Anyone who is a victim of a qualifying crime in the U.S. can apply. The crime must have caused physical or mental harm. The applicant must be willing to help or have already helped law enforcement. A law enforcement agency must sign a certification form confirming this. Without that certification, the application cannot move forward.

Victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime can apply for a U visa.

A person can apply for a U visa if they have been a victim of a serious or violent crime that happened in the United States, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, or human trafficking.