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?)
- Where to file
- Fees
- 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
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Review the official instructions to confirm eligibility.
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 certification is a critical component of the U Nonimmigrant Status application, which, if approved, provides temporary immigration benefits and may eventually lead to lawful permanent residency, as described in the T Nonimmigrant Status (Trafficking Victims) guide, as described in the U.S. Family Immigration Overview guide.
First page of I-918 Supplement B form
Source: I-918 Supplement B PDF
Context and workflow
#Initiating the process for U Nonimmigrant Status. Part of the evidence package submitted to USCIS for consideration. Receive Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS.
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
- Processing time for I-918 Supplement B varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
- Initiating the process for U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Part of the evidence package submitted to USCIS for consideration.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) issued upon submission.
Who uses it
Form I-918 Supplement B is for individuals who are victims of qualifying criminal activity and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that activity. The applicant must demonstrate that they are a victim of criminal activity involving violations of Federal, state, or local criminal offenses such as false imprisonment, abduction, abusive sexual contact, blackmail, domestic violence, extortion, and felonious assault. The certifying agency, which can be a Federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or judge, must confirm the victim's helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution. Additionally, the petitioner’s family members, such as a spouse or unmarried children under 21, may also be considered victims if the direct victim is deceased or incapacitated.
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 filing within six months of the certifying official's signature.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide sufficient evidence of helpfulness.
- 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?)
#- Indicate whether the victim possesses information about the crimes.
- Certification from a law enforcement agency that the applicant is a victim of qualifying criminal activity and has been helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
- Details of the criminal activity, including statutory citations and descriptions of any known injuries to the victim.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- The individual identified in Part 1 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 filing Form I-918 within six months of the certifying official's signature on Supplement B.
- USCIS will not accept a photocopy of the signature page of the Supplement B or a typewritten name in place of a signature.
Sources for this section
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 and signed Form I-918 Supplement B from a certifying law enforcement official
- The petitioner must be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and provide evidence of being helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that activity.
- Required information, certifications and evidence to support their continued eligibility for regional center designation
- Failing to provide evidence of helpfulness to law enforcement.
Sources for this section
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
- Sign, date, and submit I-918 Supplement B with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
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 asylum.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-918 supplement b. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | 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 u-visa.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
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: Applicant X provided detailed evidence of their helpfulness in a criminal investigation. The result was a successful certification by the law enforcement agency. Always ensure detailed and accurate documentation of your helpfulness is provided.
- 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
- 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.
Why it matters
#Supplement B must be filed within six months of the certifying official's signature.
Why it matters: Filing outside this timeframe requires obtaining a new Supplement B, which can delay the process.
A certifying official has discretion to withdraw or disavow Supplement B if the victim refuses to assist.
Why it matters: Victims must maintain cooperation to ensure their eligibility for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Victims under 16 or incapacitated can have a 'next friend' provide evidence on their behalf.
Why it matters: This allows vulnerable victims to still meet the helpfulness requirement through a representative.
Supplement B is valid for six months from the date of signature.
Why it matters: If the victim does not file Form I-918 within this period, a new Supplement B is required.
Next steps
#- Receive Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS.
- Await further instructions or requests for additional information from USCIS.
- If applicable, attend any required interviews or provide additional documentation.
- Receive a decision on the U Nonimmigrant Status application.
- If approved, proceed with any next stage forms or processes as instructed by USCIS.
Verification
#This guide is based on official USCIS instructions for I-918 Supplement B and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always check the official USCIS website for the most current requirements.
FAQs
What happens if I submit Form I-918 after six months of the certifying official's signature?
Submitting after six months may lead to rejection, as the form must be filed within this timeframe. The specific timing depends on your case type and circumstances. Generally, forms should be filed according to the sequence outlined in the official instructions for your immigration category.
What is I-918 Supplement B?
I-918 Supplement B is the U Nonimmigrant Status Certification.
Where can I file this form?
Please refer to the official instructions for the most up-to-date filing addresses and submission methods.
What is the filing fee?
Check the current fee schedule on the official website.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary. Check the official processing times tool.
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.
What does I-918 Supplement B do and who needs it?
I-918 Supplement B is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by USCIS. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official USCIS website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
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.
What are common mistakes when filing I-918 Supplement B?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official USCIS schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly 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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