U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victims) — United States

Who Should Use This Guide?

If you are a victim of a criminal act, have endured substantial physical or mental abuse, and are actively assisting law enforcement agencies in the United States, this guide is tailored for you. The U Nonimmigrant Status, commonly known as the U visa, is specifically designed to offer protection to victims like you while simultaneously assisting law enforcement in their efforts to investigate and prosecute criminal activities. This guide is essential for those seeking to understand their eligibility and the steps involved in applying for this status.

Are You Eligible for U Nonimmigrant Status?

To determine if you qualify for a U visa, consider the following key criteria:

• You have been the victim of a qualifying criminal activity.
• You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse due to this criminal activity.
• You possess information about the criminal activity.
• You have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
• You are admissible to the United States, or you have filed for a waiver of inadmissibility.

When Should You Use This Guide?

This guide is particularly useful if you find yourself navigating the complexities of applying for the U Nonimmigrant Status. Whether you're in the initial stages of gathering documentation or trying to understand the necessary interactions with law enforcement, this guide will provide you with clarity. Additionally, if you're exploring other immigration options, you might consider reviewing related guides, such as the T Visa for victims of human trafficking or the Vawa for victims of domestic violence.

By utilizing this guide, you can ensure that you are taking informed steps towards securing protection and support under U.S. immigration law.

What is U Nonimmigrant Status?

U Nonimmigrant Status, commonly known as the U visa, is specifically designed for victims of certain crimes who have endured significant physical or mental abuse. The primary goal of this program is twofold: to provide protection to victims and to assist law enforcement agencies in prosecuting criminal activities. This visa not only offers victims a chance to remain in the United States but also empowers them to collaborate with law enforcement in ensuring justice.

Who is Eligible for a U Visa?

To be eligible for a U visa, you must meet several criteria:

• Victim of Qualifying Criminal Activity: You must have been a victim of a crime that is considered qualifying under U.S. law.
• Suffered Substantial Abuse: You need to demonstrate that you have suffered significant physical or mental abuse due to the criminal activity.
• Possession of Information: You must possess information about the crime.
• Cooperation with Law Enforcement: You should have been, are, or will likely be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime.
• Crime Location: The criminal activity must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
• Admissibility: You must be admissible to the United States, although waivers may be available for certain inadmissibility issues.

Application Process Overview

Applying for a U visa involves several key steps:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documentation to support your eligibility, including evidence of the crime, details of your cooperation with law enforcement, and proof of the abuse suffered.

2. Form I-918: Submit Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. This is the primary document for the U visa application.

3. Form I-918, Supplement B: Obtain a signed certification from a law enforcement official using Form I-918, Supplement B. This certification confirms that you were helpful, are helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the case.

4. Waivers for Inadmissibility: If there are admissibility issues, you may need to file Form I-192 to request a waiver.

Fees and Processing Times

The fees associated with the U visa application are as follows:

• Filing Fee for Form I-918: $60 (as of 2026)
• Biometrics Services Fee: $85 (as of 2026)
• Fee Waivers: There may be fee waivers available for qualifying applicants.

The processing time for U visa applications can vary significantly, ranging from 19.5 to 48 months from the initial filing to the bona fide determination review, as of January 2026. For more details on processing times, refer to Visa Processing Times Explained.

Importance of the U Visa

The U visa serves as a crucial tool in the fight against crime by encouraging victims to report crimes without fear of deportation. By protecting victims and enhancing their cooperation with law enforcement, the U visa contributes to creating safer communities. Understanding the complexities of this process is essential for potential applicants. For further guidance, explore resources like U.S. Visa Application Steps and Why Visas Get Denied.

In summary, the U visa not only provides a pathway to safety and stability for victims but also strengthens law enforcement efforts to prosecute criminals effectively.

Who Qualifies for U Nonimmigrant Status?

To be eligible for U Nonimmigrant Status, you must meet specific criteria that align with the program's objectives of protecting victims and aiding law enforcement. Here are the primary qualifications:

• Victim of Qualifying Criminal Activity: You must be a victim of criminal activity that qualifies under the U visa's stipulations.
• Substantial Abuse: You have suffered significant physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
• Information Possession: You possess critical information about the criminal activity.
• Law Enforcement Assistance: You were helpful, are currently helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement agencies in investigating or prosecuting the crime.

Key Requirements

In addition to meeting the qualifications, the following requirements are pivotal in the application process for U Nonimmigrant Status:

• Crime Location: The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
• Law Enforcement Certification: You must obtain a signed Form I-918, Supplement B, from an authorized official of the certifying law enforcement agency. This form confirms your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
• Admissibility: You must be admissible to the United States. If any inadmissibility issues are present, you may need to apply for a waiver using Form I-192.

Document Requirements

When applying, you'll need to provide specific documentation to support your eligibility and meet the program's requirements:

• Evidence of Victimization: Documentation that establishes your status as a victim of qualifying criminal activity.
• Proof of Abuse: Evidence demonstrating the substantial physical or mental abuse suffered.
• Information on Criminal Activity: Detailed information about the crime and your cooperation with law enforcement.
• Supplement B: A signed Form I-918, Supplement B, from a law enforcement agency.

Additional Considerations

• Family Members: If you hold U visa status, certain qualifying family members may also be eligible to apply for derivative U visas and potentially a Green Card through Form I-929.
• Application Fees: The filing fee for Form I-918 is $60, and the biometrics services fee is $85 (as of 2026). Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.

For more information on visa types and processing, you might find our guides on Uscis Petition Vs Visa and Visa Processing Times Explained helpful. Always verify the latest requirements and procedures on the official USCIS website to ensure compliance with the current standards.

Understanding U Nonimmigrant Status

The U Nonimmigrant Status, often referred to as the U visa, is specifically designed to protect victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse. In addition to providing protection, it assists law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting criminal activities. Below is a detailed step-by-step process on how to apply for this status.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Eligibility

   Before beginning the application process, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria:

   • You are a victim of qualifying criminal activity. - You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result. - You have information about the criminal activity. - You have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution. laws. - You are admissible to the United States. 2. Gather Required Documentation

   Collect all necessary documents to support your eligibility. This includes:

   • Evidence of the criminal activity and the resulting abuse. - Details of your cooperation with law enforcement. - Any other documentation that proves your eligibility and supports your application. Remember, failing to provide adequate evidence for each eligibility requirement may delay your application. 3. Complete Form I-918

   The primary form for applying for U Nonimmigrant Status is Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. Ensure that all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly. - Biometrics Fee: As of February 2026, a biometrics services fee of $85 is required, though fee waivers might be available for qualifying applicants. 4. Obtain Law Enforcement Certification

   Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, must be signed by an authorized official of a law enforcement agency. This confirms your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. - Important: Without this signed certification, your application cannot be processed. 5. Address Inadmissibility Issues

   If there are any inadmissibility issues, file Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant. This waiver is crucial for applicants who may otherwise be inadmissible to the United States. 6. Submit Your Application

   Once all documents are collected and forms completed, lodge your application with USCIS. Ensure that your submission includes all necessary forms, evidence, and fees. - Filing Fee: As of February 2026, the filing fee for Form I-918 is $60. 7. Await Processing

   Processing times can vary based on eligibility category and service center. As of January 2026, the processing time from initial filing to Bona Fide Determination (BFD) review ranges from 19.5 to 48 months. For more details on processing times, you can explore the Visa Processing Times Explained. 8. Receive Decision

   Once USCIS completes the review, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will be granted U Nonimmigrant Status and can remain in the United States legally. Note that filing does not guarantee approval, and understanding why visas get denied could be beneficial. Check out Why Visas Get Denied for more insights.

Can Family Members Apply? If your U visa application is approved, certain family members may be eligible to apply for a U visa as well. This can be explored through the Form I-929 process and may lead to lawful permanent resident status for your family members based on your U visa status. By following these steps, you can navigate the application process for U Nonimmigrant Status. For a broader understanding of U.S. visa application procedures, consider visiting the U.S. Visa Application Steps.

What Are the Costs for U Nonimmigrant Status?

When applying for U Nonimmigrant Status, there are a few costs you should anticipate. These include the filing fee for Form I-918 and a biometrics services fee. Here is a breakdown of the fees involved:

Verify these amounts on the official USCIS website for any updates.

How Long Does It Take to Process a U Visa?

The processing time for a U Nonimmigrant Visa can vary significantly and is influenced by multiple factors, including the service center handling your application. As of January 2026, the estimated processing time from initial filing to the Bona Fide Determination (BFD) Review is between 19.5 to 48 months.

Keep in mind that these timelines are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Visa Processing Times Explained.

What to Expect During the Application Process

Applying for U Nonimmigrant Status involves several steps. Initially, you must submit your application and any required documents, such as evidence of your victimization and cooperation with law enforcement. Following submission, you will be scheduled for biometrics collection, which includes fingerprinting and photographing.

It’s important to understand that submitting an application does not guarantee approval. To improve your chances, ensure all criteria are met and that you provide comprehensive documentation. For detailed guidance, review the US Visa Application Steps.

Related Considerations

If you encounter issues of inadmissibility, you may need to file Form I-192 to request a waiver. Additionally, once your application is approved, and if you wish to apply for a Green Card, the process is automatically extended upon filing for adjustment of status. For more insights into related visa options, such as the T Visa or VAWA, explore the respective links for further details.

Preparing Your Application

• Gather Comprehensive Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents to establish eligibility for the U Nonimmigrant Status. This includes evidence of being a victim of qualifying criminal activity and proof of substantial physical or mental abuse.

• Obtain Certification: Secure a signed Form I-918, Supplement B from an authorized official of the certifying law enforcement agency. This is crucial as it confirms your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.

• Address Inadmissibility Issues: If there are any reasons that might make you inadmissible to the United States, consider applying for a waiver. This typically involves lodging Form I-192.

Navigating the Application Process

• Understand Processing Times: Be aware that processing times for the U Nonimmigrant Status can range from 19.5 to 48 months as of January 2026. This varies based on eligibility category and service center. For more detailed timelines, you can refer to the Visa Processing Times Explained.

• Fee Considerations: The filing fee for Form I-918 is $60, and the biometrics services fee is $85 as of February 2026. Fee waivers might be available for those who qualify, so check if you are eligible.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Ensure that all sections of your application are completed accurately. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays or denials.

• Lack of Evidence: Failing to submit evidence for each eligibility requirement is a common reason for denial. Be thorough in collecting and presenting documentation to support your case.

• Not Seeking Legal Advice: Consider consulting with an immigration attorney, especially if your case involves complex issues. An attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation, increasing the likelihood of a successful application.

Maximizing Your Chances

• Demonstrate Continued Helpfulness: The certifying official’s confirmation of your helpfulness is key. Maintain communication with law enforcement to ensure continued cooperation, which strengthens your application.

• Stay Informed: Immigration laws and policies can change. Stay updated by regularly checking official USCIS announcements and resources, such as the USCIS Petition Vs Visa guide for more insights on the process differences.

By strategically preparing your documents, understanding the application process, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your chances of obtaining a U Nonimmigrant Status.

Missing or Incorrect Documentation

• Form I-918, Supplement B: One of the most common mistakes is not including a signed Form I-918, Supplement B. This document must be signed by an authorized official from the certifying law enforcement agency. Ensure that it confirms your helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
• Incomplete Evidence: Applicants often fail to gather sufficient evidence to establish each eligibility requirement. Be sure to provide all necessary documentation, including evidence of mental or physical abuse and your cooperation with law enforcement.

Eligibility Misunderstandings

• Qualifying Criminal Activity: Some applicants assume any crime qualifies for U Nonimmigrant Status. However, only specific crimes, such as domestic violence or trafficking, are considered. Verify that the crime you were a victim of is on the qualifying list.
• Location of Crime: The crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. Ensure this is clearly documented to avoid application issues.

Inadmissibility Issues

• Waiver Applications: If you are inadmissible to the United States, you must address this by applying for a waiver. Many applicants overlook this step, which can lead to delays or denials. Consider lodging an application for a waiver using Form I-192 if necessary.

Application Fees

• Incorrect Fees: Be aware of the correct filing fee, which is $60 for Form I-918 and an $85 biometrics services fee (as of 2026). Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify, so check if you are eligible to save costs.

For further details on how these steps apply to your specific situation, consult the US Visa Application Steps guide. Also, understanding common reasons for Why Visas Get Denied may help you avoid pitfalls.

What is U Nonimmigrant Status?

U Nonimmigrant Status, often referred to as a U visa, is a special nonimmigrant visa for victims of specific crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. This status is intended for individuals who possess valuable information about the criminal activity and have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The crimes must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. The goal of the U visa is to protect victims and strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes.

Who is Eligible for a U Visa?

To be eligible for a U visa, you must meet several criteria. First, you must be a victim of a qualifying criminal activity. This includes crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other serious offenses. You also need to demonstrate that you have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of such criminal activity. Additionally, you must possess credible information about the crime and have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in their efforts to investigate or prosecute the crime. Importantly, the crime must have occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws. You must also be admissible to the United States or apply for a waiver if inadmissibility issues are present.

How Can You Apply for a U Visa?

To apply for a U visa, you need to submit Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A crucial part of this process is obtaining Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, which must be signed by an authorized official of the certifying law enforcement agency. This certification confirms your helpfulness in the criminal investigation or prosecution. If there are any admissibility issues, you may need to file Form I-192 to request a waiver. Supporting evidence to establish each eligibility requirement is essential, and you must gather and submit these documents as part of your application.

What Are the Processing Times and Fees?

The processing time for U visa applications can vary significantly, generally ranging from 19.5 to 48 months as of January 2026. It is crucial to verify current processing times on the official USCIS website. The filing fee for Form I-918 is $60, and there is an additional biometric services fee of $85. However, fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. For more detailed information about the steps involved, you may refer to US Visa Application Steps or US Family Immigration Overview.