Can you fly with a visa U?
U Visa Travel Restrictions If you filed a U-Visa application in the U.S. and it's pending, it is not advisable to travel abroad. If you travel before USCIS adjudicates your I-918 petition, you will be stuck outside the U.S. until it's approved and transferred to an embassy or consulate near you.
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.
How long does it take to get a green card through U visa?
In most cases, long wait times are an unfortunate reality when dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department. After you submit your application, the U visa waiting time can range between 12 to 18 months.
What is the U visa category?
status for victims of criminal activityReference - 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.
What happens after U visa is approved?
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." A visa is a document in your passport that enables you to enter the United States. Technically, you can obtain a visa only from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
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 ...
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.
Can I get a work permit while waiting for U visa?
Deferred action is not an immigration status, but it allows USCIS to give you a work permit so you can work legally while you wait for a decision on your U visa.
What percentage of U visas are approved?
Adjudicative outcomes have remained relatively constant over time: the approval rate is about 84% for principal petitioners (and 83% for derivatives) for petitions submitted in 2014 (the last year for which data are available).
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.
Do U visas expire?
You should apply for a green card as soon you can, because you must continue to be eligible as a U visa crime victim when you apply, and because your U visa expires in only four years. This article provides information about which U visa holders can apply for a green card.
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.
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).
What percentage of U visas are approved?
Adjudicative outcomes have remained relatively constant over time: the approval rate is about 84% for principal petitioners (and 83% for derivatives) for petitions submitted in 2014 (the last year for which data are available).
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 are the requirements 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 to assist in investigating and prosecuting the criminals who victimized you. Even after being granted U status, you must continue to cooperate with police officers, prosecutors, and other government officials.
What happens if you leave the US in a 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.". A visa is a document in your passport that enables you to enter the United States. Technically, you can obtain ...
Why is it bad to travel abroad?
Traveling abroad can also be problematic because leaving the U.S. can trigger inadmissibility grounds that you did not have to address in your initial U status application. For example, let's say you overstayed your B-2 tourist visa by nine months when you applied for U status.
How long do you have to stay in the US to get permanent residence?
You are eligible to apply for permanent residence after three years in U status if you have been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of three years. USCIS will determine that you have not met this requirement if you stay outside the U.S. for longer than 90 days or 180 days in total.
What happens if you miss a scheduled appointment with USCIS?
Missing a scheduled appointment or a deadline to submit requested evidence could lead USCIS to believe that you have abandoned your application or give it reason to view your application less favorably.
What happens if you travel outside the US?
If you travel outside the U.S. while your application is pending or even after you receive approval, you might jeopardize your status, because USCIS could determine that you are unable to adequately help law enforcement if you are out of the area for an extended amount of time.
Can I travel abroad with pending U status?
A pending application for U status does not give you any reentry privileges. Let's say you submitted your Form I-918, Application for U Nonimmigrant Status from within the U.S. and you travel abroad before getting a decision from USCIS. 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."
What is a permissible visa?
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas
How long does a US visa last?
US visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival. Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of $500 USD.
How many countries can you add to your visa free list?
If you are worried that the VISA-FREE list for your passport is just too small, then get a US visa. It will add about 49 countries to your VISA-FREE list. This is how you give more “power” to your “powerless” passport.
Which territories are included in the US?
Includes the US territories: US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
Can I travel to 49 countries with a US visa?
Yes, you read it correctly. Travel 49 countries and territories VISA-FREE with US visa. I always encourage travelers from developing countries to get a US visa at some point. It opens up doors to many other countries. More and more countries are offering visa exemption with a valid US visa. This list is growing fast.
How long can you stay in a country with a US visa?
Visa information: One can visit the country for 1 . days with a US visa. More info
How long is a visa valid for?
Visa information: Eligible for visa on arrival valid for a period of 3 . days. More info
How long is a US visa valid for Honduras?
Visa information: With a US visa valid for six months, one can enter Honduras for a period of 9 . days. More info
How much does it cost to get an electronic travel authorization?
Visa information: Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, if you have a US visa that's valid for 3 months. The fee is $5 . and the processing time is 1 . business days. More info
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What happens after a visa interview?
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Can a visa be voided?
Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
What is a visa for travel?
This is a document, in the form of a sticker or stamp, attached to your passport. The visa is applicable for multiple purposes, including tourism, business, training and internship, medical treatment, temporary work and study, and so on. You will need to produce the visa at the port of entry into the Schengen zone and not for each and every country within the area that you visit thereafter.
Which countries can you move freely without border checks?
Sweden. Switzerland. Within these countries, any individual, regardless of their nationality, can move freely without undergoing border check formalities at each nation. The only requirement is to fill the Schengen Uniform Visa Application Form to get started.
How long is a Schengen visa valid?
The validity of the Uniform Schengen Visa is 90 days at a stretch within a period of six months. Within this period you can enter and exit multiple Schengen countries as many times as you want to. However, if your stay is more than 90 days, you will be required to apply for a national visa of the particular Schengen country you wish to stay in.
Do you have to go through multiple processes to get a Schengen visa?
With a uniform Schengen visa, you do not have to go through multiple processes and formalities when you travel through Europe. The Schengen countries have a common set of rules for each individual crossing the European internal borders. You only need to be in harmony with these single set of laws.
Is Europe safe to travel?
The Schengen Information System (SIS) has made Europe a safe place for tourists to travel all year round.
Why Do Countries Offer Visa Exemption to Us Visa holders?
Which Us Visas Are Eligible?
- Depending on the country, any of the below US visas can be used. 1. US Tourist/Business Visa (B1, B2, B1/B2) 2. US Work Visa (H1, L1) 3. US Study Visa (F1, J1) 4. US Transit/Crew member Visa (C1, D, C1/D) 5. US Residence Permit (Green card) Refer to each country below for permitted US visa types. Some countries require the US visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at lea…
North America
- 01. Canada
1. Eligible nationalties:Brazil passport holders only 2. Permitted visas:Valid used/unused multiple-entry non-immigrant US visas – B1, B2, B1/B2, F1, J1, H1 and L1 only 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card (applies to all nationalities) 4. Entry granted:180 days 5. Entry rule… - 02. Mexico
1. Eligible nationalties:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:Varies depending on the itinerary 5. Entry rules: 5.1. US visa or green card must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico 5.2. …
Central America
- 04. Belize
1. Eligible nationalties:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:30 days 5. Original Sources: 5.1. Belize.com 5.2. Belize High Commission in London 5.3. Embassy of Belize in Wash… - 05. Costa Rica
1. Eligible nationalties:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:Valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas – B1, B2, B1/B2, C1/D, D, F1, J1, H1 and L1 only 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:30 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. B1, B2, B1/B2, C1/D and D visas must be v…
Caribbean
- 11. Anguilla
1. Eligible nationalties:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:90 days 5. Original sources: 5.1. Anguilla Tourist Board, entry requirements 5.2. IATA Travel Center — - 12. Antigua and Barbuda
1. Eligible nationalties:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:30 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA) 5.2. VOA fee is $10…
South America
- 26. Argentina
1. Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only 1.1. Albania 1.2. Angola 1.3. Antigua and Barbuda 1.4. Bahamas 1.5. Bahrain 1.6. Belize 1.7. Benin 1.8. Bhutan 1.9. Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.10. Botswana 1.11. Brunei 1.12. Burkina Faso 1.13. Burundi 1.14. Cambodia 1.15. Cameroon 1… - 27. Chile
1. Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only 1.1. China 1.2. Dominican Republic 1.3. India 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas, except C1 (transit) 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:90 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. US visa must …
Europe
- 30. Albania
1. Eligible nationalities:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:90 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. US visa must have been used at least once to enter the US before 6. Original sources: 6.1. Ministry … - 31. Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. Eligible nationalities:All nationalities, except Kosovo 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:30 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. US visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival 6. Origin…
Middle East
- 37. Oman
1. Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only 1.1. Albania 1.2. Armenia 1.3. Azerbaijan 1.4. Belarus 1.5. Bhutan 1.6. Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.7. Costa Rica 1.8. Cuba 1.9. El Salvador 1.10. Guatemala 1.11. Honduras 1.12. India 1.13. Kazakhstan 1.14. Kyrgyzstan 1.15. Laos 1.16. Maldi… - 38. Qatar
1. Eligible nationalities:All nationalities 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas, except C1 (transit) 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:30 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Qatar ETA 5.2. ETA is f…
Asia
- 41. Malaysia
1. Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only 1.1. Bangladesh 1.2. India 1.3. Pakistan 1.4. Sri Lanka 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:120 hours (5 days) 5. Entry rules: 5.1. Visa is NO… - 42. Philippines
1. Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only 1.1. India 2. Permitted visas:All valid used/unused multiple-entry US visas 3. Permitted resident permits:A valid US green card 4. Entry granted:14 days 5. Entry rules: 5.1. US visa must be valid for the entire duration of stay 5.2. Pass…
Conclusion
- There you have it! List of 45 countries and territories you can travel visa-free with US visa. If you don’t have a US visa already, it’s time to apply for one and add another 45 to your list of VISA-FREE countries. Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) that offers visa exemption for US visa holders? Let me know in the comments below.