query
three yearsU Visa holders become eligible to apply to adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card) after three years in U nonimmigrant status.
You can apply for lawful permanent residence after you have had your U visa for three years and before your U visa expires. 1 To get lawful permanent residence, all of the following must be true: You have been physically in the U.S. for a “continuous period” of at least three years since the date you got U visa status.
In order to qualify for a green card after three years in U status (either as a U-1 principal or a derivative beneficiary family member), you must prove that you: have been continuously physically present in the U.S. for three years or more