Fill out I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status) online
Form I-918 is used to petition for U nonimmigrant status (U visa), which provides immigration relief to victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
How to fill out I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status)
Identify the qualifying criminal activity
Determine that the crime you experienced is among the qualifying criminal activities listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, trafficking, or other specified crimes.
Obtain law enforcement certification
Request that the certifying law enforcement agency, prosecutor, judge, or other qualifying official complete Form I-918 Supplement B. This certification confirms you were a victim of qualifying criminal activity and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
Prepare your personal statement and evidence
Write a detailed declaration describing the crime, the abuse you suffered, and your cooperation with law enforcement. Gather supporting evidence such as police reports, medical records, court documents, and statements from witnesses or service providers.
Enter personal and immigration information
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, current address, A-Number (if any), and immigration history. Include information about your entry to the United States and current status.
Submit with all supporting documentation
File the completed form with the law enforcement certification, personal statement, evidence of the crime and abuse, and any Supplement A forms for derivative family members. There is no filing fee for this petition.
About I-918 (Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status)
Who needs this form
Individuals who have been victims of qualifying criminal activity (such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or other serious crimes) and who have cooperated or are willing to cooperate with law enforcement. The applicant must obtain a law enforcement certification on Form I-918 Supplement B.
Where to submit
File with the USCIS Vermont Service Center by mail. There is no filing fee for Form I-918. Include the law enforcement certification (Supplement B) and all supporting evidence.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not obtaining the required law enforcement certification (Form I-918 Supplement B) from a qualifying certifying agency
- Failing to demonstrate substantial physical or mental abuse resulting from the criminal activity
- Not providing a detailed personal statement describing the crime, the abuse suffered, and cooperation with law enforcement
- Missing the opportunity to include qualifying family members as derivative beneficiaries using Supplement A
Frequently asked questions
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How many U visas are available each year?
Congress set an annual cap of 10,000 U visas per fiscal year for principal petitioners. Due to the high volume of petitions, there is typically a significant waitlist. Petitioners who are found eligible but cannot be granted U status due to the cap are placed on a waiting list and may receive deferred action and work authorization while they wait. Derivative family members do not count against the cap.
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