The U visa program was initiated by the U.S. Congress in an effort to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to investigate a wide variety of crimes among the immigrant community while also protecting the victims. For fiscal year 2016, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved the statutory maximum of 10,000 U-1 visas, a limit it has reached every year since 2009, according to the immigration law firm of Berd & Klauss, PLLC in New York City.

Every year, USCIS issues 10,000 U visas to those who have helped law enforcement investigate and prosecute the offenders of certain types of crime, including assault, human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence, among others. Successful applicants will have to submit some type of certification that they actively participated in the investigation and assisted law enforcement in a substantial way.

While the statutory cap on annual U visas has been reached, USCIS will continue to review applications; any applicant who would have been approved will receive a notification that they'll be put on a waiting list to get a U visa if they become available again, so it may still be worthwhile to apply. No new visas will be issued until the beginning of the 2017 fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2016.

Berd & Klauss, PLLC provides high-quality legal services to applicants of any visa from any area of the world, with an impressive track record of results. Visit the immigration law firm's website to learn more about their specialized services, or just call (212) 461-7152 to speak with one of their immigration lawyers today and discuss any other options you may have.