Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes

VAWA Self-Petitioners

Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), victims of domestic violence who are related to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have been abused by them can self-petition for a green card without the abuser's involvement.

U Nonimmigrant Status
(U Visa)

This status is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. To be eligible, victims must have information about the crime and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

T Nonimmigrant Status
(T Visa)

Available for victims of severe forms of human trafficking who assist in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking cases. Eligibility requires being present in the U.S. due to trafficking and complying with reasonable requests for assistance in investigations, among other criteria​.