Do you need a visa to travel to other countries?
Many countries need valid visas or transit visas for entry. If you are travelling to a country within the European Union, you might also need a Schengen Visa. On the other hand, if you are travelling to the UK, you might need to apply for a UK visa while you are in the US. What if You are a Canadian Student?
Can I travel outside the US while waiting for a visa?
Unless you have another valid visa that allows you to travel in and out of the U.S. (such as a student visa), you will be stuck outside the U.S. until USCIS is done adjudicating your application and transfers it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for what is known as “consular processing.”.
Can a U visa holder work in the US?
Immediately after the victim is granted U status, they obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and do not need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to get it. With the EAD, U visa holders can work in any legal industry and in any capacity, both full and part-time.
Can I travel outside the US while my F1 visa is processing?
Unless you have another valid visa that allows you to travel in and out of the U.S. (such as an F-1 student visa), you will be stuck outside the U.S. until USCIS is done deciding on your application and has transferred it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for what is known as "consular processing." Some consulates are busier than others.
Can you travel outside with U visa?
While U nonimmigrants may technically travel outside the United States,4 they will be required to undergo consular processing at a United States Embassy in the country to which they have travelled in order to return to the United States – a process which may take considerable time.
What can you do with a visa U?
A U-Visa lets victims of crimes who meet certain requirements stay in the United States. A U-Visa provides the following benefits: You can legally live in the United States for four years. After three years of having a U-Visa you can apply for a green card to stay in the U.S. permanently.
What happens after U visa?
After you file your application for permanent residence, you will need to wait for USCIS to make its decision, which could take as long as two years. While you wait for the decision, USCIS will extend your U visa status, and you can apply for or renew your work permit.
How long does it take to get green card after U visa?
Applications for an adjustment from U nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent residency are filed with the USCIS Vermont Service Center. The processing time for a green card can vary significantly from case to case, though it generally takes 1 – 2 years.
What is the new law for U visa?
DHS will grant a U Visa if the applicant demonstrates they suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of certain criminal activity; possesses information concerning that criminal activity; has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or ...
Can U visa applicant get work permit?
Because it is taking so long for the government to review U visa applications, USCIS may give you a work permit and deferred action while you wait for a final decision.
Can I leave the US with U visa?
If You Leave the U.S. in U Status, You Must Obtain an Actual Visa for Return. After being approved by USCIS, you will receive U "status," which authorizes you to remain in the U.S.—but you will not receive an actual U "visa."
Can U visa get green card?
U.S. immigration law allows noncitizens who have been victims of certain crimes and granted U nonimmigrant status (U visa) to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card). To qualify for a Green Card as a crime victim, you must have U nonimmigrant status and meet certain eligibility requirements.
How long does it take to get a work permit with U visa?
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) maintains an online portal with up-to-date estimates of application processing times for most immigration petitions. Currently, the estimated waiting time for a work permit is approximately 2.5 – 5 months.
Is there an interview for U visa?
If your petition is approved, you must undergo consular processing in order to enter the United States on a U visa, which will include an interview with a consular officer at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate who will determine whether you qualify for the U visa.
What percentage of U visas are approved?
U Visa Success Rate The U visa approval rate is 87 percent for principal petitioners, according the USICS.
How long is U visa good for?
four yearsWhen U nonimmigrant status is granted, it is valid for four years.
What is the U visa category?
Reference - U.S. Law In October 2000, the United States Congress created the U nonimmigrant status for victims of criminal activity by passing the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA). This visa category is limited to 10,000 principals with U-1 status per year.
How long are U visa certification good for?
Is this a normal time frame for validity? o Yes, the VSC may issue U nonimmigrant status for a maximum period of four years under 8 C.F.R. § 214.14(g)(1).
Is U visa a green card?
U.S. immigration law allows noncitizens who have been victims of certain crimes and granted U nonimmigrant status (U visa) to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card).
How long is the U visa process?
between 12 and 18 monthsWait for your U visa application to be processed. This may take anywhere between 12 and 18 months. After your visa has been approved, follow any further instructions sent to you by USCIS. Once everything is official, you can take advantage of all the benefits a U visa has to offer.
Leaving Before Approval Risks Missing Important USCIS Mailings
All people who apply for an immigration benefit with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must provide an address where they can be re...
U Applicants May Be Stuck Outside The U.S. If They Leave
A pending application for U status does not provide you with any reentry privileges. Let’s say you submitted your Form I-918, Application for U Non...
Traveling Abroad May Show That You Are No Longer Eligible For A U Visa
Another one of the main eligibility requirements for a U visa is that you are actively providing helpful information to law enforcement officials t...
If You Leave The U.S. in U Status, You Must Obtain A Visa For Return
After being approved by USCIS, you will receive U “status,” which authorizes you to remain in the U.S.—but you will not receive an actual U “visa.”...
Leaving The U.S. May Trigger Inadmissibility For Unlawful Presence
Traveling abroad can also be problematic because leaving the U.S. can trigger inadmissibility grounds that you did not have to address in your init...
Lengthy Absences Might Make You Ineligible to Adjust to Permanent Resident
If you are in U status, you should consult an experienced immigration attorney to help you before you leave the United States, because you may also...
What documents do I need to Travel Abroad as a US Visa Holder?
Before we dive into where you can travel abroad as a US Visa Holder, let’s look at the other documents (aside from a Visa) you need to travel abroad as a US Visa Holder. Here are the documents you’ll need to travel abroad:
Where Can I Travel Abroad As a US Visa Holder
Aside from the United States which is obvious, you can travel to the following countries abroad as a US Visa Holder. However, some of these countries are particular about the US Visa type and Nationality they permit to use a US Visa. These countries include,
Which US Visa Type do I need to Travel Abroad
Depending on the country, any of the following US visa types can be used to travel to the aforementioned countries.
Conclusion
If you don’t have a US Visa yet, we would advise you to apply for one. Before applying, you should check out our previous post on how to apply for a US Visa to make the process easier for you.
How to Apply for the U visa?
When applying for a U Visa, you will need to complete a few main steps, in order to get the visa. These steps are as listed and clearly explained below:
What is the U Visa?
U Visa is a US non-immigrant for victims of criminal activity who have suffered mental and physical abuse. It is designed for two reasons:
What Are the Benefits of the U Visa?
Those victims who are granted U visa status have the right to remain in the US for the period that their visa is valid. They become legal non-immigrants and have the following rights:
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a U Visa?
Since this applies to victims of crimes and violence, the application procedure is free of charge. There are no fees to apply for, but there are fees for filing some of the forms. However, to avoid these fees, you can file for a waiver by sending in a written request or Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
How Long Does it Take to Process U visa?
Unfortunately, the U visa takes quite some time to process. It can take from 12 to 18 months for the U visa to be processed and approved.
Can I Apply for a Green Card With a U visa?
When you have a U visa for 3 years, you are eligible to apply for a Green Card. To be eligible for US permanent residence, besides having the U visa for 3 years, you must also have complied with US law enforcement requests. So you must have shared all information regarding the crime to the police and not withheld anything.
What is the Difference With the T Visa?
The main difference between the T visa and the U visa is that the T visa is issued specifically to victims of human trafficking, while the U visa is for victims of any serious crime.
What to Do Before You Travel Abroad as an F1 Visa Holder?
When you are making plans for your travel, there are some documents you must verify that you have.
What if You are Travelling Somewhere Different From Your Home Country?
Travelling to your home country is easier. You already have a passport and they will allow you to enter the country. If you are travelling somewhere else, then you must meet the requirements to enter.
What if You are a Canadian Student?
But, they must have a student status if they are studying at a US university. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need a valid Form I-20 and a valid Form I-94. The Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record must state that you are on a student status in the US. Only then, the CPB officials allow you to enter the US after travelling.
What if Your Passport Expires Less Than 6 Months After You Enter the US?
If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after you return from your travel, the CPB officials might not let you in the US. But, there are a few countries which have an agreement with the US. This agreement allows citizens of foreign countries to enter the US until their passports have expired.
What to do if passport expires?
Have a valid passport. The second step is to make sure you have a valid passport. You will need the passport to return and enter the US . If your passport is close to expiring, you can send it to a consulate in the US and renew it before you travel.
How long do you have to have a passport to return to the US?
A valid passport for at least 6 months after you return to the US; A valid F1 visa; A valid Form I-20; Documents to prove your financial position such as: bank statements; scholarship award letters; sponsor letters, etc.; Documents to prove your enrollment in a US university such as: admission letters;
How long can I stay out of the US with an F1 visa?
If your form is close to expiring, apply for a new one and wait for processing until you travel. It is important to know that with an F1 visa, you can be out of the US for up to 5 months.
