S Visas for Witnesses and Informants

S nonimmigrant visa status was created for non-citizens with critical, reliable information in the prosecution of a criminal organization, among other groups. For instance, a non-citizen may be granted S-5 status if he or she has critical and reliable information to the prosecution of criminal activity. S-6 status may be granted to non-citizens with information necessary to prosecute terrorist organizations. Significantly, unlike U nonimmigrant status, an S visa can only be requested by federal or state law enforcement agencies, or courts. An S visa is valid for period of three years.