United States•North America2–8 years
Bona 2–3 yr · Final 6–8 yr
185 USD
49 months
Unmarried child (under 21) of a principal U-1 crime victim.
The U-3 is a US derivative nonimmigrant status for unmarried children under 21 of an approved U-1 crime victim principal. It grants temporary legal status and work authorization to minor children, keeping families together while the principal cooperates with law enforcement. All USCIS filing fees are waived.
Status is valid for up to 4 years, renewable, with dual intent permitted. An age-freeze protects children who turn 21 while the principal's I-918 is pending. Derivatives are not subject to the 10,000 annual U-1 cap. After 3 years of continuous US residence in U status, the child may file for a green card.
This visa is ideal for unmarried minor children of U-1 crime victim petitioners who need legal status and work authorization while their parent's case progresses.
| Bona Fide Determination (interim deferred action) | 2–3 years |
| Final U status adjudication | 6–8 years |
| Initial grant | 4.0 years |
Derivatives (U-2 through U-5) are not subject to the 10,000 annual U-1 cap
Child (unmarried, under 21) of an approved or pending U-1 principal petitioner
Unmarried at time of filing
Age freeze applies if child was under 21 when the principal's I-918 was properly filed
Must be admissible to the US or obtain inadmissibility waiver via Form I-192
Cannot be the perpetrator of the qualifying criminal activity underlying the U-1 petition
Principal U-1 petitioner must have pending or approved status
Form I-918, Supplement A (completed by U-1 principal parent)
Child's birth certificate listing the petitioning parent
Evidence of acknowledgment or paternal support (if father is petitioner and child born out of wedlock)
Secondary evidence of relationship with written explanation if official documents unavailable
Form I-192 with supporting documentation (if child has any grounds of inadmissibility)
Valid passport (for consular processing)
DS-160 confirmation page (for consular processing)
I-797 approval notice (for consular visa interview)
| I-918 Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Fill online |
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
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