Immigration

MODIFY THIS TO FIT SPANIGH ONE - SEE BELOW– In April 2013, we received a similar question and at that time I was able to speak to an immigration lawyer to ask for some information about this.  At the time, in April 2013, the government was reviewing petitions for U visas that were requested in February 2012. In other words, it was taking approximately 14 months from when someone applied for a U visa until the government reviewed the application and made a decision. Although it is possible that it is a little different now, I imagine it may still takes approximately the same time, more or less - approximately 14 months or so until someone who applies receives a response from the government although this can vary depending on many factors.  If you have not yet applied and you want to see a general estimation of processing times for certain immigration petitions, you can find them on the USCIS (Immigration) website here: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do  If you have already applied for a U Visa, you can track the progress of your case on the USCIS.gov website by entering your receipt number here: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard/ChangeLocale.do?localeLang=en 

In all cases, it is recommended that you use an attorney who has knowledge about U visas for help in applying for a U visa. No one should do it b himself/herself. Here is the information we have on U visas including links to lawyers: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=10271&state_code=US