U Class Visa Law and Legal Definition
A U Class Visa is a visa that may be issued to provide immigration status to non citizens who are assisting or willing to assist the U.S. authorities investigating crimes.
The U Class Visa was created through The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The legislation was passed with the intention of enabling law enforcement professionals to investigate and then prosecute cases of human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and other violent crimes occurring in the US. At the same time, it was also meant to provide protection to the victims of such crimes, so they could legally stay in the U. S. and be permitted to work for up to four years while their case is being prosecuted. These individuals can also eventually apply for permanent residency status in the U.S. after a certain amount of time has passed on their U visa.
