1. U-visa

U Visa Eligibility: Who Qualifies for a U Visa?

USCIS provides 10,000 visas per year to persons who:

  • Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of qualifying criminal activity;
  • Posses credible and reliable information establishing that he or she has knowledge of the details concerning the criminal activity;
  • Have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to a certifying agency in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity; and
  • The criminal activity occurred in the U.S. (including Indian country and U.S. military installations), in the U.S. territories or possessions, or violated a U.S. federal law that provides for extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Cap on U-1 Status- 10,000 visas/status may be issued annually and the limit only applies to principal aliens. It does not apply to spouses or other dependents. If 10,000 cap has been reached, U-1 applicants who are approved will be given a notice of conditional approval and will be given deferred action or parole.

Our office handles complex U-1 Visa cases for clients who have been victim of qualified crime and who qualify for U visa.

2. TN Visa

TN status is for Canadian and Mexican citizens engaged in professional activities. TN status is similar to H-1B status except there is no limitation on stay and it generally covers a broader range of jobs. TNs are admitted for up to 3 years.

TN Visa Application Procedures

  • Documentation must include proof of citizenship, a letter or employment contract from the prospective employer describing in detail the activities to be performed to show they are in a professional capacity, and documentation of diplomas, degrees, certificates and professional memberships.
  • Must affirm:
    1. Professional activity to be engaged in and summary of daily responsibilities in the job;
    2. Purpose of entry;
    3. Anticipated length of stay;
    4. Employer’s educational qualifications and beneficiary’s educational qualifications for the job;
    5. Beneficiary’s compliance with applicable state law; and
    6. Arrangements for remuneration.

Our office handles TN visa cases for clients residing in Canada and Mexico.