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?)
- Fees
- Processing times
- Where to file
- 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
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form DS-160 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 plays a crucial role in offering protection and immigration relief to crime victims, encouraging cooperation with law enforcement, and enhancing community justice and safety. More information can be found in the U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victims) guide.
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
- Initiates the process for obtaining U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) is issued after submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature) if required.
- May lead to Employment Authorization Document (EAD) eligibility.
- I-918 is commonly filed alongside Form I-192.
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 signature.
- Omitting Supplement B from the application package.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide evidence of substantial harm.
- 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.
- To avoid applying when annual u visa cap is reached: U visa has annual cap; apply early; deferred action may be granted if cap is reached.
What it asks for (What does Form I-918 ask for?)
#- Answer questions about your criminal history and immigration proceedings.
- Indicate whether your family member was or is in immigration proceedings.
- Answer whether your family member is living in the United States and would like an Employment Authorization Document.
- 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 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- Victims of criminal activity listed in INA section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse.
- Adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the request.
Sources for this section
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
- 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.
- Evidence of substantial physical or mental abuse.
- Evidence of helpfulness to law enforcement.
- All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions and General Requirements sections.
- Complete and submit Form I-918 with all required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved I-192 (Waiver of inadmissibility if applicable)
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
Sources for this section
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-918. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeResults of background and security checks based on biometrics. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-918 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
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 qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Application for Employment Authorization.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
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 time information at the Check Case Processing Times webpage.
- processing times from initial receipt to the final issuance of U nonimmigrant status.
- 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.
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.
File online
Check the official I-918 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Application to Register Permanent Residence or.
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
- 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.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization: Next step after approval: Work authorization after U visa approval (included with status) (U Nonimmigrant Status pathway)
- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Next step after approval: Adjustment of status after 3 years in U status (U Nonimmigrant Status pathway)
- Unlike Form I-929: Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant: Next step after approval: Petition for qualifying family members (U Nonimmigrant Status pathway)
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the application is being processed.
- Attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature) if required.
- Receive a decision notice regarding the approval or denial of the petition.
- If approved, proceed with any next stage forms or applications, such as applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Verification
#This guide is based on official USCIS instructions for Form I-918 and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing rules. Always check the official USCIS website for the latest requirements.
FAQs
Does filing Form I-918 guarantee U nonimmigrant status?
No. Each case is evaluated based on its merits and the provided evidence.
What is I-918?
Form I-918, known as the Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, is an official document provided by USCIS. To ascertain its relevance to your circumstances, consult the official instructions.
Where can I get I-918 and its instructions?
Download the current edition of I-918 and its instructions from the official USCIS website. Always verify you are using the most recent form version before filing.
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 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), you may be required to provide evidence that the crime you experienced is among those listed in this section. This form is intended for victims who have endured significant physical or mental abuse due to such criminal activities.
What supporting documents do I need for I-918?
You might be required to provide evidence showing that you have information about the qualifying criminal activity you experienced. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate that you have been, are, or are likely to be of assistance to a certifying official in the investigation or prosecution of this criminal activity. Furthermore, it may be necessary to submit proof that the crime you were a victim of is listed among the criminal activities specified in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-918?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
Who is eligible to file I-918?
Evidence may be required to demonstrate that the criminal activity you experienced is among those listed in section 101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of the INA.
What happens after I submit I-918?
processing times from initial receipt to the final issuance of U nonimmigrant status. USCIS will send a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You can track your case status online using the receipt number. Processing times vary by category and filing location.
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.
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
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