Protection and Legal Status for Crime Victims

Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough without the added fear of deportation.

At L.I.H. Law, we understand that when you've experienced violence, abuse, or exploitation, coming forward to report the crime shouldn't put your immigration status at risk. You deserve protection, safety, and the chance to rebuild your life without fear..

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The U visa is a form of humanitarian immigration relief created specifically for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime.

Congress created this visa category through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000 to encourage immigrant crime victims to report crimes to police without fear of deportation, making communities safer for everyone. A U visa grants you temporary legal status for four years, work authorization, and after three years, the ability to apply for a green card (permanent residence).

Immigration lawyer Lesley Irizarry-Hougan has devoted over 20 years exclusively to immigration law in Seattle, with particular expertise in helping survivors of domestic violence and other crimes obtain U visas. As recognized by the Kitsap Sun and through her community advocacy, Lesley understands the unique challenges of addressing victimization in immigrant communities. Her entirely bilingual, Spanish-speaking staff ensures that language is never a barrier when seeking protection. From your first consultation through your green card approval years later, you can communicate in the language you're most comfortable with.

L.I.H. Law specializes in U visa cases. We help victims who are afraid to report crimes to police, victims whose cases were not prosecuted, victims who waited years before coming forward, and victims with previous immigration violations or deportation orders. We work closely with law enforcement agencies across Washington State to obtain the critical certification you need, prepare you thoroughly for USCIS scrutiny, and guide you through the lengthy waiting period with work authorization and deferred action protection. Whether you're a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or any other qualifying crime, we're here to help you find safety and legal status.

Family Immigration Services We Provide

We guide Seattle-area families through every aspect of family-based immigration, including:

Initial U Visa Eligibility Assessment

Determining if your crime qualifies and if you meet all requirements for U visa protection

Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918 Supplement B)

Working with police, prosecutors, judges, and other certifying agencies to obtain the required certification

Complete Form I-918 Petition Preparation

Preparing your U visa application with detailed personal statements and supporting evidence

Domestic Violence U Visas

Helping victims of intimate partner violence, abuse, and family violence obtain protection

Sexual Assault and Rape U Visas

For family members abroad who will obtain immigrant visas through U.S. embassies or consulates

Human Trafficking U Visas (T/U Visa Comparison)

Navigating document submission, fee payments, and interview scheduling after I-130 approval

Stalking and Harassment U Visas

Cases involving persistent harassment, cyberstalking, and threatening behavior

Kidnapping and False Imprisonment U Visas

Representing victims held against their will or forcibly confined

Extortion, Blackmail, and Witness Tampering U Visas

Protection for victims threatened or coerced related to criminal activity

Robbery, Burglary, and Theft U Visas

Helping victims of property crimes involving force or threats

Assault, Battery, and Violent Crime U Visas

Cases involving physical attacks, injuries, and violent encounters

U Visas for Witnesses to Crimes

Protection for those who witnessed qualifying crimes even if not directly victimized

Derivative U Visas for Family Members

Including qualifying family members (spouses, children, parents, siblings) in your petition

Bona Fide Determination Applications

Obtaining work authorization and deferred action while waiting for U visa approva

U Visa Work Authorization (Form I-765)

Applying for employment authorization documents during the waiting period

Requests for Evidence (RFE) Response

Responding to USCIS requests for additional documentation or clarification

U Visa Adjustment of Status (Green Card After 3 Years)

Helping U visa holders apply for permanent residence after 3 years of continuous presence

Waivers of Inadmissibility for U Visa Applicants (Form I-192)

Overcoming criminal history, immigration violations, or other bars to U visa approval

U Visas with Prior Deportation Orders

Complex cases where victims have existing removal orders or previous immigration violations

VAWA and U Visa Comparison/Combined Strategies

Determining the best path forward when multiple forms of relief may apply

U Visa Renewals and Extensions

Extending U visa status beyond 4 years when circumstances require

Our U Visa Process

Initial Consultation - Safety First, Comprehensive Victim Assessment

Your safety is our first priority. We conduct a sensitive, trauma-informed consultation to understand what happened to you, assess your current safety situation, and determine if a U visa is the right path forward for your circumstances.

We discuss:

  • The crime(s) you experienced and whether they qualify for U visa protection

  • Whether you reported the crime to law enforcement (or why you couldn't)

  • Your cooperation with police, prosecutors, or other investigating agencies

  • The physical or mental harm you suffered as a result of the crime

  • Your current immigration status and any previous immigration violations

  • Your current safety and whether protective orders or other safety measures are needed

  • Whether family members can be included as derivatives on your petition

You do not need a criminal prosecution or conviction. The crime does not need to have resulted in an arrest or conviction of the perpetrator. Many qualifying crimes are never prosecuted, yet victims still qualify for U visas if they were helpful to the investigation.

We provide honest assessments about eligibility, timeline expectations (currently 3+ years for work authorization, 6-10 years for final U visa approval due to the 10,000 annual cap), and what documentation you'll need. If U visa isn't the best option, we discuss alternatives like VAWA self-petitions, asylum, T visas, or other forms of relief.


Evidence Gathering and Documentation

U visa applications require extensive documentation proving that you are a victim of a qualifying crime, that you suffered substantial harm, and that you possess information about the crime. We guide you through how to gather and organize all necessary evidence.

Critical documentation includes:

1. Evidence of the crime:

  • Police reports documenting the crime

  • 911 call recordings or transcripts

  • Protective orders (restraining orders, no-contact orders)

  • Court records related to criminal prosecution

  • Medical records documenting injuries

  • Photos of injuries, damaged property, or crime scenes

  • Text messages, emails, voicemails showing threats or abuse

  • Witness statements from people who saw the crime or its aftermath

2. Evidence of substantial harm you suffered:

  • Medical records showing physical injuries, emergency room visits, hospitalizations

  • Mental health records documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma

  • Therapy or counseling records

  • Psychological evaluations from licensed mental health professionals

  • Personal statement describing the crime's impact on your life, health, work, relationships

  • Letters from family, friends, employers describing changes they've observed in you

3. Evidence of your helpfulness to law enforcement:

  • Your cooperation with police investigations

  • Testimony you provided to prosecutors

  • Your willingness to testify if needed

  • Information you shared that helped identify suspects or gather evidence

Our bilingual team guides you on how to obtain missing documents, translate Spanish-language documents, request records from hospitals and police departments, and organize everything systematically for USCIS. We understand that gathering evidence related to traumatic events is emotionally difficult, and we work at your pace with sensitivity and support.


Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918 Supplement B)

This is the most critical step in the U visa process. You MUST have a signed law enforcement certification (Form I-918 Supplement B) from a qualifying agency confirming that you were a victim of a qualifying crime and that you have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution.

Who can certify?

  • Police departments: Local police, county sheriffs, state patrol

  • Prosecutors: City attorneys, county prosecutors, state attorneys general

  • Judges: In some circumstances, judges can certify

  • Federal agencies: FBI, ICE, CBP, DOJ, DHS (for federal crimes)

  • Other agencies: Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor (for workplace crimes)

Our role in obtaining certification:

We have extensive experience working with Washington State law enforcement agencies to obtain U visa certifications. Many agencies have designated U visa coordinators, but some don't—we know how to navigate both situations.

  • We identify the appropriate certifying agency for your case

  • We prepare comprehensive requests explaining why your case qualifies

  • We provide agencies with draft certifications and all supporting documentation

  • We follow up persistently but respectfully with certifying officials

  • We educate law enforcement about U visas when necessary

  • We address any concerns agencies raise about signing certifications

What if police won't sign? Some law enforcement agencies are more willing to certify than others. If one agency refuses, we explore alternative certifying agencies. For example, if local police won't sign, we may approach the prosecutor's office, or if a domestic violence case wasn't prosecuted locally, we may seek certification through victim services agencies with certifying authority.

Timing: Once a law enforcement agency signs your certification, you have six months to file your complete U visa petition with USCIS. We ensure timely filing to meet this deadline.


Form I-918 Petition Preparation and Filing

Timing: We file once we have your signed law enforcement certification

We meticulously prepare your Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status), ensuring every section is completed accurately and consistently with supporting evidence. The petition includes detailed information about you, the crime, your cooperation with law enforcement, the harm you suffered, and why you deserve protection.

Your petition package includes:

  • Form I-918 (main petition)

  • Form I-918 Supplement B (law enforcement certification) - This MUST be an original signed document

  • Personal statement describing the crime, your trauma, and your cooperation

  • Evidence of substantial harm (medical records, psychological evaluations, etc.)

  • Evidence of the qualifying crime (police reports, court records, etc.)

  • Form I-192 (waiver of inadmissibility) if you have criminal history, immigration violations, or other bars

  • Form I-765 (work authorization application) - We file this concurrently so you can get work authorization as soon as possible

  • Form I-918 Supplement A for each qualifying family member you're including

  • Detailed legal brief for complex cases explaining why you meet all requirements

No filing fee: There is no fee to file Form I-918, Form I-192, or the initial Form I-765 for U visa applicants. USCIS recognizes that crime victims often face financial hardship.

We file your petition with USCIS. You will receive a notice of receipt confirming that USCIS has received your petition.


Biometrics Appointment and Background Checks

Timing: Varies

USCIS will send you an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center (typically Tukwila for Seattle-area applicants) to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature collected sometime after receipts are issued. This biometrics information is used for FBI background checks and security screening.

We prepare you for what to expect at your biometrics appointment, review what documents to bring (appointment notice and photo ID), and ensure you understand the process. The appointment itself is quick—usually 15-30 minutes.

USCIS conducts comprehensive background checks including FBI criminal history checks, USCIS immigration records reviews, and national security database searches. These background checks typically take several months to complete.


Bona Fide Determination and Work Authorization

Timing: Currently 30-35 months (approximately 3 years) after filing

Because the annual U visa cap of 10,000 creates massive backlogs, USCIS created the "bona fide determination" process to provide interim relief while you wait for your actual U visa. If USCIS determines your petition is complete, properly filed, and you appear to meet basic eligibility requirements (and your background check doesn't raise security concerns), they will issue a favorable bona fide determination.

A favorable bona fide determination gives you:

  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Valid for 4 years, allowing you to work legally anywhere in the U.S.

  • Deferred action - Temporary protection from deportation

  • Ability to obtain a Social Security number

  • Ability to obtain a driver's license (in states that allow this for deferred action recipients)

  • Peace of mind - You can live, work, and wait for your visa

Important: A bona fide determination is NOT final approval of your U visa. It's USCIS's preliminary finding that you appear eligible, but you still need to wait for a visa number to become available under the 10,000 annual cap. However, it provides crucial work authorization and protection during the years-long wait.

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) during this phase, we respond thoroughly and strategically to address any concerns they've raised. RFEs can delay your bona fide determination by several months, so we work hard to submit complete, well-documented petitions that minimize RFEs.


Waiting List and Final U Visa Approval

Timing: Currently 6-10 years total from initial filing to final U visa

Due to the 10,000 annual cap on U visas, there is a significant waiting period between receiving a favorable bona fide determination and actual U visa approval. USCIS processes approved petitions strictly in receipt date order. As of October 2025, USCIS is issuing U visas to petitions filed in April 2017—an approximately 8-year wait.

During the waiting period:

  • You maintain deferred action status and work authorization (if granted)

  • You can renew your EAD every 4 years as needed

  • You continue to accumulate time toward the 3-year requirement for green card eligibility

  • You must continue to cooperate with law enforcement if the criminal case is ongoing

  • You should maintain a clean record and report any address changes to USCIS

When your priority date becomes current (meaning a visa number is available), USCIS will conduct final adjudication of your petition. They will review all evidence again, potentially request updated documentation, and make a final determination about your eligibility.

If approved, you will receive:

  • I-94 showing U-1 nonimmigrant status - Proof of your U visa

  • 4-year work authorization that doesn't require separate renewal during the U status period

  • Ability to travel with advance permission

  • Protection from deportation for the full 4 years

Derivative family members (included on your petition or added later) go through a similar process and receive U-2, U-3, U-4, or U-5 status depending on their relationship to you.


Green Card Application After 3 Years (Form I-485)

Timing: You become eligible 3 years after receiving U nonimmigrant status

After you've held U visa status for 3 continuous years, you may apply to adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder). You must apply for lawful permanent status before the U visa expires. This is one of the most valuable benefits of the U visa—the pathway to permanent residence and eventually U.S. citizenship.

To qualify for a U visa green card, you must show:

  • Continuous physical presence in the U.S. for 3 years while in U status (short trips abroad may be acceptable with advance parole)

  • Continued cooperation with law enforcement throughout those 3 years (or the criminal investigation/prosecution concluded)

  • Certification from law enforcement confirming your continued helpfulness or explaining why continued cooperation is not required

  • Admissibility to the U.S. or eligibility for waivers of any inadmissibility grounds

  • That you have not unreasonably refused to provide assistance in the criminal investigation/prosecution

The adjustment process requires:

  • Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)

  • Medical examination (Form I-693)

  • Updated law enforcement certification if circumstances changed

  • Evidence of continuous physical presence

  • Government filing fees ( if applicable)

We guide you through the adjustment process, help you obtain updated certifications from law enforcement, prepare you for your adjustment interview if required, and ensure all documentation demonstrates you deserve permanent residence. Once approved, you receive a 10-year green card and are on the path to U.S. citizenship (eligible after 5 years as a permanent resident).


Long-Term Immigration Planning and Family Reunification

Once you have your green card, we help you plan for the future, including sponsoring family members who weren't included in your original U visa petition, applying for U.S. citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident, traveling safely with your green card, understanding green card renewal requirements, and addressing any ongoing immigration concerns.

For many U visa recipients, obtaining a green card is life-changing—it means permanent protection, the freedom to live and work without restrictions, and eventually the opportunity to become U.S. citizens. We're here to support you through every step of that journey.

Why Choose L.I.H. Law for Your Citizenship Case

Our Specialty

Experience With Complex Immigration Journeys: Family-Based, Family Reunification, VAWA, Waivers

20+ Years Exclusively Practicing Immigration Law

Fully Bilingual Service—Se Habla Español

Daughter of a Veteran with Deep Community Roots

Active Community Involvement

Transparent, Reasonable Fees

Local Knowledge

Transparent Process

Client Service

Proven Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? View our FAQs page →

What Our Clients Say

View all our testimonials

★★★★★
"I recommend Lesley Irizarry-Horgan for your immigration cases, she's one of the best, good communication and good resources thank you very much for my victory in short time!!!"

— Ayisha Usman, Google Review

★★★★★
"My personal experience with attorney Lesley, Angel, and everyone in the office was very efficient and friendly, addressing our questions and concerns immediately. Our process was much simpler. Thanks to them, I highly recommend their services."

— Laura E. Cordero León, Google Review

★★★★★
"It was a long road but it was worth the wait thanks to the lawyer for her hard work and commitment, a dream more achieved and finally having reached the end of the tunnel and seeing the light, what an honor to have been helped and supported by her, she is a great person and may God fill her with blessings."
— Oscar Rivas, Google Review (translated from Spanish)

★★★★★
"Lawyer Lesley! I just want to thank you for the great professional performance you had in helping me process my residency. Thank you very much for guiding me and keeping an eye on my case. Allow me to also express my congratulations to you for your great performance."

— Naty Piña, Google Review (translated from Spanish)

★★★★★
"I am very grateful for your expertise and help in receiving my residency application approval for green card citizenship. My journey towards full citizenship has begun thanks to your law firm. I highly recommend and will refer your firm to anyone who seeks green card citizenship. Thank you Lesley!!!"

— Laisa Vakalala, Google Review

★★★★★
"Very good lawyer, I recommend her. It helped me with many things that I thought I wouldn't be able to get out of. And then they have a good kindness."

— Elias Roman, Google Review (translated from Spanish)

★★★★★
"Amazing and very great attorney to work with. She did an amazing thing on my case. I am very thankful for her to help me with everything I need. I will recommend anyone want to help from Immigration status she the best attorney to go to."

— Lemaima Kaleopa, Google Review