U Visa Lawyer for Victims of Crimes

If you’ve been the victim of a qualifying crime in Florida and want a way to stay in the U.S. legally while having been helpful, or being likely to be helpful, to law enforcement, a U visa can provide protection, access to work authorization, and a path toward permanent residence.

At Robert M. Bell, our committed legal team can guide you through the U visa process from start to finish, explaining eligibility, filing the right forms, and securing the law enforcement certification you need to rebuild your life. Our U Visa attorneys for victims of crimes in Florida can clarify how the law applies to you, prepare your petition, gather evidence, and represent your case before immigration authorities to ensure your status is protected.

U Visa and How it Can Help You

Congress created the U Visa to protect victims of serious criminal activity who’ve suffered physical or mental harm and who are willing to assist law enforcement with investigations or prosecutions. It gives victims legal permission to remain in the U.S. for up to four years, with extensions available in limited circumstances, and can eventually lead to a green card.

The U visa acknowledges that victims commonly fear reporting crimes because of immigration concerns. By providing legal protection and work authorization, and by encouraging cooperation with law enforcement, the program strengthens community safety and helps you pursue justice without risking deportation. It applies to many serious crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and robbery, among others.

Unlike some other visas, the U visa has an annual cap: only 10,000 principal applicants are authorized each fiscal year, so demand usually far exceeds supply. This makes careful preparation and timing of your application especially important.

How Our U Visa Attorneys for Victims of Crimes in Florida Can Help You

Personalized Eligibility Assessment and Case Planning

The first step in your case is understanding whether you qualify. Our Florida U Visa lawyers for crime victims will review your personal history, the crime you experienced, and your involvement with law enforcement. U visa eligibility requires that:

• The crime occurred in the U.S. or otherwise violated U.S. law.
• If you were significantly harmed physically or mentally.
• You have details about the crime and are helpful (or can be helpful) to the law enforcement authorities.

Guiding the Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B)

A key part of your petition is the law enforcement certification form, which confirms your cooperation with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. We work with you and your law enforcement contacts, including local sheriffs, police departments, and state attorneys in places like Miami-Dade, Broward, Jacksonville, and Orlando, to secure the certification that strengthens your case.

Preparing and Filing Your U Visa Petition

You must file Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, along with the Supplement B certification and supporting evidence showing your victimization, harm suffered, and helpfulness to investigators. Our legal team at Robert M. Bell can help you obtain medical records, police reports, witness statements, and personal affidavits to ensure your petition is complete and compelling.

Navigating Backlogs and Timing Challenges

U visa petitions can take years to process, and in some cases, more than a decade, due to the annual cap and national backlog. While you wait, our Florida U Visa attorneys will help you apply for interim protections, such as deferred action and work authorization, through USCIS’s bona fide determination process, ensuring you can work and live lawfully in Florida while your case progresses.

Securing a Green Card and Long-Term Planning

After you hold a U visa status for three continuous years, you can qualify to apply for a green card if you continue to meet eligibility requirements and remain compliant with the terms of U status. We’ll prepare the necessary Form I-485 and other documentation so you can pursue lawful permanent residence when you are ready.

Support During Appeals and Requests for Evidence

USCIS can request more evidence or deny petitions for technical reasons. We’ll review any notices you receive and develop thorough responses or appeals that address the issues raised, improving your chance of success.

Speak to Our U Visa Lawyers for Victims of Crimes in Florida

Our legal team at Robert M. Bell helps survivors across Florida, from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa to Pensacola, understand the process, communicate with law enforcement and immigration officials, and protect their rights every step of the way. Contact us online or call 954-241-4209 to schedule a confidential appointment with our Florida U Visa attorneys for victims of crimes.