On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-918?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-918 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-918?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-918 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-918 have?)
- Choose your path
- Category comparison
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-918?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form I-929 guide, as described in the Form I-192 guide.
U-VISA: U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victims)
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-918?)
#Form I-918 is used to petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, commonly known as the U visa, which provides temporary immigration benefits to victims of qualifying criminal activities and their family members. To be eligible, you may need to be a victim of criminal activity designated in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.
Additionally, you may need to demonstrate that you possess information concerning the qualifying criminal activity and have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. A certifying official must confirm your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees the processing of these petitions.
First page of I-918 form
Source: I-918 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-918 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool, as described in the Form I-918 SUPPLEMENT B guide.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process for U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) is issued after submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature).
- Possible issuance of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if approved.
Who uses it
This form is not intended for general public self-filing. Common filers: U-1 Principal Victim, U-2 Spouse of Victim, U-3 Child of Victim.
When it is used
- U-VISA: U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victims)
- When petitioning for U-visa — approval of I-918 is a step toward this visa category
- G-28 — Attorney or accredited representative (optional)
- After filing I-918 — I-765 may be the next step (Work authorization after U visa approval (included with status))
- After filing I-918 — I-929 may be the next step (Petition for qualifying family members)
- When filing I-918 alongside I-192 (Waiver of inadmissibility if applicable)
Requirements snapshot
#- U-1: Direct victim of qualifying criminal activity
- U-2: Spouse of U-1 victim
- U-3: Child of U-1 victim (under 21)
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide English translations for non-English documents.
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient evidence of cooperation with law enforcement.
- Lack of detailed personal narrative about the crime and victimization.
- To avoid incomplete application or insufficient evidence: Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents.
- To avoid filing without supplement b law enforcement certification: Obtain I-918 Supplement B from certifying agency; application cannot be approved without it.
- To avoid insufficient evidence of victimization or cooperation: Document qualifying crime, harm, and cooperation with law enforcement per instructions.
What it asks for (What does Form I-918 ask for?)
#- Full legal name and other names used.
- Home address and safe mailing address.
- Evidence of being a victim of qualifying criminal activity.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- You are a victim of criminal activity designated in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
- Documentation related to: You must submit evidence demonstrating that you were, are, or are likely to be helpful to a certifying official in the i
What you need (What do you need for Form I-918?)
#- The current edition of I-918
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- A personal narrative statement describing the qualifying criminal activity and the victimization experienced.
- Evidence demonstrating you possess information concerning the qualifying criminal activity of which you were a victim.
- Evidence demonstrating that you were, are, or are likely to be helpful to a certifying official in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
- Evidence that the criminal activity of which you are a victim is included in the list of criminal activities contained in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
- All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions and General Requirements sections.
- Evidence you have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse.
- Complete and submit Form I-918 with all required evidence.
- Gather evidence of victimization and helpfulness to law enforcement.
Checklist (What is the Form I-918 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-918 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-918 instructions before filing
- Collect the necessary supporting documents as outlined in the instructions.
- Complete all required sections of I-918
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Sign, date, and submit I-918 with all required supporting evidence
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Petition for a noncitizen who is a victim of qualifying criminal activity, and their qualifying family members (Time from Initial Filing to Bona Fide Determination (BFD) Review) | 19.5 to 48 monthsas of January 2026 |
- Processing times for I-918 vary by eligibility category and service center. Data sourced from the official USCIS processing times tool.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires — some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. USCIS distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official USCIS processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on — not a countdown from when you filed.
- While pending: track your case status online with your receipt number, respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence, and update your address through your USCIS account if you move.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
Submit application
Mail the form to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox based on your location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting.
Fees
#Total possible cost: $145
Some categories are exempt from the biometrics fee.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe filing fee for form i-918 is $60 (as of 02/01/26). Verify the current fee on the official fee schedule before filing. | $60 |
| Biometrics Services FeeThe biometrics services fee is $85 (as of 02/01/26), if required for your category. | $85 |
What is the total cost of Form I-918?
Most applicants pay $60 filing fee plus $85 biometrics fee, for a total of $145. Some categories are exempt from one or both fees.
Do I have to pay the biometrics fee?
The $85 biometrics fee is required for certain eligibility categories. Some categories are exempt. Check the official instructions for your category.
Can the Form I-918 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for I-918 for qualifying applicants.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for I-918 for qualifying applicants.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-918 have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
U-1 Principal Victim
Direct victims of qualifying criminal activity who suffered substantial abuse and cooperated with law enforcement.
File with:
- I-918 Supplement B (law enforcement certification)
- Personal statement
- Evidence of qualifying crime
- Evidence of substantial harm
Common mistakes:
- Law enforcement certification incomplete or from wrong agency
- Not demonstrating substantial physical or mental abuse
- Crime not on the qualifying list
Typical processing: 4-6+ years (visa cap backlog)
U-2 Spouse of Victim
Spouse of U-1 principal victim.
File with:
- I-918 Supplement A
- Marriage certificate
- Principal's U visa documentation
Common mistakes:
- Marriage certificate not properly certified or translated
- Not filing concurrently with principal's petition
Typical processing: Filed with principal
U-3 Child of Victim
Unmarried children under 21 of U-1 principal victim.
File with:
- I-918 Supplement A
- Birth certificate
- Principal's U visa documentation
Common mistakes:
- Child aging out (turning 21) during processing
- Birth certificate not certified
Typical processing: Filed with principal
Category comparison
#| Category code | Eligibility | Typical filing companion | Auto-extension? | Premium processing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-1 | Direct victim of qualifying criminal activity | I-918 Supplement B (law enforcement certification) | N/A | No |
| U-2 | Spouse of U-1 victim | Marriage certificate and I-918 Supplement A | N/A | No |
| U-3 | Child of U-1 victim (under 21) | Birth certificate and I-918 Supplement A | N/A | No |
| U-4 | Parent of U-1 victim (if victim is under 21) | Birth certificate and I-918 Supplement A | N/A | No |
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete application or insufficient evidence | Rejection | Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents. |
| Filing without Supplement B law enforcement certification | Rejection | Obtain I-918 Supplement B from certifying agency; application cannot be approved without it. |
| Insufficient evidence of victimization or cooperation | RFE | Document qualifying crime, harm, and cooperation with law enforcement per instructions. |
| Applying when annual U visa cap is reached | Delay | U visa has annual cap; apply early; deferred action may be granted if cap is reached. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-918?)
#- Complete all certifications: Ensure all required official certifications are properly signed and dated.
- Verify documentation: All supporting documents must be current and properly formatted.
- Cross-reference information: Information must be consistent across all sections and supporting documents.
- A national from a designated country files I-918 after the government extends protected status for their homeland
- An individual who fled persecution in their home country uses I-918 to seek protection
- An applicant in the U-visa category files I-918 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that having a qualifying family member automatically grants them U Nonimmigrant Status; however, each family member must meet specific criteria and be included in the petition.
- Filing I-918 guarantees protection from removal — Filing creates a pending application but does not guarantee approval. Eligibility requirements must be met and verified.
- You can apply at any time without regard to deadlines — Many humanitarian programs have strict filing windows. Late applications may be rejected unless qualifying exceptions apply.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-918, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Why it matters
#Supplement B must be submitted with the original Form I-918.
Why it matters: Failure to include Supplement B will result in denial of the petition.
Photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are acceptable.
Why it matters: Ensures flexibility in submission methods while maintaining validity.
No filing fee for Form I-918 or Supplement A.
Why it matters: Applicants should not be deterred by financial barriers when seeking protection.
Supplement B certification is not required for petitioners who requested and received U interim relief.
Why it matters: This can simplify the application process for those who have already received interim relief.
Next steps
#- Receive Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature).
- Await decision on the petition.
- If approved, receive U Nonimmigrant Status and possibly an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Consider next stage forms for family members if applicable.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-918 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Visual references
#FAQs
Do I need to file Form I-918 if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official I-918 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Do I need to submit a personal narrative statement with my Form I-918?
Certainly, you should prepare a personal narrative statement detailing the qualifying criminal activity and the victimization you endured. For comprehensive guidance tailored to your immigration case and circumstances, consult the official I-918 instructions.
What is the purpose of Supplement B for Form I-918?
Supplement B serves as a certification from a law enforcement official, affirming your assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
What should I do if I am inadmissible to the United States?
Should you be deemed inadmissible, it may be necessary to submit Form I-192 to seek a waiver for your inadmissibility.
What is I-918?
I-918 is the Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
How do I choose the correct eligibility category code on I-918?
Your eligibility category code outlines the basis for filing Form I-918. As a victim of criminal activity specified in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA, you may be required to provide evidence that the criminal activity you experienced is listed in this section.
What supporting documents do I need for I-918?
You may need to submit evidence demonstrating you possess information concerning the qualifying criminal activity of which you were a victim. You may need to submit evidence demonstrating that you were, are, or are likely to be helpful to a certifying official in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity. You may need to submit evidence that the criminal activity of which you are a victim is included in the list of criminal activities contained in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-918?
A dependable mailing address is essential for receiving notices and card deliveries. If you lack a permanent address, USCIS permits alternative solutions, such as using a representative's address or opting for safe mailing options. Be sure to consult the official instructions to determine the best approach for your circumstances.
Who is eligible to file I-918?
It may be necessary to provide evidence demonstrating that the criminal activity you experienced is listed among those specified in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
What happens after I submit I-918?
After submitting I-918, USCIS will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons I-918 gets rejected?
Common reasons I-918 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
Can I request a fee waiver for I-918?
Fee waivers may be available for I-918 for qualifying applicants.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
Find my visa