Who qualifies for a U Visa?

A U Visa is available to individuals who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to being a victim of certain qualifying crimes, possess information about the crime, have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, and where the crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws. Applicants must also be admissible to the U.S. or be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.

What crimes qualify for a U Visa?

Qualifying crimes for a U Visa include abduction, abusive sexual contact, blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, false imprisonment, felonious assault, female genital mutilation, fraud in foreign labor contracting, hostage taking, incest, involuntary servitude, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, obstruction of justice, peonage, perjury, prostitution, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slave trade, stalking, torture, trafficking, witness tampering, and unlawful criminal restraint. Attempts, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of these crimes may also qualify. Crimes that are substantially similar to one on the qualifying list may also be considered.

Can my family qualify for a U Visa too?

Yes. Certain family members may qualify as derivatives. For adult U Visa applicants age 21 or older, spouses and children may be included. For minor applicants under 21, spouses, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18 may be included. Family members must demonstrate a qualifying relationship.

U Visa Protection for Victims of Crime

Written by Shawn S. Sedaghat — California Bar #188763, admitted 1997. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Secure Your Future Today!

If you’ve been a victim of a qualifying crime in the U.S., you may be eligible for legal status and work authorization. Decades of experience handling U Visa cases for victims of qualifying crimes. Find out if you qualify now!

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Decades of experience handling U Visa cases for victims of qualifying crimes.
Compassionate & Experienced Legal Team
Reasonable Fees and Payment Plans

What is a U Visa?

The U Visa is designed to help victims of certain crimes gain legal protection in the U.S. This visa provides:

○ Temporary legal status and work authorization.
○ A path to a green card after 3 years.
○ Support for individuals who assist law enforcement in investigations.

Step-by-Step U Visa Process

Step 1

Obtain law enforcement certification

Step 2

File your U-Visa petition

Step 3

Wait for processing and work authorization

Step 4

Apply for a green card after 3 years

Why Choose Us?

Decades of experience handling U Visa cases for victims of qualifying crimes.

Key Differentiators

○ Client testimonials from real U Visa recipients
○ Transparent fee structure — flat fees and payment plans available.

Helen Banai

1 review • a year ago

★★★★★

A Great recommendation for the most talented and wonderful lawyer called Dr. Shawn Sedaghat!

Dr. Sedaghat has great relational abilities. He is adaptable, very well informed and knowledgeable on the different aspects of what it takes to be a lawyer. His logic and reasoning area is very strong.

I believe that Dr. Sedaghat and his Awesome team is the most suitable group lawyer for any one case. He has my highest recommendations!

Thank you Dr. Sedaghat for all you and your team done for my case 🙏

Alyda Ghafourian

2 reviews • a year ago

★★★★★

If you’re looking for immigration lawyer he is the best I have ever worked with.

Azita Joon was very sweet and knowledgeable took her time to explain everything to me. I had a zoom appointment with Dr Sedaghat today he went over my case and was very sincere what I liked the most was their fair price and fast process. Thank you for great service.

arturo garcia

1 review • a month ago

★★★★★

Many thanks to the Law Offices of Shawn Sedghat for helping me with my cancellation of removal process. I am very grateful that your office was able to help me obtain my green card. Most importantly, I want to thank Hilda Gallegos for her patience, kindness and all her support during this long process. One hundred percent recommended.

Gevorg Hovhannisyan

6 reviews • 10 photos • a month ago

★★★★★

This isn’t a matter of writing just a positive feedback. With 2 criminal cases, with huge waiting line in South California for immigration cases Shawn Sedaghat switched impossible to possibly. In very short time we won the case! Without hard and continuous work by Sedaghat law office I could be one of the usual people waiting for results 10 year and more. professional, knowledgeable, punctual, responsible with reasonable prices.

HIGHLY recommended!

It was pleasure to be your client Shawn.

Navid Ebrahimi

4 reviews • 3 months ago

★★★★★

I’m here to say thank you so much to Mr. Sedaghat and Miss Taheripour and Miss Azita and their team for all you did about my case also a pleasure to meet you all, believe me, one of the best immigrants attorneys in the USA, has always been ready for me and quickly responds about any questions or issues had regarding my case, highly recommend him very professional and knowledgeable.

Wish you all the best and God bless you

Happy yalda 🙏🎉

Joseph Tabrizi

70 reviews • 1 photo • 7 months ago

★★★★★

I recently hired Sedaghat Law firm to handle a legal matter, and I couldn't be more pleased with their services. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, their team displayed professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. They were responsive to my inquiries, kept me informed throughout the process, and achieved a favorable outcome. If you're seeking a reliable and competent law firm, I highly recommend them.

Reviews reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the same or similar result in any other case.

Disclaimer: The case results and testimonials presented here are intended to provide information about the experience of our clients and the nature of our practice. They do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Viewing these testimonials does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

A U Visa is available to individuals who:

Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to being a victim of certain qualifying crimes.
Possess information about the crime.
Have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
The crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.
Are admissible to the U.S. (or can apply for a waiver of inadmissibility).

The U Visa process can take several years due to a cap of 10,000 U Visas issued per year. Current processing times often range from 5 to 10 years. However, applicants may receive a Bona Fide Determination (BFD) work permit while waiting for their visa if their case is deemed legitimate and complete.

Here is the full list of qualifying crimes for a U Visa, as outlined by U.S. immigration law:

Abduction
Abusive Sexual Contact
Blackmail
Domestic Violence
Extortion
False Imprisonment
Felonious Assault
Female Genital Mutilation
Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
Hostage Taking
Incest
Involuntary Servitude
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder
Obstruction of Justice
Peonage (forced labor or debt servitude)
Perjury (if it caused harm to the applicant)
Prostitution
Rape
Sexual Assault
Sexual Exploitation
Slave Trade
Stalking
Torture
Trafficking (human trafficking)
Witness Tampering
Unlawful Criminal Restraint

Additionally, attempts, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of these crimes also qualify for a U Visa. If a crime is substantially similar to one on the list, it may also be considered a qualifying crime.

Yes, certain family members can qualify as derivatives:

For adult (21+) U Visa applicants: Only spouses and children can be included.
For minor (under 21) U Visa applicants: Spouses, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18 can be included.
Family members must demonstrate a qualifying relationship.

Questions About Your Case?

Every immigration case is unique. Let our experienced attorneys evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best path forward.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

With over 30 years of experience, we have helped thousands of clients navigate the complex U.S. immigration system with confidence and success.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. An attorney-client relationship is only established through a formal, written agreement with our firm. Your use of this site is at your own risk.

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New Consultations: help@sedaghatlaw.com Existing Clients: contact@sedaghatlaw.com Complaints: complaints@sedaghatlaw.com

Law Offices of
Shawn Sedaghat

U Visa Protection for Victims of Crime

Secure Your Future Today!

Schedule Your Free Consultation

What is a U Visa?

Step-by-Step U Visa Process