T visas

This visa was included in the implementing legislation to the Convention Against Torture. The statute provides this visa for persons who have been the subjects of severe trafficking. The T visa is for victims who agree to assist in prosecutions or are under the age of 18 and would suffer “extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm upon removal”. The T visa is three years, and the individual may seek adjustment of status if the person has maintained status, been of good moral character, and complied with reasonable requests for assistance in prosecuting trafficking.

 

U visas

The U visa is for the individual who has been a victim of serious violent crimes (including domestic violence) and has suffered a substantial physical or mental abuse as a result. To qualify for this visa, the victim must have been helpful, currently be helpful, or likely to be helpful in the future to law enforcement officials.

 

Violence Against Woman Act

The Violence Against Women Act (WAVA) was established to provide protection for victims of domestic violence. Therefore, the spouses, children or parents of US citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents that have been victim of domestic violence may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act.  This petition can be filed without the abuser’s knowledge. The goal is to provide you safety from the abuser and a legal status in the USA.

The provisions of the Act apply equally to women and men.