You might be able to apply for a U visa if:

• you were the victim of certain crimes in the United States
• you suffered harm because of the crime, and
• you help in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity.

Will you have lawful status with a U visa? Yes.
Can you get a work permit with a U visa? Yes
Can you apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) after getting a U visa? Yes, you can apply after 3 years.

You might be able to apply for a T visa if someone used force, fraud, or coercion to make you work or have sexual contact.

Will you have lawful status with a T visa? Yes.
Can you get a work permit with a T visa? Yes
Can you apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) after getting a T visa? Yes, you can apply after 3 years.

You might be able to apply for something called Deferred Action if:

• you had your rights violated in the workplace, including not being paid the correct hourly wage, or being fired illegally, or being discriminated against or sexually harassed, and so on,
• you asked a local, state, or federal labor and employment agency to help you with problems you are having with your employer, and
• you have been helpful or are willing to be helpful in an investigation about these problems.

Will you have lawful status with Deferred Action? You will not have lawful status, but you would not be deportable while you have Deferred Action.
Can you get a work permit with Deferred Action? Yes.
Can you apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) after getting Deferred Action? No.

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.