U and T visa

Our City does not issue U and T visas, but we can certify them. We explain the purpose of the visas, who can get them and how to request certification.
Close-up of furled U.S. flag

Get your U or T visa certified

Be sure to send your certification request to the right department. We explain where to send it and outline the application and certification process.
Get details

What a U visa can do for you

  • Give you nonimmigrant status
  • Allow you to come to or stay in the United States
  • Offer you protection

Who is eligible for U visa certification 

Immigrants who:

  • Are victims of one or more qualifying crimes that occurred in the United States, or
  • Have qualifying family members who are victims of a qualifying crime that occurred in the United States
  • Have useful information concerning the crime
  • Have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely help us with:
    • Investigation of the crime
    • Prosecution of the people who committed the crime

See a list of qualifying criminal activities

Read about filing for qualifying family members

 

What a T visa can do for you

  • Give you nonimmigrant status
  • Allow you to stay in the United States for up to four years
  • Let you apply for:
    • Nonimmigrant status for qualifying family members
    • Employment authorization (EAD)
    • Certain federal and state benefits and services
    • Permanent Lawful Resident status, also known as a Green Card

Who is eligible for T visa certification

Immigrants who are:

  • Victims of severe forms of human trafficking either now or in the past
  • In the United States or at a port of entry due to trafficking
  • Working with a law enforcement agency in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking
  • Eligible for admission to the United States or a waiver of admissibility
  • Able to show that being removed from the United States will cause them to suffer extreme hardship, including unusual and severe harm

 See the list of federal and state benefits and services available to victims of human trafficking

 Read about applying for admission to the United States

Related information

City of Minneapolis

U Visa Ordinance (2017-01472) adopted in 2017

United States of America

H.R. 3244 (106th): Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services - Victims of Criminal Activity: T Nonimmigrant Status

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Applying for Admission into the United States

U.S. Department of Labor Fact Sheet

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Guide

 

Contact us

James Novak

Commander
Special Crimes Investigations

Minneapolis Police Department

Email Commander Novak

Office phone

612-673-5437

Cell phone

612-516-1020

Address

Public Service Building
Attn: U and T Visa Certification
505 Fourth Ave. S., Suite 833
Minneapolis, MN 55415

 

Kerri Johnson

City Attorney's Office

Email Kerri Johnson

Phone

612-673-2747

Address

City Hall
Attn: U Visa Certification
350 Fifth St. S., Room 210
Minneapolis, MN 55415