U-Visa Background
Congress created the U-Visa to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of non-citizens, assaults, and other crimes while also protecting victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
Requests for U-Visa Certification can be made to The Office of District Attorney, local law enforcement agencies, county/city attorneys, courts, the Attorney General’s Office, any agency responsible for the detection or investigation of criminal activity, or from entities with criminal detection or investigative jurisdiction. U-Visa Certifications do not guarantee approval. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that provides nonimmigrant status to eligible victims.
The U-Visa Certification, or I-918 Supplemental B form, must be submitted in the most current version, along with a letter explaining why the petitioner is eligible. The letter should include a mailing and email address where the signed U-Visa Certification or denial of certification request should be sent.
U-Visa Certification decisions can take up to 90 days.
Email DAUVisa@coda23.gov with any questions.