Concluded
USCIS confirms U status granted inside the US does not count as admission for general green cards
USCIS updated its policy guidance to clarify that receiving U status (for victims of crime) while inside the United States does not count as an official admission if you apply for a general green card.
Adjustment of StatusU Victim of Criminal Activity
Who this applies to & what you could do
Adjustment of Status
- Clarifies that receiving U status inside the U.S. does not count as an 'admission' for general adjustment of status under section 245(a)
- Aligns official USCIS Policy Manual guidance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sanchez v. Mayorkas
- Confirms that applicants seeking green cards under general rules must meet admission or parole requirements independently
- Gather your immigration records—including your Form I-797 approval notices and entry documents—and consult with a qualified immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative to evaluate which green card pathway applies to your situation.
U Victim of Criminal Activity
- Establishes that a grant of U status inside the U.S. is not an 'admission' for standard green card applications under section 245(a)
- Incorporates the Supreme Court ruling in Sanchez v. Mayorkas into USCIS policy guidelines
- Does not eliminate the dedicated green card process specifically designated for U status holders under section 245(m)
- Review your original U status approval notice, collect evidence showing your continuous presence in the United States, and speak with an accredited legal representative before filing for a green card.
Timeline — newest first
USCIS confirms U visa status granted inside the US does not count as an official admission for general green card applications
Summaries are AI-generated from public government sources and news coverage. This is not legal advice.