U Visa & VAWA · Bay Area
Were You a
Victim of
a Crime?
Confidential and compassionate legal representation for crime victims and survivors across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Confidential Process
U Visa & VAWA Specialist
Results-Driven
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
Request
Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every path to protection,
handled with care
From U Visa petitions to VAWA filings — we provide confidential, strategic legal guidance for crime victims and survivors.
01
U Visa Petitions
Legal status for victims of qualifying crimes who have cooperated with law enforcement.
02
VAWA Petitions
Self-petition for survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty.
03
Work Authorization
U Visa holders receive legal work authorization during their status period.
04
Path to Green Card
After 3 years on a U Visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
05
Removal Defense
Protection from deportation for crime victims with pending U Visa or VAWA petitions.
06
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Overcome bars to legal status — available to many U Visa and VAWA applicants.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
U VISA & VAWA PROTECTION
Two confidential paths
to immigration protection
If you have been the victim of a crime or domestic violence in the United States, you may qualify for immigration protection — regardless of your current status. These cases are handled with strict confidentiality and without your abuser’s knowledge or cooperation.
01
U Visa (Crime Victims)
Available to non-citizens who have suffered substantial abuse as a victim of qualifying criminal activity and have cooperated with law enforcement.
- File Form I-918 with a law enforcement certification
- Qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking
- Path to permanent residence after 3 years in U nonimmigrant status
02
VAWA Self-Petition (Domestic Violence)
Allows abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to petition independently — without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement.
- File Form I-360 — completely confidential, abuser is never notified
- Available to all genders regardless of the abuser's immigration status
- Leads directly to permanent residence without abuser's cooperation
Common Questions
Will my abuser be notified if I file a VAWA petition?
No. VAWA petitions are completely confidential. USCIS will not disclose information about your case to your abuser or anyone else. Your safety and privacy are fully protected throughout the entire process.
What crimes qualify for a U Visa?
Qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, felonious assault, blackmail, extortion, and other serious offenses. The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law, and you must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.
Do I need to report the crime to police to qualify for a U Visa?
You must obtain a law enforcement certification — a signed statement from a qualifying agency confirming that you were a victim and cooperated with the investigation or prosecution. This can come from police, prosecutors, judges, or other qualifying agencies. An attorney can help you obtain this certification.
Can I get a green card through a U Visa or VAWA?
Yes. After holding U nonimmigrant status for three years and meeting other requirements, you may apply for a green card. VAWA self-petitioners who are approved may also apply for adjustment of status. An attorney can guide you through both multi-step processes.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Confidential Case Evaluation
We evaluate your situation privately and identify whether you qualify for a U Visa, VAWA, or both — with no obligation and complete confidentiality.
02
Gather Evidence & Certification
We help you obtain the law enforcement certification for U Visa cases and gather supporting documentation including police reports, medical records, and personal declarations.
03
Prepare & File Your Petition
We prepare Form I-918 or I-360 with complete supporting documentation and file your petition with USCIS on your behalf.
04
Work Authorization & Green Card
Once approved, we guide you through applying for work authorization and, when eligible, your green card — securing your long-term immigration status.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your story deserves
to be heard.
A consultation could change everything.
Everything you share with our team is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español