Types of Visas
U Visa
"For victims of substantial physical or mental abuse as the results of certain criminal activity, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, assault, or other related crimes. Victim/applicant must be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and likely to be helpful to the investigation and/or prosecution of that criminal activity. Generally valid for four years."
U visas are issued in the case of a non-trafficking sex crime via the Crime Victims’
Rights Act. These are issued to help those in need, regardless of immigration status,
remain in the US until their case is resolved
T Visa
"For victims of human trafficking, must comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement for cooperation in investigation or prosecution of trafficking act(s) (unless unable to cooperate because of physical or psychological trauma), and must be able to demonstrate that the victim/applicant would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the United States. Generally valid for four years."
On the national level the United States can issue what is called a T Visa to victims of human trafficking to allow them to stay in the United States during the time it takes for their case to be resolved. Other options exist in order to care for victims of non-trafficking related offenses
F-1 & J-1 Status Students
“Options for reduced course-load approval due to medical conditions certified by a licensed medical conditions certified by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist. Options for, and consequences to, withdrawing from your academic program. Information about returning to the academic program at a later date, if the student chooses to withdraw. These options will require approval and processing from the International Students and Scholars Office. Please use this office as a resource and communicate for options that may be available. General information on options for changing visa status. General information on U and T visas (referral to a qualified immigration attorney). Referral to a qualified attorney.”
H-1B, O-1, E-3, or TN employees:
“Options for a work leave of absence, and consequences to your immigration status. Options and consequences for accompanying spouses. General information on options for changing visa status. If you are at OSU on a work visa please feel free to communicate issues with Trisha Iyonsi, International Employment and Tax Coordinator. Referral to a qualified immigration attorney. General information on U and T visas. Referral to a qualified immigration attorney. Pending U.S. permanent residents (green card not yet approved) impact of leaving your employment on your pending employer-sponsored permanent resident application; referral to an attorney."