What is the U visa?

• A. A form of immigration relief available to direct and indirect victims of certain qualifying crime activities.
• B. A program for citizenship restoration after incarceration.
• C. A temporary employment permit for police officers.
• D. A grant for neighborhood crime prevention.

Answer: (A)

The U visa is immigration relief for people who have been the victims of certain crimes and have suffered physical or mental abuse, and who are willing to assist or be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime. It covers direct victims and certain family members affected by the crime. This status is nonimmigrant and can last up to four years, and it can lead to permanent residency after about three years if you remain eligible and visa numbers are available. While in U status, you can also obtain work authorization. To qualify, you must have information about the crime, the crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law, and you must be helpful or willing to help police or prosecutors.

The other descriptions don’t fit because they refer to citizenship restoration, a working permit for police officers, or a grant for neighborhood crime prevention, none of which define the U visa.