Qualifying criminal activities include a wide range of offenses such as abduction, abusive sexual contact, blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, false imprisonment, female genital mutilation, felonious assault, fraud in foreign labor contracting, hostage situations, incest, involuntary servitude, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, obstruction of justice, peonage, perjury, prostitution, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, slave trade, stalking, torture, trafficking, witness tampering, unlawful criminal restraint, and other related crimes. This also includes any similar activities where the elements of the crime are substantially similar, as well as attempts, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above and other related crimes.
If you have been a victim of qualifying criminal activity and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result, you may be eligible for a U nonimmigrant visa. In addition, if you have information about the criminal activity and have been or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, you may also qualify for this type of visa. It is important to note that the crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws, and you must be admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver on a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, or next friend may assist you in the application process.