U-Visa for Crime Victims in Georgia
Immigration News
LatestU.S. Department of StateNov 1, 2026
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: read the official monthly update
The Department of State has published its November 2026 Visa Bulletin, with family and employment preference charts. Open the official bulletin for the dates and USCIS filing-chart link. A date on a chart alone does not decide whether you may file.
USCISAdjustment of Status (Green Card): Rules and Filing Charts Keep ChangingJul 1, 2026USCISHumanitarian Protections Remain Available: U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWAJul 1, 2026USCISCuban Parole Pathways: Confirm the Current Status Before You Rely on ThemJul 1, 2026EOIRImmigration Court Practices Vary by Location: Local Representation MattersJul 1, 2026
Official U.S. sources (USCIS, EOIR, Federal Register). Not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
The U-visa is an immigration protection created by Congress for victims of certain serious crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Under INA § 101(a)(15)(U), this visa allows you to live and work legally in the United States for up to 4 years, with the possibility of obtaining a green card after 3 years.
To qualify, you must demonstrate that you were a victim of a qualifying crime (domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion, labor fraud, among others), that you suffered substantial abuse, that you have helpful information about the crime, and that you cooperated or are willing to cooperate with law enforcement. You need to obtain a Form I-918B certification signed by a law enforcement agency (police, prosecutor, or judge).
There is currently a limit of 10,000 U-visas per year, which has created a waiting list of several years. However, USCIS grants a bona fide determination (waitlist status) that includes a work permit and protection from deportation while you wait. Our attorneys in Norcross have experience obtaining certifications from law enforcement agencies in Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.
Steps You Should Take
1
Report the Crime to Authorities
If you have not already done so, report the crime to local police. The report creates an official record and facilitates obtaining the I-918B certification required for the U-visa.
2
Call (770) 609-9396 for an Evaluation
We evaluate whether your situation qualifies for the U-visa, which agency can certify your case, and what evidence you need to gather. The consultation is confidential.
3
Preserve All Evidence
Keep police reports, protective orders, medical records, photos of injuries, text messages or emails from the perpetrator, and witness statements.
4
Do Not Wait to Apply
The waiting list is long. The sooner you file your application, the sooner you will receive the bona fide determination with a work permit and protection from deportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crimes qualify for the U-visa?
Domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion, torture, labor fraud, blackmail, incest, slave trading, unlawful detention, assault with bodily injury, witness tampering, and other similar crimes listed in INA § 101(a)(15)(U)(iii). The list is broad and our attorneys can evaluate whether your situation qualifies.
Do I need a police report for the U-visa?
You need an I-918B certification signed by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor, not necessarily a separate police report. However, having a police report makes it easier to obtain the certification. If the crime occurred some time ago and you did not report it, it may still be possible to obtain the certification.
How long does it take to get a U-visa?
Due to the annual cap of 10,000 visas, the current wait is 4 to 6 years. However, USCIS issues a bona fide determination that grants you a work permit and protection from deportation while you wait. This determination generally arrives in 12 to 18 months.
Can I include my family in my U-visa application?
Yes. If you are 21 or older, you can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21. If you are under 21, you can include your spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18. Family members receive derivative status.
Does the U-visa lead to a green card?
Yes. After 3 years with U-visa status, you can apply for adjustment to permanent resident under INA § 245(m). You must demonstrate continuous presence in the U.S. and that a denial of your application is not warranted in the exercise of discretion.
📋 Documents for Your U-Visa Case
Identity
- □Passport (all pages)
- □Birth certificate with certified translation
- □2 recent passport photos
Law Enforcement Certification
- □Form I-918 Supplement B signed by certifying agency
- □Police report of the crime
- □Police or prosecutor case number
- □Evidence of cooperation with investigation
Evidence of Crime
- □Detailed personal declaration of the crime
- □Medical records of injuries
- □Psychological evaluation
- □Photos of injuries
- □Protective orders
- □Witness statements
Derivative Family Members
- □Marriage certificate (if including spouse)
- □Children's birth certificates
- □Identity documents for each derivative
Applicable Laws
INA § 101(a)(15)(U)Definition of the U-visa: eligibility requirements for victims of qualifying crimes.
INA § 214(p) / 8 USC § 1184(p)Limit of 10,000 U-visas per year and the certification process.
8 CFR § 214.14Regulations for the U-visa application, including Form I-918 and the I-918B certification.
INA § 245(m)Adjustment of status to permanent resident for U-visa holders after 3 years.
Related Services
Other Immigration Law Services
Green cards and status
Immigration court and deportation defense
Humanitarian protection and detention
Young immigrants
Citizenship
Family immigration
Work and business visas
Waivers and permission to return
Travel, consulates and extensions
More services
Case Evaluation
Talk to a u-visa attorney today.
Schedule Consultation(770) 609-93961250 Tech Dr, Suite 240
Norcross, GA 30093
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Document Checklist
See the documents you need for your u-visa case. Complete list organized by category.
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