Form I-918 Guide

USCIS evaluates whether you are a victim of qualifying criminal activity and if you have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. A common mismatch occurs when the evidence provided does not clearly demonstrate the victimization or cooperation with law enforcement.

• Provide police reports or affidavits documenting the criminal activity.
• Include medical records or psychological evaluations showing abuse.
• Submit any court documents related to the case.
• Gather letters from social workers or community organizations supporting your claims.
• Attach any orders of protection or legal documents related to your victimization.
• Ensure all evidence is clearly labeled and organized.

• Missing Supplement B from the petition package, which is required for processing.
• Inadequate evidence of qualifying criminal activity, which can lead to denial.
• Invalid signatures on the petition, as USCIS requires valid signatures for acceptance.
• Failure to provide a certified English translation for documents in a foreign language.
• Omitting required supporting documents that are listed in the specific instructions.

• You must be a victim of qualifying criminal activity.
• There is no filing fee for Form I-918 or Supplement A.
• You must provide evidence of substantial physical or mental abuse.
• You must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the instructions.
• A valid signature is required on the petition.
• Translations must be certified by the translator.
• Supplement B must be completed by a certifying official.
• You must provide your Alien Registration Number if applicable.

• General Instructions

  This section outlines the basic requirements for filing the petition, including the need for a valid signature and the absence of a filing fee.

• Named Crimes

  You must identify the specific crime or crimes you were a victim of, as defined by the relevant laws.

• Evidence

  This section details the types of evidence you need to submit to support your claims, including documentation of abuse and cooperation with law enforcement.

• Biometric Services Appointment

  USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment for identity verification and background checks.

• Translations

  If you submit documents in a foreign language, you must provide certified English translations.

• USCIS Contact Center

  For additional information about the petition process, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center.

• Part 1. Information About You (Person filing this petition as a victim)
  • Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. Provide your full legal name.
  • Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. Other Names Used. Provide all names you have used.
  • Item Numbers 3.a. - 3.h. Home Address. Provide your physical street address.
  • Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.i. Safe Mailing Address (if other than Home Address).
  • Item Number 5. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any).
  • Item Number 6. U.S. Social Security Number.
  • Item Number 7. USCIS Online Account Number (if any).
• Part 2. Additional Information About You
• Part 3. Processing Information
  • and Supplement A, Petition for Qualifying
  • Family Member of U-1 Recipient
  • What Is the Purpose of Form I-918 and Supplement A?
  • Who May File Form I-918 and Supplement A?
  • (1) Abduction
  • (16) Manslaughter
  • (2) Abusive Sexual Contact
  • (17) Murder
  • (3) Attempt to Commit Any of the
  • (18) Obstruction of Justice
  • (19) Peonage
  • (4) Being Held Hostage

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.

• Failing to sign the petition or providing an invalid signature.
• Not including Supplement B with the petition.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Omitting required evidence of victimization.
• Providing incomplete or inaccurate information.
• Neglecting to certify translations of foreign documents.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-918 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-918. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-918 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• You must pay a filing fee for Form I-918, which is not true as there is no fee associated with this petition.
• All documents must be original; photocopies are acceptable for valid signatures, as long as they meet the requirements.
• You cannot file Supplement A after the initial petition, which is incorrect as it can be filed later for additional family members.
• You do not need to provide evidence of your cooperation with law enforcement, but this is essential for your application.
• If you have never been married, you must leave the spouse section blank, but you should indicate 'N/A' instead.

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-918, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the petition process effectively.

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