Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC
Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC
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Email Us NowU visa lawyers for crime victims, in Houston and across the United States
Protecting victims and their right to stay in the united states
Legal assistance for victims seeking protection through the U Visa
We know that experiencing a crime changes your life. The fear, distrust, and feeling of having no options can be overwhelming, especially when you worry about losing your immigration status or being deported. But you are not alone.
The U visa was created to provide a safe path for victims of crimes who have suffered physical or emotional harm and are willing to assist law enforcement. At the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC, we offer much more than legal advice: we provide a safe space where your story is heard and your case is handled with respect, confidentiality, and strategy.
Our U visa lawyers work with you from the first consultation, explaining your rights, your eligibility, and the exact steps to apply for protection. With over 15 years of immigration experience, we assist clients in Houston and across the United States, always with the same care.
What is a U Visa and how does it work?
Imagine going through a difficult time, being the victim of a crime, and still finding the courage to speak up, to cooperate, to seek justice. The U visa was created for people like you, those who experienced abuse or violence in the United States and chose not to remain silent.
This humanitarian benefit, officially known as U nonimmigrant status, protects victims who assist authorities in investigating or prosecuting those responsible. More than just a visa, it is an opportunity to rebuild your life with dignity and stability.
Created under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, the U visa allows eligible immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S., stay protected from deportation, and eventually apply for lawful permanent residence (Green Card).
In other words, the U visa not only recognizes your courage, it rewards it, giving you the chance to turn a story of pain into one of freedom and hope.
Who qualifies for a U Visa?
In general, you may be eligible if:
- You were the victim of a qualifying criminal activity, such as domestic violence, assault, sexual abuse, kidnapping, threats, or extortion.
- You have useful information about the crime and are willing to cooperate with the police or prosecutors.
- You have obtained certification (Form I-918B) from a law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office confirming your assistance in the case.
- You are admissible to the United States, or you may apply for a waiver if you have a record or other immigration issues.
Every story is unique, and eligibility depends on the details of your case. Our U visa lawyers can review your situation with discretion, explain your legal options, and walk with you through each step. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and find out if you qualify.
Which crimes qualify for a U visa
Not every crime opens this door. USCIS works from a specific list, and your case has to fall within it or be substantially similar to something on it. As of August 2026, the qualifying criminal activities are:
- Abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment and unlawful criminal restraint
- Domestic violence, felonious assault, stalking and torture
- Rape, incest, sexual assault, abusive sexual contact and sexual exploitation
- Female genital mutilation
- Trafficking, involuntary servitude, slave trade and peonage
- Prostitution and fraud in foreign labor contracting
- Blackmail, extortion and hostage taking
- Murder, manslaughter, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and perjury
The list also covers related crimes, including the attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any of them. If you are unsure whether what happened to you counts, we can look at which crimes qualify for a U visa against the details of your own case.
Benefits of the U Visa
Obtaining a U visa means much more than avoiding deportation, it represents a real opportunity to start over with stability and legal protection. This immigration status offers tangible benefits that can transform your daily life and your future.
With a U visa, you can live and work legally in the United States, receive protection from deportation, and later apply for permanent residence (Green Card) once you meet the requirements. You may also include certain family members in your petition, such as your spouse, children, parents, or unmarried minor siblings, so they too can have a path toward lawful status.
Perhaps the greatest benefit is emotional peace of mind: knowing that the law is on your side, that you can work, contribute to your community, and keep your family together without fear of losing everything.
What you can get while your U visa case is pending
| Stage | What happens | What you may obtain meanwhile |
|---|---|---|
| Petition filed | You file Form I-918 with the Supplement B signed by the certifying agency | Nothing yet. Your file enters the queue |
| Bona fide determination | USCIS reviews whether your petition is filed in good faith | USCIS may notify you to file Form I-765 for work authorization |
| Annual cap is reached | The limit is 10,000 U visas per year for principal petitioners | USCIS creates a waiting list |
| On the waiting list | You are found eligible, but no visa is available yet | Deferred action or parole, and you may apply for work authorization |
| A visa becomes available | Visas are granted in the order petitions were received | U nonimmigrant status |
Timelines depend on USCIS workload and on your own case, so we do not promise dates. What we can do is prepare your petition so that nothing on our side adds to the wait, and tell you honestly where your case stands.
From U visa status to permanent residence
The U visa is not the final destination. Once you hold U nonimmigrant status, the law opens a path toward a Green Card, and it depends on two conditions you can control.
- Three continuous years: you need to have been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least three years while in U nonimmigrant status.
- Continued cooperation: you must not have unreasonably refused to provide assistance to law enforcement since you received your U visa.
Meeting both does not make residence automatic, since USCIS still reviews your case as a whole. It does mean the door is open, and that how long the U visa process takes matters for more than just the visa itself.
What our U visa lawyers do for you
Applying for a U visa is more than filling out paperwork, it’s about telling your story the right way and presenting every detail that proves your eligibility. Our U visa attorneys in Houston guide you through every stage, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that your case is handled with care and professionalism.
Here’s what we do for you:
- Evaluate your eligibility: we review your background and confirm whether you meet the USCIS requirements for a U visa.
- Build a strong case: we help you gather police reports, witness statements, and all necessary evidence to support your petition.
- Coordinate with authorities: we manage the I-918B certification with the appropriate law enforcement or prosecuting agency.
- Prepare and file your complete application: we draft personal statements, complete all USCIS forms, and submit your case accurately and professionally.
- Provide continuous follow-up: we track your case, respond to USCIS requests, and keep you informed throughout the process.
- Protect your privacy: all of your information is handled with complete confidentiality and respect for your story.
We do not just file your case, we defend your story, your safety and your right to a future without fear. If your situation also involves abuse by a spouse or a parent, our VAWA immigration lawyers can tell you whether that route fits you better, or whether the U visa protects you from deportation in a case like yours.
Frequently asked questions about the U Visa
What crimes qualify for a U visa?
The U visa covers a wide range of serious crimes that cause physical or emotional harm to victims. Common examples include domestic violence, assault, sexual abuse, kidnapping, extortion, stalking, fraud, human trafficking, rape, and serious threats. Related crimes may also qualify if their impact was significant and cooperation with law enforcement can be demonstrated.
Can I apply if I am undocumented?
Yes. The U visa was specifically created to protect victims regardless of immigration status. You do not need to have entered the country legally or hold a valid visa. What matters most is meeting the eligibility criteria, proving you were the victim of a qualifying crime, and showing your willingness to assist the authorities.
Do I have to testify in court to get a U visa?
Not always. While cooperation with the police or prosecutors is required, you are not necessarily obligated to testify in court. In many cases, providing helpful information or assisting with the investigation is sufficient. Our U visa immigration lawyers will explain how to show your cooperation while ensuring your safety.
Can I include my spouse or children in my application?
Yes. If you are the principal applicant, you may include your spouse, children, parents, or unmarried minor siblings, depending on your age and family relationship. These relatives may also qualify for U visa status, along with work authorization and immigration protection. Our team will assess your case to determine who may benefit with you.
How long does the U visa process take?
There is no single answer, and any firm that gives you an exact number is guessing. Congress caps U visas at 10,000 per year for principal petitioners, so when the cap is reached USCIS places eligible petitioners on a waiting list. While you wait you may be granted deferred action or parole and become eligible to apply for work authorization, and a bona fide determination can open that door earlier. Processing depends on USCIS workload and on the complexity of your case.
Can I apply for permanent residence later?
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of the U visa is that it leads to lawful permanent residence (Green Card). After maintaining U visa status for at least three years and meeting all requirements, such as ongoing cooperation with authorities and a clean record—you may apply for your Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident.
What if my U visa application is denied?
A denial does not mean the end of your options. In many cases, you can appeal the decision, submit a corrected application, or pursue other forms of immigration relief, such as VAWA or an immigration waiver. A U visa attorney in Houston can review the reasons for denial and help you plan the best strategy to move forward.
Will my information be shared with immigration or the police?
No. All U visa cases are handled with strict confidentiality. USCIS does not share your information with immigration enforcement or police agencies for deportation purposes. Your safety is the top priority, and the process is designed to protect your identity and privacy.
Can I work while waiting for approval?
Yes. Once your U visa petition is deemed eligible or approved, you can apply for a work permit (EAD). This allows you to work legally in the U.S. while awaiting the final decision, giving you economic stability and peace of mind throughout the process.
Why is it important to have an attorney for this process?
Because the U visa process requires coordination with law enforcement and strict compliance with immigration law. An experienced U visa attorney can present your story clearly and persuasively, prevent mistakes, and protect your confidentiality. At the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon, PLLC, we guide every client with empathy, precision, and a genuine commitment to their safety and future.
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