On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 Supplement B rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-918 Supplement B ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-918 Supplement B checklist?)
- Fees
- Where to file
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-918 Supplement B have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements, as described in the Form DS-2019 guide.
This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
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 Supplement B?)
#This form is a testament to the collaborative effort between victims and law enforcement agencies in addressing and prosecuting serious criminal activities while offering humanitarian relief to those affected.
First page of I-918 Supplement B form
Source: I-918 Supplement B PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-918 Supplement B varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool, as described in the Form I-485 SUPPLEMENT A guide.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process for U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) after submission.
- Potential biometrics appointment if required.
Who uses it
Form I-918 Supplement B is intended for individuals who are victims of qualifying criminal activity and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that activity. This form is a crucial part of the application process for U Nonimmigrant Status, which offers temporary immigration benefits to victims who assist law enforcement. The certifying agency, which must be a Federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency, prosecutor, authority, or judge, is responsible for confirming the victim's helpfulness. Applicants must demonstrate their role as victims and their cooperation with law enforcement to qualify for these benefits.
When it is used
- This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
- U-visa — Required certification for U nonimmigrant status
- Asylum — Crime victims may also pursue asylum relief
- When filing I-918 Supplement B alongside I-918 (Law enforcement certification required for I-918 U visa petition)
- After filing I-918 Supplement B — I-485 may be the next step (Adjustment of status after U visa approval)
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 Supplement B rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting a photocopy of the signature page instead of an original signature.
- Not submitting the form within six months of the certifying official's signature.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide sufficient evidence of helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.
- To avoid filing i-918 without supplement b certification: Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) before or with I-918; application cannot be approved without it.
- To avoid certifying agency not completing supplement b: Build relationship with agency; provide all victimization and cooperation evidence.
- To avoid incomplete certification or wrong agency: Ensure certifying agency has jurisdiction; certification must meet U visa requirements.
- To avoid assuming supplement b alone suffices: I-918 and Supplement B are filed together; Supplement B is one required component.
What it asks for (What does Form I-918 Supplement B ask for?)
#- Details of the qualifying criminal activity.
- Details of the criminal acts, including statutory citations and whether they violated U.S. law.
- Certification from a law enforcement agency that the individual is a victim of a qualifying criminal activity and has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
- Information about the certifying agency and official
- The individual must be a victim of one or more of the crimes listed in Part 3.
- Biographic information when applying for registration and fingerprinting under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U
- Us with additional information if you are requesting to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- Not submitting Supplement B within six months of the certifying official's signature.
- Documentation related to: Evidence of the victim's helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution
What you need (What do you need for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- A completed Form I-918 Supplement B signed by a law enforcement official
- Copies of relevant reports and findings related to the criminal activity
- The petitioner must be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and provide evidence of being helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
- Evidence of the victim's helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.
- Required information, certifications and evidence to support their continued eligibility for regional center designation
- Not providing evidence of the certifying official's designation if not signed by the head of the agency.
Checklist (What is the Form I-918 Supplement B checklist?)
#- Download the current I-918 Supplement B and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete and sign Form I-918 Supplement B, ensuring all necessary supporting evidence is included, and submit it accordingly.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-918 supplement b. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-918 Supplement B 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 Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
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 Supplement B 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 Supplement B 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
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Filing I-918 without Supplement B certification | Rejection | Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) before or with I-918; application cannot be approved without it. |
| Certifying agency not completing Supplement B | Delay | Build relationship with agency; provide all victimization and cooperation evidence. |
| Incomplete certification or wrong agency | RFE | Ensure certifying agency has jurisdiction; certification must meet U visa requirements. |
| Assuming Supplement B alone suffices | Rejection | I-918 and Supplement B are filed together; Supplement B is one required component. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Petitioner forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- Scenario: A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents The case was approved within the standard timeline Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
- A national from a designated country files I-918 Supplement B after the government extends protected status for their homeland
- An individual who fled persecution in their home country uses I-918 Supplement B to seek protection
- An applicant in the U-visa category files I-918 Supplement B as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that any law enforcement agency can certify the form, but it must be a Federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency involved in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
- Filing I-918 Supplement B 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 Supplement B, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat I-918 Supplement B as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
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-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status: Required for: Law enforcement certification required for I-918 U visa petition
- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Next step after approval: Adjustment of status after U visa approval
Why it matters
#Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS acknowledging the submission.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if required, where fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected.
- Wait for USCIS to review the form and supporting evidence.
- Receive a decision notice from USCIS, which could be an approval or a request for additional evidence.
- If approved, proceed with any next stage forms or processes related to U Nonimmigrant Status.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-918 Supplement B and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
FAQs
Do I need to file Form I-918 Supplement B 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 Supplement B instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What happens if I submit Form I-918 Supplement B without the necessary certifying official's designation?
Submitting the form without the necessary certifying official's designation may result in delays or denial of your application. Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What if the certifying official's signature is older than six months?
To ensure validity, Form I-918 Supplement B must be submitted within six months from the date the certifying official signs it.
Can my family members be included in my U visa application?
USCIS may consider certain family members as victims if the direct victim is deceased, incompetent, or incapacitated.
What supporting documents do I need for I-918 Supplement B?
The petitioner is required to be a victim of a qualifying criminal activity and must supply proof of their assistance in the investigation or prosecution. This evidence should demonstrate that the petitioner has been, is currently, or is likely to be helpful in these legal proceedings.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-918 Supplement B?
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 Supplement B?
Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions for current requirements.
What are common reasons I-918 Supplement B gets rejected?
Common reasons I-918 Supplement B 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.
When will I-918 Supplement B be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for I-918 Supplement B varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official USCIS processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
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.
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