Who this is for
- Victims of a qualifying crime listed in the law, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking or certain other serious crimes
- People who suffered substantial physical or mental harm from the crime
- People who have useful information about the crime
- People who have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement
- The crime generally occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. law
- Certain family members may be included through a separate supplement
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| I-918 | Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status | The main petition describing the crime, the harm suffered and the victim's helpfulness. |
| I-918 Supplement B | U Nonimmigrant Status Certification | Signed by a certifying agency such as police or prosecutors to confirm the victim's helpfulness. |
| I-918 Supplement A | Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1 Recipient | Used to include certain eligible family members. |
| I-192 | Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant | Used to ask for a waiver if the petitioner has grounds of inadmissibility. |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Used later by U status holders who meet the requirements to apply for a green card. |
Step by step
- Ask for a Supplement B certificationContact the law enforcement or certifying agency that handled the case and request a signed certification. Agencies decide on their own whether to sign.
- Prepare Form I-918 and your statementComplete the petition and write a personal statement about the crime and how it affected you, without needing to include more detail than necessary.
- Add waivers and family members if neededInclude Form I-192 if any inadmissibility issues apply and Supplement A for eligible family members.
- File the petitionSubmit everything together to the address in the official instructions. The certification generally must be recent when filed.
- Bona fide determination and waiting listUSCIS may review whether the petition is bona fide and, if so, may grant work authorization and deferred action while the case waits. Because of a yearly cap, eligible petitions may be placed on a waiting list.
- Receive U status and later apply for a green cardAfter holding U status for the required time and meeting other conditions, holders can generally apply for permanent residence.
Documents usually requested
- Signed Form I-918 Supplement B certification
- Personal statement describing the crime and the harm suffered
- Police reports, court records or protective orders
- Medical, counseling or other records showing harm
- Identity documents such as a passport or birth certificate
- Records of any past arrests or immigration history, with explanations
- Proof of relationship for any family members included
- Certified English translations of foreign-language documents
How long it takes
U visa cases often take a long time because only a limited number of U visas are available each year, so many eligible petitioners wait. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ for current information.
Government filing fees
Form I-918 and its supplements generally have no filing fee, while forms such as the I-192 waiver may carry a fee unless a fee waiver applies. Fees are set by USCIS and change; see uscis.gov/g-1055.
Working and traveling while you wait
Petitioners found to have a bona fide case, and people placed on the waiting list, may receive work authorization while they wait. Travel outside the U.S. can be risky and affect eligibility, so talk to an attorney first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing with a Supplement B certification that is too old or unsigned
- Not disclosing past arrests or immigration violations
- Assuming the agency must sign the certification, when it is up to the agency
- Forgetting to include a waiver request when one is needed
- Stopping cooperation with law enforcement without a reasonable explanation
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a police report to apply for a U visa?
You generally need a signed certification from a law enforcement or other certifying agency, which is Form I-918 Supplement B. A police report can help as supporting evidence, but the certification is the key document. Certifying agencies can include police, prosecutors, judges and some other government agencies.
What is a bona fide determination?
A bona fide determination is an early USCIS review of a U visa petition to see whether it is complete and genuine. If USCIS finds the petition bona fide, it may grant work authorization and deferred action while the person waits. Not every petition receives this determination.
Can I get a green card through a U visa?
Yes, many U status holders can apply for a green card after holding U status continuously for a required period and meeting other requirements. They generally must also show they did not unreasonably refuse to help law enforcement. An attorney can confirm the timing.
Can my family members get U status too?
Often yes, certain family members such as a spouse and children, and in some cases parents and siblings of young victims, can be included using Supplement A.
What if I am in danger now?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. USCIS humanitarian pages also list resources and hotlines for victims of crime.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.