u-visas

U Visas are for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement and/or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. The main elements that must be met are the following:

1. Applicant must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of a qualifying criminal activity;
   
2. Applicant must have information concerning that criminal activity;
   
3. Applicant must have been helpful, or likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime; and
   
4. The criminal activity must have violated U.S. laws;