Visto n' Visa

Is the cooperation required to be current?

Cooperation for the U visa must be genuine and recent, demonstrating a current or future willingness to collaborate with law enforcement investigations in the U.S.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 24, 2026
2 min read
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The U visa was created to offer protection to victims of certain crimes who cooperate with criminal investigations and proceedings in the United States. Such cooperation is one of the key elements for the applicant to qualify for this immigration benefit.

Regarding the question ”Is the cooperation required to be current?”, the relevant factor is to demonstrate that there was, is, or will be a willingness to cooperate with public safety authorities. In many cases, the applicant needs to prove that they have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. This may involve previous cooperation, but it is important that the law enforcement agency certifies that the applicant is, or will be, available to continue assisting as needed. In other words, cooperation does not necessarily need to be continuous at every moment, but it is essential that a genuine and recent willingness is shown that, if necessary, can be resumed or deepened.

It is crucial to understand that each case is evaluated individually and that the evidence presented – usually through a certificate from a competent authority – must clearly indicate the applicant”s involvement and its relevance to the progress of the investigations or criminal proceedings. This certification is the element that underpins the U visa application and demonstrates cooperation, whether through past actions or the commitment to future cooperation.

Always remember the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws, consulting reliable sources, and verifying the credibility of those offering assistance to avoid falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns promising guaranteed results. Seeking information from official sources or specialized professionals in the field is a safe way to proceed with this process.

Learn more about U

Type
Crime victims (cooperation)
Validity
4 years
Annual cap
10,000 (principals)
Green Card
After 3 years
All about U

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Is the cooperation required to be current?

Cooperation for the U visa must be genuine and recent, demonstrating a current or future willingness to collaborate with law enforcement investigations in the U.S.

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