U visa help for crime victims in Long Beach

What the law-enforcement certification does

Form I-918 Supplement B documents qualifying criminal activity and your helpfulness to a certifying agency. A police department, prosecutor, or another authorized agency may be able to certify. The appropriate agency depends on who handled the matter and the applicable rules.

Certification is required, but it is not a U visa approval. USCIS makes the immigration decision. A conviction is not always required, and an older report may still be relevant. We review available reports, case numbers, and agency correspondence to identify possible next steps without promising a signature.

The annual cap and work authorization

Federal law limits principal U visas to 10,000 each year. This cap creates a long wait. Filing a petition does not automatically give you U status, a work permit, or protection from removal. Your situation needs separate review if you have an immigration hearing or an existing order.

While a case is pending, USCIS may make a bona fide determination and grant work authorization and deferred action to eligible petitioners. This is not automatic or the same as approval of U status. Learn more about work permits, including why the application category and any expiration dates matter.

Family members, waivers, and a future green card

Qualifying family members may be included as derivatives. Which relatives qualify depends in part on the principal applicant's age and the family relationship. We review your spouse, children, and any other potentially eligible relatives individually rather than assuming the entire household can apply.

Being undocumented or having been deported does not automatically rule out a U visa. Waivers may be available, but prior orders, criminal history, and entries require careful review. After three years in U status, you may be able to seek a green card if you meet the remaining requirements. Compare VAWA, the T visa, and our U visa vs. T visa vs. VAWA guide if more than one option may fit.

Steps in reviewing and preparing your case

1. 1

   Discuss the crime and your history

   We review the harm, contact with authorities, and immigration background. Bring notices and report numbers if available, but do not delay a consultation because records are missing.

2. 2

   Assess the certification request

   We identify a possible certifying agency and review its requirements. We explain what the certification covers and what USCIS must still decide.

3. 3

   Organize the petition and evidence

   We help present your account, supporting records, and relevant family documents. We also assess whether a waiver request may be needed.

4. 4

   Review notices and later eligibility

   We explain USCIS correspondence and possible work authorization questions. If U status is granted, we discuss the separate requirements for future permanent residence.

Clear guidance after a difficult experience

Attorney Juliana Garcia personally reviews cases and explains options honestly in English or Spanish. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and has more than 13 years of experience in Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal appeals.

You can book a paid $60 consultation in person, by phone, or by video. Payment plans are available. We can discuss which records to gather and how to contact you safely, without asking you to have every answer at the first meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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