Immigration

It will likely take several years for you to get a work permit after you apply for a U visa through the bona fide determination or waitlist processes.

If you ultimately get U visa status, you will immediately get a four-year work permit because the U visa lasts for four years.¹ In rare cases, the U visa status can be extended beyond four years, but only if additional time is necessary due to “exceptional circumstances” or if the certifying agency provides a new certification specifically stating that your presence in the U.S. is still required, beyond the four years, to assist in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.² Here is an example of an “exceptional circumstance” that could qualify you to extend your U visa beyond four years: If your derivative family members are outside of the U.S. when your U visa is approved, they will need to get permission from the U.S. embassy or consulate before coming to the U.S. This process (“consular processing”) can take a long time. If they cannot come to the U.S. before your U visa status expires, you may need to ask USCIS to extend your status because you must still have a valid U visa when your family members arrive.³

After three years in U visa status, you can apply for lawful permanent residence (your “green card”).

¹ INA § 214(p)(3)(B)
² INA § 214(p)(6)
³ See generally, AFM 39.1(g)(2)(A); USCIS PM-602-0032.2, “Extension of Status for T and U Nonimmigrants (Corrected and Reissued),” October 4, 2016