U nonimmigrant status — crime victim

U nonimmigrant status (also known as a U visa)

offers temporary immigration protection for victims

of certain qualifying criminal activity in the United

States who have been helpful, are being helpful,

or are likely to be helpful to certifying agencies

in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of

the qualifying criminal activity, and meet other

Noncitizen victims must:

• Be a victim of qualifying criminal activity that

occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law;

• Have suffered substantial physical or mental

abuse as a result of the qualifying criminal

• Possess credible and reliable information

about the qualifying criminal activity;

• Be, have been, or are likely to be helpful to

law enforcement, prosecution, judges, or other

certifying officials in the detection, investigation,

and prosecution of that qualifying criminal

• Be admissible to the United States or qualify for

a waiver.

To petition for U nonimmigrant status, the victim

must file Form I-918. The victim must also submit,

with their petition, a certification (Form I-918,

Supplement B) signed by a certifying agency official

confirming that the victim was helpful, is being

helpful, or will likely be helpful in the detection,

investigation, or prosecution of the case, and they

meet other eligibility requirements.

U nonimmigrant status is valid for 4

years and can be extended in limited circumstances;

recipients are also eligible for employment

authorization. U nonimmigrants may be able to

adjust their status and become lawful permanent

residents (obtain a Green Card) if they qualify.

Certain family members may also be eligible for

U nonimmigrant status.

officials should be aware that signing a certification

does not grant immigration protections — only

USCIS has the authority to grant or deny a U visa

Visit uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-criminal-

activity-u-nonimmigrant-status for more

All agencies within the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS), including U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services (USCIS), are legally prohibited

from disclosing that a victim has applied for the

types of immigration protection discussed in this

brochure, subject to certain exceptions.

To contact the certifying official hotline,

call 240-721-3333.

This number is for use by certifying officials only.