Schaumburg U Visa Lawyers

Providing Legal Assistance To Crime Victims Seeking Visas

If a violent crime severely harmed you and you’re motivated to help the police prosecute the criminal who committed the illegal act, you might be eligible for a U visa. This nonimmigrant visa lets you live in the U.S. for four years and eventually petition for a green card after reporting a crime.

Like most visa options in the U.S., U visas have strict requirements to adhere to if you want to qualify, and the rules can be confusing. This is why you should talk to Illinois immigration attorneys about your eligibility for this visa. If you want quality immigration advice from a trusted Schaumburg, IL immigration law firm, call Metcalf & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation.

What Is a U Visa?

The U visa program is meant to encourage unlawful immigrants to report serious crimes to the police without fear of deportation. This immigration law option not only allows immigrants to report crimes, but also lets them help seek justice for themselves and their family members through the legal system. This is because they must agree to comply with the investigation, providing any information that will help law enforcement officials find and prosecute the criminal.

If you’re a victim of a crime and agree to assist with the investigation, you’ll qualify for a U visa, which lets you live in the U.S. for four years. This nonimmigrant visa will also let you work in the U.S. and immediately stop any removal proceedings against you if you’re subject to deportation.

If you want to stay in the U.S. longer than four years, you can apply for a green card once you’ve lived here for three years. You can apply for U.S. citizenship five years after that if you want the same benefits citizens have.

The skilled immigration attorneys at our Schaumburg, IL immigration law firm can review the details of your situation to determine if you qualify for a U visa. We can then offer guidance with the visa application process. Call our Illinois immigration law firm to learn more about your immigration options when you get legal representation.

Who Is Eligible for a U Visa?

The immigration laws regarding U visas can be challenging to understand, so it’s best to consult an experienced immigration lawyer about the requirements you must meet. In general, they include the following:

  • You’re the victim of a qualifying criminal act that meets the criteria developed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • The crime took place in the U.S. or broke a U.S. law
  • You suffered mentally or physically due to the criminal act
  • You know helpful details about the crime
  • You’re willing to share these details with law enforcement
  • You’re admissible to the U.S. according to immigration court, or you’re willing to apply for a waiver if not

If you meet these requirements, you should schedule a time to talk to Schaumburg, IL immigration attorneys about applying for a U visa. They can verify that you meet all the criteria, including being the victim of a qualifying crime. The following are some examples of such crimes:

  • Abduction
  • Blackmail
  • Domestic violence
  • Extortion
  • False imprisonment
  • Human trafficking
  • Incest
  • Involuntary servitude
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder
  • Perjury
  • Prostitution
  • Rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Stalking
  • Torture

These are only some of the crimes that could make you eligible for a U visa. Keep in mind that even if the criminal didn’t carry out their crime according to their plan, you might still qualify for a visa, since the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit these crimes can count. Contact Metcalf & Associates, P.C. to talk to a Schaumburg, IL immigration attorney about your case before starting the U visa application.

How Can You Apply for a U Visa in Schaumburg, IL?

If you want the best chance of being approved for permanent residency through a U visa, you should talk to immigration attorneys in Schaumburg, Illinois who understand the immigration laws associated with most visas. They can ensure you’re eligible to seek lawful permanent residency and assist with proving this.

With immigration cases of this kind, you must start by contacting the law enforcement agency you’ve agreed to help solve the crime so you can request a U visa certification document. This paperwork proves that you’re willing to assist with the investigation, a requirement if you want to achieve permanent residency through a U visa.

You must also gather evidence that the criminal act against you is a qualifying crime that mentally or physically hurt you. Some examples of supporting documents to include with your application include medical records, police reports, and witness statements. A Schaumburg, IL immigration attorney from our law firm can assist with seeking a green card so you can live the American dream as a lawful permanent resident. Call today to begin your immigration case in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Are You Ready to Hire Schaumburg U Visa Attorneys?

If your goal is to become a lawful permanent resident through the U visa, it’s time to consult trusted immigration attorneys with years of experience assisting countless immigrants and their family members throughout Illinois. When you get legal representation from Metcalf & Associates, P.C., you’ll have personalized attention on important immigration matters, from avoiding removal proceedings to applying for immigrant visas and helping family members become lawful permanent residents in the U.S.

If you’re searching for a Schaumburg, Illinois law firm that’s known for its knowledgeable immigration attorneys, call us at 224-328-1900 for a consultation with a caring U visa attorney. Schaumburg, IL immigrants deserve to get help with green cards, citizenship, deportation defense, and other immigration goals that experienced immigration attorneys can assist with, so contact us for legal guidance on your immigration needs.