Know the Laws:
UPDATED January 8, 2009
This page includes information for obtaining legal status if you are the victim of a crime (including domestic abuse) and are or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
How do I apply for a U-visa?
back to topWhat must be included in the U Visa application?
1 - Form I -918, Form I-918 Supplement B,” Nonimmigrant Status Certification.” A form that petitioners must obtain from a certifying official of a certifying agency.
2- Any additional evidence the petitioner wants the USCIS to consider establishing further that:
- The petitioner is a victim of one of the qualifying crimes (see above). Example of evidence:
- Trial transcripts,
- court documents,
- news articles,
- police reports,
- orders of protection and,
- affidavits of other witness such as medical personnel
- The petitioner has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the crime
- Report or affidavits from police, judges, other court officials, medical personnel, school officials, clergy, social workers, etc,
- Copy of protection orders or any other legal documents or signed testimonies from witnesses
- The petitioner possess information of the crime of which he or she was a victim
- Reports and affidavits from police, judges, and other court officials
- The petitioner has been, is being or is likely to be helpful to a certifying agency:
- Trial transcripts
- Court documents
- police reports
- News articles
- copies of reimbursements forms from travel to and from court
- Affidavits of other witnesses or officials
- The criminal activity violated US law or occurred in the United States (including Indian country and military installations) or the territories and possessions of the United States
- a copy of statutory provisions showing the elements of the offense or factual information about the crime.
- A copy of statutory provisions providing for the extraterritorial jurisdiction and showing that the criminal activity violated federal law.
3. A Statement by the petitioner describing the facts of the victimization
in support of Form I -918. This rule requires the petitioner to submit a separate statement describing the facts with his or her own words. This statement should include the following information:
- the nature of the criminal activity
- when the criminal activity occurred
- who was responsible
- the events surrounding the criminal activity
- how the criminal activity came to be investigated
- what substantial physical and mental abuse was suffered as a result of the crime
4. If the petitioner is inadmissible, file Form I-192 “Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant”
5. Biometrics (finger prints) of the U visa petitioners.
6. Form I-918, supplement A “petition for qualifying family members of U-1 recipient” for each qualifying family member.
7. Principal applicants do not need to file Form I-765 to receive an employment authorization document (they get it automatically). However, derivative family members must file Form I-765 to receive employment authorization.
8. Form I-193 for those who do not have a passport and are unable to obtain one.
back to topWhere do I send my U-visa application?
U visa applications should be sent to:
US C.I.S. Vermont Service Center
VAWA Unit, Box 1000
75 Lower Welden St.
Saint Albans, Vermont 05479
Be sure to write "DO NOT OPEN IN THE MAILROOM" in large red letters on front of envelope.
back to topCost and application fees
- There is no application fee for Form I-918.
- There is no application fee for Form I-918, supplement B
- There is no application fee for Form I-918, supplement A (one form for each family member)
- Biometrics (finger prints) – there is an $80 fee for applicants who are 14 and over.
- The fee may be waived for those who do not have the money to pay.
- Form I-192 (to waive grounds of inadmissibility). There is a $545 fee, regardless of age.
- The fee may not be waived; everyone must pay.
- Form I-193 (for those who do not have passports). There is a $545 fee regardless of age. The fee may not be waived; everyone must pay.
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) for family members, there is a $340 fee.
back to topCan I find the forms online?
Please go to the following link to access the Form I-918, supplement A and B
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-918.pdf
Please also go to the link below to access U visa Instructions for filing Form I-918
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-918instr.pdf