If your U visa is denied, it means USCIS has determined that you do not meet the eligibility requirements, such as proving you were a victim of a qualifying crime, showing you suffered substantial harm, or providing sufficient evidence of cooperation with law enforcement. Once denied, you generally lose the protection from deportation and the ability to apply for work authorization that comes with a U visa. However, you may still have other immigration relief options, such as asylum, VAWA, or other humanitarian programs, depending on your circumstances.