U Visa Extensions

Generally

The U visa is for immigrants who have been victims of a crime and assist or are willing to assist U.S. authorities in investigating and/or prosecuting that crime.

To be eligible to apply for a U visa, a person must:
Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of certain types of crimes;
Possess information about that criminal activity;
Provide a certification from a law enforcement official, prosecutor, or judge that the person has been, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity; and
Show that the criminal activity violated the laws of the United States

U Visa Duration

If you are granted U visa status, it is valid for a period of 4 years. This does not include any period of deferred status that is granted while waiting for a visa to become available.

Extension of Status

However,extensions are available in certain, limited circumstances if the extension is:
Needed based on a request from law enforcement,
Needed based on exceptional circumstances,
Needed due to delays in consular processing, or
Automatically extended upon the filing and pendency of an application for adjustment (application for a Green Card).