The U visa provides immigration relief designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting those crimes. The U visa provides a path toward citizenship, but many applicants worry about the cost. Applicants have typically been in stressful and violent situations and may not have the financial resources to deal with an expensive visa application.
Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, has no filing fee. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) waives the fee to make the application accessible to all crime victims. As such, the U visa is affordable compared to many other immigration options.
Applicants should, however, consider the additional costs associated with preparing their U visa application. These may include biometric services, legal fees, and supporting documentation expenses.
Possible Additional Costs
U visa applicants may have to pay for certain costs associated with completing their application. The USCIS may offer waivers for some of these additional costs.
Biometric Services Fee – Applicants are required to pay a biometric services fee. Biometric services include identifying information about the applicant, such as fingerprints, photographs, and signatures. This information is used for the required background check. The fee involves the collection of fingerprints, photographs, and a digital signature, which USCIS uses to perform background checks and verify the applicant’s identity. The biometric services fee is $85. However, applicants who cannot afford this fee may request a waiver by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and submitting supporting evidence, which includes:
- Proof of income
- Recent tax returns
- Documentation of government assistance
Costs for Derivative Family Members – U visa applicants can include certain family members or derivative beneficiaries. Each family member must pay an individual biometric service fee and submit their Form I-918A, Supplement A, which is also free of charge. However, they must also pay the $85 biometric services fee unless they qualify for a fee waiver.
Legal Fees – The U.S. immigration process is complex. A skilled immigration attorney can help you navigate the process of applying for a U Visa. Many applicants hire a skilled immigration attorney to guide them through the complex application process. Attorneys charge for their services but can be invaluable during the legal process. It is vital to hire an attorney with substantial experience in immigration law.
Translation Costs—Applicants are required to ensure that all documents are submitted in English and certified by a qualified translator. The costs vary significantly and depend on the translator’s skills and experience.
Costs Associated with Evaluations – Medical and psychological evaluations can often strengthen the application if they show that the victim suffered significant harm because of the incident. The applicant should cover the costs of these evaluations.
Seeking Legal Help
The U visa has no filing fee, but applicants should prepare for other expenses related to biometric services, legal assistance, document preparation, and other costs. Applicants can better navigate the U visa process and take an essential step toward achieving lawful status in the United States if they understand the financial concerns. Cameron Moore Law understands the challenges and complexities of the U visa process and the financial burden it can have on families. We offer legal services for immigration concerns, ensuring your application is prepared and filed correctly. Please contact us online or call (857) 600-0178 so that we can assist you with your legal concerns.
