The U Visa (U Nonimmigrant Visa) for Victims of Violence, is a special type of nonimmigrant visa in the United States created to protect victims of crimes who:

• Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime, and
• Are willing to cooperate with authorities (police, prosecutors, judges, etc.) in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Main Purpose of the U Visa for Victims of Violence

The U Visa for Victims of Violence seeks to encourage victims to report crimes and collaborate with justice without fear of being deported.

Key Requirements to Apply for U Visa for Victims of Violence

To be eligible, the person must demonstrate that they:

• Were the victim of a qualifying crime (for example: domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, extortion, labor fraud, among others).
• Suffered physical or mental harm as a result of the crime.
• Possess information about the crime.
• Are willing to help or have already helped in the investigation or criminal process.
• The crime occurred in the U.S. or violated U.S. laws.

Key Certification for the U Visa (Form I-918, Supplement B)

• An essential step is obtaining a certification signed by an authority (for example, a police officer, prosecutor, judge, or government agency).
• This certification confirms that the person cooperated or is cooperating with justice.

What is the Certification for the U Visa for Victims of Violence?

It is an official document issued by a competent authority (for example, the police, a prosecutor, a judge, or a government agency) that confirms that the person was a victim of a crime and cooperated or is willing to cooperate with the investigation or criminal process.

The technical name of this document is:

👉 Form I-918, Supplement B — U Nonimmigrant Status Certification.

How Does the Process of the U Visa for Victims of Violence Work?

1. The victim (or their attorney) requests the certification from the agency or department that handled the criminal case or report.
2. The authority reviews whether the crime qualifies (for example: domestic violence, assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, extortion, etc.) and whether the person helped, is helping, or will help in the investigation.
3. If the agency considers that the victim was cooperative, then it signs Form I-918B.
4. That signed certification is valid for 6 months and must be included along with the main application (Form I-918).

What Does the U Visa Certification (Form I-918B) Include?

Form I-918B includes:

• Name and personal information of the victim.
• Type of crime.
• Description of the harm suffered.
• Level of cooperation from the victim with authorities.
• Signature of the authorized official and the date.

Essential Details You Should Know Before Applying for a U Visa for Victims of Violence

• Without the certification, USCIS cannot process an application.
• Obtaining the certification does not guarantee that USCIS will approve the visa, but it does allow the application to be submitted.
• The authority is not legally required to issue the certification; it is a discretionary decision.
• Even if the perpetrator was not arrested or convicted, the victim may still qualify if they cooperated in the investigation.

Main Benefits of of Applying for a U Visa for Victims of Violence (and What You Can Expect)

• Work permit (EAD).
• Legal status for 4 years (renewable in some cases).
• Possibility of applying for Permanent Residence (Green Card) after 3 years under the U Visa for Victims of Violence.
• Possibility of including eligible family members (spouse, children, and in some cases parents or minor siblings).

Conclusion: Why the U Visa Certification Matters for Victims of Crime?

• The Certification is like the “bridge” between the criminal case and the immigration application.
• Without that document, the case cannot move forward before USCIS.
• With it, the victim demonstrates that they helped the authorities and deserve the humanitarian protection offered by the U Visa for Victims of Violence.
• If you or someone you know was the victim of a crime and needs guidance to obtain this certification or begin the Visa process, Ybarra Maldonado Law Group can help you.

📞 Contact us to receive a confidential evaluation and the legal support you need. Call (602) 910-4040 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.

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