Update for Applicants of U-Visas

On October 1, 2017 the new fiscal year began at Vermont Service Center. They will again start issuing the 10,000 U-1 visas for this year. Derivative applicants such as spouses, children, and parents of principal applicants do not count in the 10,000 visa cap for each year but you must wait for your principal applicant’s visa to be approved in order to receive a visa.

Currently Vermont Service Center has 103,000+ U-1 Principal applications pending, so for applicants who are submitting their U visas this year it could be more than a 10 year wait to receive a U visa status, unless they increase the numbers of visas available each year.  

Finally, Vermont Service Center (VSC) is currently reviewing cases that were filed on August 25, 2014 to issue Deferred Action Status.  In general, VSC is currently stating that they are taking three to four years to issue deferred action status (temporary work permit status).  In the future this time frame will likely also increase.

GCE