USCIS Reaches Cap for Approving U Visas for Crime Victims

For the seventh straight year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has reached the statutory maximum of approval for U-1 nonimmigrant petitions (U visas). Every year, USCIS can approve up to 10,000 U visas, a program that allows victims of certain crimes to enter the United States. Eligible applicants must be willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the crime, and provide certification that they have done so.

The USCIS has approved 10,000 U visas for fiscal year 2016 and will not be granting more until fiscal year 2017 begins on October 1, 2016. The organization will continue to review pending petitions for eligibility, and will issue notifications to eligible applicants that they have been placed on a waiting list. The letter will also contain information regarding the applicants’ available options while waiting for U visas to be issued again.

The U visa program has offered protection to more than 115,000 victims of crimes including human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence while strengthening law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

If you have been a victim of a crime and are looking for U.S. immigration options, Gorton Law LLC is here to help. Contact our firm today for more information.