Introduction
We explained the U Visa application process for victims of crime who have gone through terrible situations of abuse and have now a way to escape from these situations and receive legal status in the U.S. as they deserve.
If you already had your biometrics appointment, you might be wondering what’s coming next for your U Visa application. If so, we will help you go through the process step by step.
Although we outlined the process, our applicants are often full of anxiety during their biometrics appointment and after the biometrics appointment waiting for the next steps of their application.
Don’t worry, everything will work out.
Define the U Visa Process and Its Importance
U Visa Process for Victims of Crimes who are in peril in the U.S. and are going through mental or physical abuse as a result of qualifying crimes while residing in the U.S. Such foreign nationals of qualifying crimes who have suffered abuse while outside of the U.S. are able to obtain legal work authorization and seek relief from mental or physical abuse suffered while outside of United States. Therefore, U Status fosters cooperation between foreign nationals who have suffered abuse and law enforcement agencies which seek to investigate and prosecute criminals who have inflicted such abuse. Because of fear of deportation, victims of crimes are deterred from reporting crimes to the police. U status thus enhances public safety.
To aid foreign nationals of qualifying crimes that are residing in the U.S. and are suffering from mental or physical abuse as a result of the crimes committed against them while outside of the U.S., certified petitions for the victims of these qualifying crimes for U status are received by USCIS. However, because of several challenges with the process for approving U status for these foreign nationals of qualifying crimes, the numerous victims of these crimes are suffering in silence for long periods of time while waiting for a decision on their applications for approval of U status. Each and every application for approval of U status is processed on a first-in, first-out basis, which in practice means that long delays in processing the application can and do occur. For example, it has taken 15 years or more for a decision on applications for approval of U status for over 249,000 foreign nationals of qualifying crimes who had applied for approval of U status following the appropriate steps for applications for approval of U status, i.e., after the required three years of maintenance of status while an immigrant non-citizen residing in the U.S. in one of several categories, while at the same time applying for approval of permanent residence status in the U.S.
However, there are many examples that prove that the U status category can help victims of crimes. For example, the U status category creates trust among immigrant communities, and thus, encourages victims of crimes to report incidents to the authorities. Also, it has been proven that U status holders are able to improve their lives significantly. They are able to find work and, most importantly, escape from situations of abuse. Such improvements not only benefit U status holders individually but also contribute to the safety of the communities in which they live.
Harris Law Firm is a Charlotte, NC based law firm that handles U Visa cases, as well as other personal injury cases. Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that for the time that we spend assisting you with your immigration matters, you will not have to pay for our services until such time as you receive a recovery for your injuries. For our immigration cases, we set up a payment plan that will fit within your means, to assist you in obtaining the immigration help that you so desperately need. We have many years of experience in handling cases of this nature, and are here to assist you with any questions that you may have.
At Harris Law Firm, we understand the process required to process and obtain U status for foreign nationals and their families who are victims of crimes. We are here to assist you and your family to safely report crimes that have caused great harm and trauma to you and your loved ones, while assisting the appropriate law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute the appropriate crimes that you have endured.
Outline Steps Following Biometrics Appointment
After the biometrics have been taken for the visa application, the applicant will have to leave his finger prints, so called huellas. First the applicant will receive a receipt notice to confirm that the biometrics have been taken. Thereafter, USCIS will start the background check of the applicant, which may take from 1 to 3 months, depending on the individual circumstances of the case and on the workload of the USCIS service center that is processing the application.
Keep tabs on your application once it has been submitted and while USCIS is making a decision on it. Check on the status of your application every so often. Check in with your representative from time to time, as applicable. Moreover, you should prepare yourself for when a Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued for your application. When RFEs are issued for applications such as yours, you must respond to them as expeditiously as possible and include any and all relevant information and evidence in your response.
Although the probability of a judicial emergency occurring and a subsequent warrant being issued for your appearance as a result of a subpoena or even an ICE enforcement action is remote, please note that you have the right to remain silent in such circumstances. Remember to always ask for your attorney prior to speaking with anyone including immigration authorities and/or law enforcement regarding anything. We at The Vasquez Law Firm are available 24/7/365 to attend to any and all urgent matters requiring the immediate assistance of a qualified immigration attorney.
Work authorization: Applicants whose U Visa application is still pending may apply for work authorization. It usually takes two to five months for the applicant to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after the applicant’s biometrics have been taken for those applicants seeking a visa and EAD as part of their application.
We want to empower our U Visa applicants with the knowledge of what to expect throughout the process of applying for their visa. With the knowledge of what can happen during your visa application process, you can be better prepared to handle any issues that may arise.
Explain Outcomes and Timelines After Biometrics
Immigrants and their families waiting for the decision of their U immigration application after taking biometrics can feel a lot of anxiety while waiting for the results of their U immigration application. The time it takes for USCIS to make a decision on a U immigration application can vary greatly depending on many factors including the applicant’s individual circumstances and the workload of the USCIS service center handling their case. Currently, for example, as of February 2023, USCIS reports that there are over 400,000 U petitions currently in queue. This means that while it typically takes USCIS around 6 months to render a decision on a U visa application, it can in fact take anywhere from 6 months and upwards of several years for a decision to be rendered on a U visa application.
While approval of your U immigration application results in you and your family members being granted U Visa status and therefore eligible to live and work in the U.S. permanently as lawful permanent residents of the U.S., denial of a U visa application on the other hand can be appealed by the applicant, as well as alternative relief(s) considered. Moreover, as noted above, those applicants who have received a Bona Fide Determination (BFD) for their U immigration application are eligible for deferred action as well as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while their application is under final review by USCIS.
Here at Vasquez Law Firm, we care about our clients and want to help. While right now it is likely very difficult for you and your family financially as well as personally, we want you to know that here at Vasquez Law Firm, we offer no upfront costs for personal injury cases, as well as the most competitive and flexible payment plans, which we can set up to best meet the financial needs of each of our clients.
Don’t go through this alone.
Identify Common Challenges and Delays Post-Biometrics
This is how long it takes to make a decision on the future of a U Visa seeker. As stated previously, the processing times for U visa decisions have been increasing over the last few years. As a result, seekers of this immigration relief are left waiting in limbo for long periods of time. Furthermore, many seekers of this relief will receive a Request for Further Evidence (RFES) when USCIS determines that there is not sufficient documentation to make a determination on a particular issue. This can be particularly problematic when there are items lacking in sufficient documentation for a bona fide determination decision. Therefore, for the 2026 fiscal year, there will likely be many RFES issued for incomplete submissions for U visa processing.
Being in uncertainty of immigration status, while awaiting a decision on an application for U Visa, puts the applicant and his/her family members in jeopardy of losing their legal status. Furthermore, many are currently worried due to the changes that are currently pending in the U.S. immigration policy. Therefore, it is very important to stay on top of the status of a pending application, and to respond as promptly and thoroughly as possible to a USCIS request for additional information or documentation to support an application for U Visa.
Vasquez Law Firm is committed to representing individuals who are in urgent need of assistance with their pending immigration matters and in need of advice regarding any criminal charges that have been brought against them and their right to receive full compensation for their workplace injuries. Our experienced and highly qualified staff are ready to assist with your pending immigration matters including the processing of U Visa applications, including your prints for U Visa in order to help you find out what happens next with your application for U Visa. In the meantime, Vasquez Law Firm will continue to represent the interests of its numerous clients who are seeking assistance with their wide array of matters and legal issues. As stated previously, Vasquez Law Firm represents clients in immigration matters in Spanish, and can assist with any and all of the necessary, and impending, legal matters, for clients with urgent legal issues that need to be addressed on an expedited basis.
Conclusion
The processing of the biometrics for a crime victim marks the end of one phase of the processing of their application for a U Visa and the beginning of another. Once the victim of crime has completed all the required steps and has taken his or her biometrics, the individual and his or her legal team will begin to wait for the next step in the processing of the application for a U Visa.
In order to be able to process an application for a U Visa in a timely manner, it is very important that the crime victim and his or her legal team remain in contact and that all steps are being taken in the required order. Also, it is very important that the victim of crime returns all phone calls, emails, and other requests for documentation in a timely manner, as this can be very important in the processing of the application for a U Visa.
This type of visa is very important, as it will grant the victim of crime legal residency in the United States. This will allow the victims of crime to return to the community and to report crimes to the proper authorities, which in turn will allow them to regain their sense of safety and trust in the community.
At [Your Law Firm Name], we are able to serve the legal needs of all individuals, regardless of the nature of their circumstances, as we have a bilingual staff and we offer flexible payment options. Therefore, we urge all individuals who are applying for a U Visa to remain informed of the steps of action that are required of them during the application process, as we can provide them with the necessary assistance and guidance throughout the entire application process.
At [Your Law Firm Name], we have a team of highly experienced legal professionals who are ready to assist all of the victims of crime and to stand by their side throughout their entire journey to obtain legal residency. Therefore, knowing the rights of a crime victim and having the right support behind them can change their life for the better and will also help to create safer communities for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U Visa process?
The U Visa process is designed for foreign nationals who are victims of qualifying crimes and have suffered mental or physical abuse while residing in the U.S. or outside of it. It allows these individuals to obtain legal work authorization and seek relief from their experiences, fostering cooperation with law enforcement to enhance public safety.
Why is the U Visa important?
The U Visa is important because it encourages victims of crimes to report incidents to the police without fear of deportation. This cooperation helps law enforcement investigate and prosecute criminals, ultimately enhancing public safety and trust within immigrant communities.
What challenges do applicants face in the U Visa process?
Applicants for U status often face long delays in processing their applications, which can take 15 years or more. Each application is processed on a first-in, first-out basis, leading to significant waiting periods for many victims.
How does U status benefit victims of crimes?
U status benefits victims by allowing them to escape abusive situations, find work, and improve their lives. This not only aids the individuals but also contributes to the safety of the communities they live in.
What kind of legal assistance is available for U Visa applicants?
Legal assistance for U Visa applicants includes support from law firms experienced in handling these cases. For example, Harris Law Firm offers flexible payment plans for immigration cases and operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, ensuring that clients do not pay until they receive a recovery for their injuries.
How can Harris Law Firm assist U Visa applicants?
Harris Law Firm can assist U Visa applicants by guiding them through the process of obtaining U status, helping them report crimes safely, and working with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute the crimes they have endured. They also provide support tailored to the financial needs of their clients.
List of Sources
- Define the U Visa Process and Its Importance
- U.S. to expand work permits for immigrants who are crime victims under the U Visa program — Law Office of Christine Troy (https://troylaw.net/latest-news/uvisaworkauthorization)
- “We Need U” (https://hrw.org/report/2025/12/02/we-need-u/how-the-u-visa-builds-trust-counters-fear-and-promotes-community-safety)
- Immigrant Victims Left Waiting After U.S. Reaches U Visa Cap - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/immigrant-victims-left-waiting-after-u-s-reaches-u-visa-cap)
- U Visa News and 2026 Updates on Eligibility and Wait Times (https://shellesimonlaw.com/u-visa-news)
- Outline Steps Following Biometrics Appointment
- After Biometrics: What Happens to My I-485 (https://opensphere.ai/immigration-resources/after-biometrics-what-happens-to-my-i-485)
- What happens after biometrics appointment: 2026 | Lighthouse (https://lighthousehq.com/blog/what-happens-after-biometrics)
- What Happens After Biometrics Appointment Process? - Mainor Wirth (https://mainorwirth.com/what-happens-after-biometrics-appointment)
- U Visa Processing Time 2026 (https://alonsoandalonsolaw.com/en/u-visa-processing-time)
- Explain Outcomes and Timelines After Biometrics
- U Visa Processing Time 2026: BFD, Waitlist, EAD, and Mandamus Options | Gozel Law (https://gozellaw.com/blog/u-visa-mandamus-how-to-speed-up-your-delayed-uscis-case)
- U Visa Processing Times in 2026 and Employment Authorization (https://jkelleylawgroup.com/u-visa-processing-times-in-2026)
- U Visa Processing Time in August 2026: What to Expect (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/u-visa-processing-time)
- U Visa Backlog 2026 Explained: Timelines, Work Authorization & Next Steps (https://chidoluelaw.com/u-visa-backlog-2026-explained-timelines-work-authorization-next-steps)
- Identify Common Challenges and Delays Post-Biometrics
- U Visa Processing Times in 2026 and Employment Authorization (https://jkelleylawgroup.com/u-visa-processing-times-in-2026)
- U Visa Processing Time 2026: BFD, Waitlist, EAD, and Mandamus Options | Gozel Law (https://gozellaw.com/blog/u-visa-mandamus-how-to-speed-up-your-delayed-uscis-case)
- U Visa Processing Time in August 2026: What to Expect (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/u-visa-processing-time)
- U Visa Processing Times: Benefits in 2026 & Bona Fide Status (https://elizabethrosariolaw.com/blog/u-visa-processing-times)
