U-Visa Certification Request Letter

U-VISA CERTIFICATION REQUEST LETTER

Request for Form I-918 Supplement B Certification

[LETTERHEAD - IF ATTORNEY/ORGANIZATION]

[NAME/ORGANIZATION]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]

[DATE]

[CERTIFYING OFFICIAL NAME/TITLE]
[CERTIFYING AGENCY NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Request for U-Visa Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B)
Victim Name: [VICTIM'S FULL LEGAL NAME]
Date of Birth: [VICTIM'S DOB]
Case/Report Number: [POLICE REPORT OR CASE NUMBER]
Incident Date(s): [DATE(S) OF CRIME]

Dear [CERTIFYING OFFICIAL NAME OR "Certifying Official"]:

I am writing on behalf of [VICTIM NAME] to respectfully request that your agency complete Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, in connection with [his/her] application for U nonimmigrant status (U-Visa).

[VICTIM NAME] was the victim of [QUALIFYING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY] that occurred on or about [DATE] in [CITY, COUNTY, STATE]. [He/She] has been helpful, is being helpful, and/or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of this criminal activity.

I. OVERVIEW OF U-VISA AND CERTIFICATION

A. Purpose of the U-Visa

The U nonimmigrant status (U-Visa) was created by Congress through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The U-Visa is designed to:

1. Strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute crimes against immigrants;
2. Protect victims of qualifying criminal activity who have suffered substantial abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement; and
3. Offer protection to victims without regard to their immigration status.

B. What the Certification Means

By signing Form I-918, Supplement B, the certifying official confirms that:

1. A qualifying criminal activity occurred;
2. The applicant was a victim of that criminal activity;
3. The applicant possesses information about the criminal activity; and
4. The applicant has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Important: The certification does NOT:

• Guarantee that USCIS will approve the U-Visa
• Create any legal obligation for the agency
• Confer any immigration status on the victim
• Determine the ultimate outcome of the immigration case

USCIS makes the final determination on U-Visa eligibility after conducting its own review and background checks.

II. VICTIM INFORMATION

III. CRIMINAL ACTIVITY INFORMATION

A. Qualifying Criminal Activity

The victim was subjected to the following qualifying criminal activity as defined under 8 CFR § 214.14(a)(9):

☐ Abduction
☐ Abusive Sexual Contact
☐ Blackmail
☐ Domestic Violence
☐ Extortion
☐ False Imprisonment
☐ Felonious Assault
☐ Female Genital Mutilation
☐ Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting
☐ Hostage
☐ Incest
☐ Involuntary Servitude
☐ Kidnapping
☐ Manslaughter
☐ Murder
☐ Obstruction of Justice
☐ Peonage
☐ Perjury
☐ Prostitution
☐ Rape
☐ Sexual Assault
☐ Sexual Exploitation
☐ Slave Trade
☐ Stalking
☐ Torture
☐ Trafficking
☐ Unlawful Criminal Restraint
☐ Witness Tampassing
☐ Being Held Hostage
☐ Attempt, Conspiracy, or Solicitation to commit any of the above
☐ Other related crimes: [SPECIFY]

B. Details of Criminal Activity

C. Summary of Criminal Activity

[PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY - THIS WILL HELP THE CERTIFYING OFFICIAL LOCATE THE CASE FILE:]

On or about [DATE], [VICTIM NAME] was the victim of [TYPE OF CRIME]. The incident occurred at [LOCATION].

[PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RELEVANT DETAILS:

• What happened
• Who was the perpetrator (if known)
• How the victim was harmed
• Current status of investigation/prosecution]

IV. VICTIM'S HELPFULNESS

A. Past Helpfulness

The victim has been helpful in the investigation or prosecution by:

☐ Reporting the crime to law enforcement
☐ Providing a statement to police
☐ Providing information about the crime
☐ Identifying the perpetrator
☐ Cooperating with investigators
☐ Testifying before a grand jury
☐ Testifying at trial
☐ Providing documents or evidence
☐ Assisting with victim services
☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

Specific examples of helpfulness:

[DESCRIBE HOW THE VICTIM HAS BEEN HELPFUL:]

1. [DATE]: [DESCRIPTION OF HELPFUL ACTION]
2. [DATE]: [DESCRIPTION OF HELPFUL ACTION]
3. [DATE]: [DESCRIPTION OF HELPFUL ACTION]

B. Current Helpfulness

☐ The victim is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation/prosecution
☐ The victim remains available to provide additional assistance
☐ The victim is willing to testify if needed

C. Future Helpfulness

☐ The victim is likely to be helpful in future investigation/prosecution activities
☐ The victim has expressed willingness to continue cooperating

V. SUBSTANTIAL ABUSE

The victim suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the qualifying criminal activity:

☐ Physical injuries: [DESCRIBE]
☐ Psychological trauma: [DESCRIBE]
☐ Financial harm: [DESCRIBE]
☐ Other harm: [DESCRIBE]

VI. STATUS OF INVESTIGATION/PROSECUTION

Please indicate the current status of the investigation or prosecution:

☐ Investigation is ongoing
☐ Investigation is closed
☐ Case was referred for prosecution
☐ Charges have been filed
☐ Case is pending trial
☐ Defendant pled guilty
☐ Defendant was convicted at trial
☐ Defendant was acquitted
☐ Case was dismissed
☐ Prosecution declined
☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

Note: A certification may be issued regardless of the status or outcome of the investigation or prosecution. Certifications may be issued even if:

• The investigation is closed
• No charges were filed
• The case was dismissed
• The defendant was acquitted
• The investigation did not result in prosecution

VII. REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION

I respectfully request that your agency:

1. Review the enclosed Form I-918, Supplement B;
2. Complete Part 3 (Description of the Criminal Activity) and Part 4 (Certification of Helpfulness);
3. Have an authorized certifying official sign and date the form in Part 5;
4. Return the signed original certification to:

Return Address:
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

A. Who May Sign the Certification

Authorized certifying officials include:

Federal Agencies:

• Heads of federal agencies or their designees

State/Local Law Enforcement:

• Police chiefs or sheriffs
• Designated officers within the department
• Prosecutors (District Attorneys, State's Attorneys)
• Judges (in limited circumstances)

Other Agencies:

• Child Protective Services officials
• Adult Protective Services officials
• EEOC officials
• Department of Labor officials
• Other designated officials

B. Six-Month Validity

Please note that the certification must be signed within six (6) months of the filing of the Form I-918 petition with USCIS. We plan to file the petition by [DATE], so we respectfully request the signed certification be returned by [DATE - accounting for filing deadline].

VIII. ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS

For your convenience, the following documents are enclosed:

☐ Form I-918, Supplement B (blank certification form for your completion)
☐ Copy of police report(s)
☐ Copy of victim's statement
☐ Timeline of victim's cooperation
☐ Documentation of victim's injuries/harm
☐ Self-addressed stamped envelope for return
☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

IX. AGENCY CERTIFICATION POLICIES

If your agency has specific U-Visa certification policies or procedures, please advise us so we can ensure compliance. We are happy to provide any additional information or documentation your agency may require.

X. CONFIDENTIALITY

Please note that information related to U-Visa applications is protected under 8 U.S.C. § 1367. This information should not be disclosed to anyone not authorized to receive it.

XI. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions about this request or need additional information, please contact:

Primary Contact:
[NAME]
[TITLE/RELATIONSHIP TO VICTIM]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

Victim Contact:
[VICTIM NAME]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

XII. CONCLUSION

Thank you for considering this certification request. Your certification will enable [VICTIM NAME] to apply for immigration protection that Congress created specifically for crime victims who assist law enforcement.

We understand that signing the certification is discretionary and appreciate your agency's time in reviewing this request.

If there is any additional information needed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________
[SIGNATURE]

[PRINTED NAME]
[TITLE]
[ORGANIZATION]
[DATE]

ATTACHMENTS

☐ Attachment A: Form I-918, Supplement B (blank)
☐ Attachment B: Police Report(s)
☐ Attachment C: Victim Statement
☐ Attachment D: Cooperation Timeline
☐ Attachment E: Medical/Psychological Documentation
☐ Attachment F: Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CERTIFYING OFFICIALS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does signing a U-Visa certification mean the victim will get a visa?
A: No. USCIS makes the final determination. The certification is just one piece of evidence.

Q: Does the perpetrator need to be arrested or convicted?
A: No. Certifications can be signed regardless of the case outcome.

Q: Can a certification be signed if the case is closed?
A: Yes. Past helpfulness qualifies even if the investigation is complete.

Q: Is there a time limit for signing certifications?
A: There is no statutory time limit, but the certification must be signed within 6 months of when the victim files the I-918 with USCIS.

Q: What if the victim didn't report the crime immediately?
A: Delayed reporting does not disqualify a victim. Many victims delay reporting due to trauma, fear, or other factors.

Q: Does the agency have to certify?
A: Certification is discretionary. Agencies have policies for determining when to certify.

Resources

DHS U-Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide:
www.dhs.gov/u-visa-law-enforcement-certification-resource-guide

USCIS U-Visa Information:
www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-crimes/victims-of-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. U-Visa applications involve complex legal and factual issues. Victims are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative experienced in U-Visa cases.