The U Visa for Crime Victims: who qualifies, how to apply, and how long it lasts

Last reviewed September 6, 2026

Overview: U status is for certain victims of qualifying criminal activity who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and meet information, helpfulness, certification and other requirements. Reporting a crime does not automatically qualify someone, and a certification does not guarantee USCIS approval.

The main eligibility questions

The case must involve a listed qualifying crime or qualifying similar activity that occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law. The person must be a qualifying victim and have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result.

The applicant must possess information and have been, be, or be likely to be helpful to the responsible authorities in detecting, investigating or prosecuting the activity. Special rules permit a parent, guardian or next friend to assist where the victim is under 16 or unable to provide the information because of incapacity or incompetence.

Admissibility is reviewed separately. A waiver may be available for many issues, but it is not automatic and must be properly requested where needed.

The required certification

Form I-918 Supplement B must be signed by an authorized certifying official. It documents the qualifying activity and helpfulness. The petitioner generally must submit it within six months of signature under the filing instructions.

Certification can come from qualifying agencies or authorities, not only a police department. Agency certification policies differ. A conviction is not required in every case, but the full U eligibility requirements still apply. The certifying agency does not grant U status; USCIS does.

Evidence and filing steps

The qualifying activity, victim relationship, harm and assistance establish the proposed basis.
An authorized authority completes the required certification within the applicable timing rules.
The petition uses I-918, a personal statement, harm and case evidence, and any required waiver request.
Eligible derivative requests use the appropriate supplements and documents.
Biometrics, responses to requests and contact updates proceed through the applicable protected-case procedures.

Evidence can include reports, court records, medical or counseling information, statements and records explaining the continuing effects of the harm. Inconsistencies can require truthful explanations. The personal statement must reflect the applicant’s own experience.

The cap, preliminary review and work permission

Only 10,000 principal U grants are available annually; qualifying derivatives are not counted against that principal cap. Demand can create a long wait.

USCIS may consider qualifying applicants for a bona fide determination or waiting-list treatment under the applicable procedures. Deferred action and employment authorization at these stages are discretionary and distinct from a final U grant. Merely filing I-918 does not provide immediate lawful status or permission to work.

After a U-1 approval, employment authorization follows the applicable U rules; derivatives have their own documentation requirements. Each person’s notice and employment document identify their authorization; family members can have different conditions.

Family and length of status

A principal under 21 may request a spouse, children, parents and unmarried siblings under 18. A principal 21 or older generally may request a spouse and children. Age-measurement and relationship-continuation rules apply at specific stages to each family member.

U status is generally for up to four years, with specified extensions. Cooperation requirements continue to apply during the status period. Departures can affect continuous presence and later adjustment eligibility.

Green-card stage

An eligible U nonimmigrant may seek adjustment after at least three years of qualifying continuous physical presence, with the required continued status, cooperation and other findings. The statute includes humanitarian, family-unity or public-interest requirements. A three-year anniversary alone does not grant a green card.

Family members who have not received derivative U status can present different options and deadlines, including a possible I-929 in qualifying circumstances. Listing a relative does not automatically place that person in the same adjustment process.