The U Visa is an immigration status granted by the U.S. government to individuals who have been victims of certain serious crimes and have suffered substantial physical or emotional abuse as a result. To qualify, victims must have cooperated — or be willing to cooperate — with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Its purpose is twofold: to protect victims by providing them with temporary legal status, and to strengthen the ability of authorities to investigate and prosecute criminal activity across the country.