U Visa for Crime Victims in Lakewood: Complete Protection Guide for Arab Immigrants

Quick Answer

Lakewood is home to a significant Arab and immigrant community in Los Angeles County. If you or a family member experienced a crime in Lakewood and you cooperated with law enforcement, you may qualify for a U Nonimmigrant Visa — a powerful form of immigration protection specifically created for crime victims. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking U Visa assistance throughout Lakewood and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities. Call (714) 421-8872 for a confidential consultation.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is the U Visa and Who Can Apply?

The U Visa (U Nonimmigrant Status) was created by Congress in 2000 under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. It provides temporary legal immigration status to victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting that crime. Since 2009, USCIS has approved approximately 10,000 U Visas per fiscal year, with demand consistently exceeding supply. As of 2026, the U Visa waitlist holds approximately 350,000 pending petitions, but USCIS grants deferred action and employment authorization to petitioners on the waitlist.

•Victims of qualifying criminal activity (see full list below)
•Individuals who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime
•People who possess information about the crime that law enforcement needs
•Applicants who have cooperated or are willing to cooperate with police, prosecutors, or judges
•Individuals with a certification from a certifying official (police, prosecutor, court, or federal agency)
•People who are admissible to the U.S. or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility

Qualifying Crimes for U Visa Eligibility

The U Visa covers a broad range of crimes. Lakewood immigrants who experienced any of the following qualify to apply. The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. federal law.

Crime Category	Examples
Violent Crimes	Assault, battery, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, murder/manslaughter (attempted)
Trafficking	Human trafficking, involuntary servitude, slave trade, peonage
Sexual Crimes	Sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, incest, prostitution (forced)
Family Violence	Domestic violence, stalking, witness tampering, obstruction of justice
Kidnapping/Abduction	Kidnapping, abduction, false imprisonment, hostage taking
Labor Crimes	Blackmail, extortion, fraud in labor contracting, worker exploitation
Other	Felonious assault, torture, unlawful criminal restraint, any similar activity

The U Visa Application Process Step by Step

The U Visa application is filed with USCIS on Form I-918. The process requires cooperation from a certifying law enforcement agency, careful documentation, and patience given current processing times of 4-6 years for a decision. However, once your petition is filed, USCIS places you on the waitlist and typically grants deferred action (protection from deportation) and work authorization within 12-18 months.

1
Report the Crime and Cooperate with Law Enforcement
You must report the crime to police, a prosecutor, a judge, or another qualifying federal, state, or local authority in Lakewood or Los Angeles County. You do not need to be a witness to prosecution — simply cooperating with an investigation qualifies.
2
Obtain a Law Enforcement Certification (Form I-918B)
A certifying official must sign Form I-918, Supplement B. In Los Angeles County, the certifying agency is typically the Lakewood Sheriff's Station (LA County Sheriff) or the LAPD. The official certifies that you were helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
3
Gather Supporting Documentation
Compile police reports, court documents, medical records documenting injuries, therapist records documenting mental health impact, declarations from witnesses, and any other evidence that demonstrates the crime occurred and that you suffered harm.
4
File Form I-918 with USCIS
Submit Form I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status), Form I-918B (Law Enforcement Certification), and supporting documents to USCIS Vermont Service Center. There is no filing fee for U Visa petitions. Include a personal declaration describing the crime and your cooperation.
5
Waitlist Status and Employment Authorization
If the annual cap of 10,000 U Visas has been reached, USCIS places you on the waitlist and issues a notice of deferred action. You can then apply for Employment Authorization on Form I-765 using category (c)(14). Work permits are typically approved within 90 days of the deferred action notice.
6
U Visa Approval and 4-Year Status
When your U Visa is approved, you receive 4 years of legal status. You may travel, work legally, and access many public benefits. After 3 years in U Visa status, you may apply for a green card (permanent residence) using Form I-485.

Derivative U Visas for Family Members

One of the most valuable aspects of the U Visa is that qualifying family members can receive derivative U Visa status, protecting the entire family unit. The family members who qualify depend on whether the principal applicant is under or over 21 years old.

Principal Applicant Age	Qualifying Family Members
Under 21	Spouse, children (unmarried, under 21), parents, unmarried siblings under 18
21 or older	Spouse and children (unmarried, under 21) only
Any age	All derivatives can receive work authorization and path to green card
Any age	Derivatives do NOT need to have suffered from the crime themselves
Any age	Derivatives file Form I-918A (if in the U.S.) or obtain U Visa at consulate abroad

U Visa Work Authorization and Benefits

The U Visa provides substantial benefits that allow crime victims in Lakewood to rebuild their lives with legal status and financial stability:

•Work authorization (Employment Authorization Document / EAD) for 4 years
•Protection from deportation through deferred action even while on the waitlist
•Driver's license eligibility in California under AB 60 (and standard license with EAD)
•Access to some California public benefits and healthcare programs
•After 3 years in U status: eligibility to apply for lawful permanent residence (green card)
•After green card: eligibility for U.S. citizenship after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
•No immigration violation consequences for crimes committed by the victim (if the victim was forced or coerced)

Special Considerations for Arab Immigrant Crime Victims in Lakewood

Arab immigrants in Lakewood sometimes face unique barriers to applying for U Visa protection. SoCal Immigration Services specifically addresses these challenges:

•Fear of police: Many Arab immigrants fear that contacting police will trigger immigration enforcement. The U Visa process is confidential — USCIS does not share your information with ICE for enforcement purposes when you file a U Visa petition.
•Domestic violence in Arab communities: Domestic violence is a qualifying crime. Arab women who have experienced abuse by a spouse or family member qualify for the U Visa. Cultural shame or family pressure does not disqualify you.
•Language barriers: Our Arabic-speaking staff can accompany you to police certifications, translate all documents, and prepare your personal declaration in Arabic before translating it.
•Distrust of authorities: Cooperation does not require testifying in court. Simply providing information to police or prosecutors qualifies in most cases.
•Prior immigration violations: Many U Visa applicants have overstayed visas or entered without inspection. The U Visa application allows you to request a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility on Form I-192.
•Multiple household members affected: If the crime affected your entire household, all eligible family members can be included in a single application package.

U Visa Processing Times and the Waitlist in 2026

As of February 2026, USCIS reports the following processing timelines for U Visa petitions. Understanding the timeline helps Lakewood applicants plan accordingly:

Stage	Estimated Time	What Happens
Initial Filing to Receipt Notice	4-8 weeks	USCIS acknowledges receipt of Form I-918
Waitlist Placement	6-12 months	USCIS determines cap has been reached; places petition on waitlist
Deferred Action Grant	12-18 months from filing	USCIS grants deferred action; protection from deportation begins
EAD Approval (Work Permit)	Within 90 days of deferred action	Employment Authorization Document issued
U Visa Approval (Final)	4-6 years from filing	Actual U Visa status granted when visa number becomes available
Green Card Eligibility	3 years after U Visa approval	May file Form I-485 for permanent residence

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services for U Visa Help in Lakewood

SoCal Immigration Services has helped dozens of crime victims in Lakewood and Los Angeles County obtain U Visa protection. Our team provides:

•Arabic and English bilingual consultation — no language barrier between you and your legal rights
•Complete U Visa package preparation including Form I-918, I-918B coordination, and personal declarations
•Direct coordination with the Lakewood Sheriff's Station and LAPD for law enforcement certifications
•Inadmissibility waiver preparation (Form I-192) for applicants with prior immigration issues
•Derivative visa applications for all qualifying family members
•Ongoing case monitoring and updates throughout the waitlist period
•Post-approval green card application filing after 3 years in U status
•Confidential consultations — your information is never shared without your permission

Contact SoCal Immigration Services for U Visa Help in Lakewood

If you were a crime victim in Lakewood or anywhere in Los Angeles County, you deserve legal protection. Call SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our Arabic-speaking team will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the U Visa process. We serve Lakewood, Long Beach, Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, Compton, and all surrounding communities.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I apply for a U Visa if I am undocumented?

A: Yes. Your current immigration status does not disqualify you from the U Visa. Undocumented immigrants, visa overstays, and people who entered without inspection all qualify. The U Visa application includes a waiver process for grounds of inadmissibility.

Q:What if the criminal case was dismissed or the police did not arrest anyone?

A: You can still qualify. The certifying official only needs to confirm that you were helpful in the investigation — not that the case resulted in a conviction. Many U Visa certifications are issued even when the criminal case is closed.

Q:Does my spouse need to have been a crime victim to get a derivative U Visa?

A: No. Derivative family members do not need to have suffered the crime themselves. They only need to qualify as your family member (spouse, child, parent, or sibling depending on your age).

Q:Can I work while my U Visa petition is pending?

A: Once USCIS places you on the waitlist and grants deferred action — usually within 12-18 months of filing — you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and legally work in the United States.

Q:How long does U Visa status last?

A: U Visa status is granted for 4 years. After 3 years in U status, you can apply for a green card. Extensions beyond 4 years are available only in limited circumstances such as law enforcement needs or exceptional hardship.

Q:What is the cost of filing a U Visa petition?

A: There is no USCIS filing fee for the Form I-918 U Visa petition. There is also no fee for the I-192 waiver filed alongside it. The only government fee is for the EAD application ($520 as of 2026). Professional service fees apply for our preparation assistance.

Q:I experienced domestic violence by my Arab spouse. Does this qualify?

A: Yes. Domestic violence is a qualifying crime for the U Visa. You can also explore VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitions, which provide an alternative pathway. SoCal Immigration Services evaluates both options to determine which is best for your situation.

Q:Will applying for a U Visa cause problems for my family members who are undocumented?

A: USCIS treats U Visa petitions confidentially and does not share the information with ICE for enforcement purposes. Derivatives who are in the U.S. undocumented can be included in the application and receive protected status.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Lakewood and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 18, 2026Last Updated: February 18, 2026

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