U Visa Processing Time – How Long Is The Processing Time?
Your U Visa processing time depends a lot on your case details so that USCIS is able to make a decision. However, you must still expect delays in making a decision regarding your application. The processing time of U Visa applications can, unfortunately, take even up to four years in some cases.
However, if you are a qualifying applicant for the U Visa, you will come under the deferred action status position while you are on the waiting list. You will have a work permit to live and work in the US at the same time, which is a relief.
If you want to know about the U Visa processing time 2023, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will inform you about the U Visa and its major benefits. Furthermore, you will learn more about the U Visa processing time, its application process, and the validity of the U Visa.
What Is A U Visa?
To stay and live in the US for a limited period of time, you will need a permit as an immigrant, which is possible through an official document called Visa. A special type of Visa is the U Visa, with the help of which you have the chance of getting justice if you fall victim to certain types of crimes.
According to USCIS, “The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.”
Major Benefits Of A U Visa?
If you get the U Visa yourself, you will be able to avail a lot of benefits for yourself. Those immigrants who have entered the US through illegal means cannot get these privileges and benefits. If you have a valid U Visa, the US Government provides you the option to live in the country legally with non-immigrant status.
The following are the major benefits you will get through the U Visa:
- You will have the freedom to work in the United States of America.
- You can easily acquire a driver’s license anywhere in the US.
- You can easily open a bank account anywhere in the US without much hassle.
- You will be easily able to enroll in any academic program in the US.
On the other hand, any unlawfully residing immigrant in the US will not be able to get those benefits and advantages. Furthermore, if you have a U Visa with you, you will be able to rest better, as you will not be pursued and targeted by immigration enforcement agencies in the US.
What Is U Visa Processing Time?
The Visa U processing time can be quite long, depending upon the case in relation to you. In most cases with U Visas, immigrants have to wait for years, which is an unfortunate reality of the U Visa processing time. Since many of the cases are not easy to deal with, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department takes a long time as a result.
After you have applied for a U Visa for a green card cases in Los Angeles, generally, the amount of time to which you need to wait for ranges from 12 months to 18 months. However, in some cases, the U Visa application processing time even went for almost four years, which is quite unfortunate. In short, depending on the complicatedness of your case, the U Visa processing time can vary.
Recent Changes In U Visa Processing Time
Starting from June 2021, the U Visa processing time will be altered. Instead of the use of a waitlist, they use the process of Bona Fide Determination. You need to send more petitions for faster U visa Processing. It will allow them to make more petitions and make more efficient decisions.
From February 2022, they need to list the current time for processing. Form -1 918 USCIS website needs to process more visas. You need to take care of these facts that you cannot make things work suddenly. The reason is more BFD visas need to be processed to get accurate data on how long the BFD process will take to process the U visas.
How Much Is U Visa Processing Time?
One of the most important things that you will need to know is that the U Visa processing time can vary depending upon the complicacy of your case, your documents, as well as your application. The process includes submitting your photographs and fingerprint to the agency, gathering your documents, offering supporting information, and many more. Only then will you be able to get approval notice and a work permit. To know more about what documents you need to apply for U Visa, check this link: Victims of Criminal Activity
For How Much Time Is The U Visa Valid?
According to USCIS, “When U nonimmigrant status is granted, it is valid for four years.” Once the USCIS approves your U Visa application, and once you get access to the stamped passport, the maximum time up to which the U Visa will last is four years. You can live and work anywhere in the US if you hold this U Visa for four years. After four years, you will need to renew.
However, U Visa is different from a green card. Having a U Visa does not mean that you will get a green card in the end. The U Visa to green card processing time can be different. Once your U Visa is on the verge of expiration, you will have to fill out Form I-539 of USCIS to extend the U Visa.
However, it does not mean that USCIS will guarantee your extension. It depends on various factors, which you can read here: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/exten.status-tandu-nonimmigrants.pdf
How Can You Apply For A Green Card From U Visa?
There are many requirements that you will need to fulfill if you want a green card after the U Visa. To learn more about the eligibility for Green Card, click on the link below:
No one can guarantee that you will get a Green Card after your U Visa expires. However, the U Visa can be a great help for you to get a Green Card. Furthermore, the application process can be long and complex since there are many applications, and the inspections are also strict. Hence, consider starting your application as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
The U Visa processing time mainly ranges between 12 to 18 months. However, if your case is complicated, it can take more time. Furthermore, you will also need to ensure that you fill out the application correctly and provide appropriate documents regarding yourself and your application. Therefore, we always recommend you work with a U Visa lawyer who can help you with all the documentation and knows how to do the right things to ensure that you get your U Visa in time.
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