The S visa is granted to Aliens who have agreed to assist the Government in various investigative procedures leading to the arrest of individuals in connection with illegal or terrorist activities.
The two main categories of S visas are S-5 and S-6:
* Application for an S-5 Visa is possible only if the applicant possess reliable information regarding an important aspect of a crime or pending commission of a crime, is willing to share this information with law enforcement officials or to testify in court, and that their presence in the US is necessary to the successful investigation or prosecution of the case.
* Application for an S-6 Visa is possible only if the applicant possesses reliable information regarding an important aspect of a terrorist organization or plot, is willing to share this information with law enforcement officials or to testify in court, has or will be placed in danger for providing that information, and is eligible to receive an award from the State Department for providing such information.
S visa holders are allowed to adjust status to permanent resident under a special provision under Section 245(j) of the US immigration and Nationality Act. If the information supplied by the alien has "substantially contributed" to a successful investigation or prosecution of a crime, they are eligible for adjustment of status. Similarly, if the alien's information "substantially contributed" to the prevention of an act of terrorism, or to the apprehension of a person involved in terrorist activities, they are allowed to adjust their status.