A Guide on the U Visa Bona Fide Determination Process

U Visa Bona Fide Determination

Did you witness a crime and have information that could help law enforcement to find who’s responsible? Then you very well may be eligible for “U nonimmigrant visa status.” Here at the Rijal Law Firm, we’ve helped many who were in the exact position that you are right now: either considering applying for a U visa or awaiting their U visa bona fide determination. Now, we can put our experience to work for you and yours, so as to help you to immigrate to this country. 

Helping Law Enforcement, Helping Immigration 

The idea behind this visa is simple: it rewards crime victims who help law enforcement with immigration. Crime victims who may be unsure of the legality of their immigration status may feel reticent (at best) about assisting law enforcement with a crime. Often, this is for fear that, if they do so, law enforcement will punish them with deportation and more. This keeps that from happening. Instead, it empowers victims of crime to be able to immigrate to the United States legally. 

Eligibility for the Program 

You’re eligible for this if you’ve witnessed crimes such as felonious assault, trafficking, kidnapping, prostitution/sexual exploitation, domestic violence, sexual assault, torture, and other crimes. Being a victim, in and of itself, may not be enough to grant you a U visa. Additionally, you need to be able to help law enforcement, by providing them information about the crime and so forth. Applicants must also show that they suffered, mentally and/or physically, due to the crime itself. Lastly, none of the “grounds of inadmissibility” must apply to you. If you have any questions about this, we can help. 

The U Visa Bona Fide Determination Process 

The “Bona Fide Determination” process is a recent one, having only been implemented roughly one year ago. First, you must complete the U visa application, which includes your Petition, the U Nonimmigrant Status, Certification (which is completed by law enforcement), complete background check/biometrics, and you must give a personal statement about the facts of the case you were a victim of. We can help you to assemble all of that documentation. That way, you can put together the best, most comprehensive case for your eligibility. 

U Visa Bona Fide Determination

Attorneys Who Can Help 

Should you have a bona fide application, you’ll be granted deferred action, and be eligible for work authorization for four years (as will your family members). That said, even if your bona fide determination goes through, that doesn’t automatically mean that your U visa will be granted. The process can be long, complicated, and frustrating. However, we can help. From the very beginning through the end, our attorneys can guide you through the process, giving you the best possible chance at a successful outcome. For a consultation with our attorneys, you can reach us at (855) 997-4525.  

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