U visa
The U visa is a nonimmigrant visa created by the Congress which is granted to victims of crime committed in the United States, who have suffered a significant physical or mental abuse and are helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity committed.
U visa holders have legal status in the United States for up to four years, receive work permit and may be eligible to apply for legal permanent residence “green card”, once they have held their U visa for three years.
Certain family members may be eligible to become derivative U visa recipients if the principal petitioner’s application is approved.