№ 01 — u visa & vawa

Protection for those who found the courage to speak up.

The U Visa protects people who were victims of a violent crime and who cooperated with the authorities after suffering substantial physical or emotional harm.

VAWA offers a parallel path for spouses, children, and parents who survived domestic abuse. At GWP Immigration Law, we help survivors understand which protection may fit — with care, confidentiality, and no judgment.

Call (702) 737-7717

№ 02 — two paths to safety

Two protections, one shared purpose.

Both exist to protect survivors — but they cover different situations. Here is what sets each apart.

Victims of crime

U Visa

The U Visa protects people who were victims of a violent crime and who cooperated with the authorities after having suffered substantial physical or emotional harm.

Examples of qualifying crimes

VAWA

VAWA allows spouses, children, and parents who are victims of domestic abuse to apply for a special visa. Victims apply for themselves — and do not need to notify the abuser at all.

What makes it different

Learn more →

Every case is confidential and highly individual. This overview is general information, not legal advice — eligibility depends on the specific facts of your situation.

You are safe here —

Applying does not put you at risk.

These protections were created specifically so that survivors could come forward without fear. A VAWA petition is filed confidentially and does not require the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation. We handle every case with discretion, and we take the time to explain each step before it happens.

№ 03 — how we help

Careful, patient, confidential.

Our approach is the same whichever protection fits — five steps, from the first conversation to a filed petition and beyond.

Listen first

We hear your story in a confidential, judgment-free consultation.

Assess eligibility

We determine whether a U Visa, VAWA, or another protection may fit.

III

Gather evidence

We help document the harm suffered and, for U Visas, law-enforcement cooperation.

File the petition

We prepare and submit a complete, carefully supported application.

Stand beside you

We monitor the case and guide you through every stage that follows.

№ 04 — frequently asked questions

Questions we hear often.

What crimes qualify for a U Visa?

The U Visa covers a specific list of serious crimes — including domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, abduction, armed robbery, felonious assault, and others — where the victim suffered substantial physical or emotional harm and cooperated with law enforcement. Whether a particular situation qualifies depends on the details, which we review together.

Do I have to report the crime to qualify for a U Visa?

The U Visa generally requires that the victim was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Part of what we do is help obtain the required certification and document that cooperation.

Will my abuser find out if I apply for VAWA?

No. VAWA is a self-petition filed confidentially. The abuser is not notified, does not need to know, and does not need to cooperate in any way. Confidentiality protections are built into the law precisely to keep survivors safe.

Who can file under VAWA?

VAWA allows certain spouses, children, and parents who have suffered domestic abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to petition for themselves. Whether you qualify depends on your relationship to the abuser and the facts of your case.

Can I get a work permit with a U Visa or VAWA?

In many cases, approved U Visa and VAWA applicants become eligible for work authorization, and there may be interim options depending on the stage of the case. We explain what to expect for your specific situation.

Is my consultation confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential and protected. These cases are sensitive, and we handle each one with care, discretion, and respect for what you have been through.

Speaking up takes courage —

You don't have to face it alone.

If you were harmed by a crime or abuse, the law may offer protection — and a path forward. A confidential consultation is the first step toward understanding what is possible for you.

Or call (702) 737-7717