Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Form I-918 in 2026

At Santamaria Law Firm, we understand that Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, is the central filing for individuals seeking U Visa protection after becoming victims of qualifying criminal activity. Completing the form is only one part of the process. A strong U Visa case requires the applicant to understand what Form I-918 establishes, how the certification requirement works, and what supporting evidence should accompany the petition. In 2026, applicants should approach Form I-918 as a legal petition that must present a consistent and well-supported record of eligibility rather than simply as an immigration application.

What Does Form I-918 Actually Establish?

The first thing to understand is that Form I-918 is used to request U nonimmigrant status for a qualifying victim of criminal activity. The form asks questions directly related to the statutory requirements, including whether the applicant was a victim of qualifying criminal activity, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, possesses information concerning the criminal activity, and was helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement.

The form also requires information concerning the applicant's immigration history, including the last entry into the United States, current immigration status, and whether the applicant has been involved in immigration proceedings. Form I-918 should therefore be completed consistently with the applicant's supporting evidence and personal declaration. An inaccurate answer, unexplained discrepancy, or incomplete explanation can create questions that extend beyond the particular form field involved. USCIS instructions also require a personal narrative statement describing the criminal activity and supporting documentation addressing the eligibility requirements. This means the petition should tell a coherent story connecting the qualifying crime, the applicant's experience, the resulting harm, and cooperation with authorities.

Why Is Form I-918, Supplement B, So Important?

The second thing to know is the importance of Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification. Supplement B is completed by a qualifying law enforcement agency or other certifying agency, not by the applicant. It is intended to certify that the individual was a victim of qualifying criminal activity and was, is, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity. USCIS gives significant weight to a properly completed Supplement B when evaluating relevant elements of a U Visa petition. The certification can help establish the applicant's victim status, possession of information, and helpfulness. However, Supplement B does not replace the applicant's responsibility to provide the other evidence required to establish eligibility.

The certification process is also separate from USCIS's ultimate decision on the U Visa petition. A law enforcement agency's decision to certify Supplement B does not itself grant immigration status. USCIS makes the final determination regarding eligibility. Applicants should therefore treat the certification process carefully. The information in Supplement B should be accurate and consistent with the underlying police report, investigation, court records, and the applicant's personal statement. A significant discrepancy between these sources may require an explanation. USCIS instructions state that, generally, a petitioner must submit an original, properly and timely executed Supplement B with Form I-918, subject to specific exceptions.

What Evidence Should Accompany Form I-918?

The third thing to know is that Form I-918 should not be viewed as a stand-alone document. The petition should be supported by evidence addressing the individual requirements of U nonimmigrant status. Depending on the circumstances, supporting evidence can include police and incident reports, charging documents, court records, medical or psychological records, photographs, correspondence with investigators or prosecutors, witness statements, and other documentation concerning the crime and resulting harm.

The applicant's personal declaration can also be particularly important. It should provide a clear and chronological explanation of what happened, the applicant's relationship to the criminal activity, the physical or emotional consequences, interactions with law enforcement, and other facts relevant to eligibility. The evidence does not have to be identical in every U Visa case. Some victims may have extensive police and medical records, while others may have limited documentation because of the circumstances surrounding the crime. What matters is presenting the available evidence accurately and explaining relevant gaps when necessary. USCIS specifically recognizes that multiple pieces of evidence can be used to establish different elements of the petition. A carefully organized submission can therefore help the adjudicator understand how the evidence collectively supports eligibility.

Why Trust Santamaria Law Firm With Your Form I-918 Petition?

At Santamaria Law Firm, we understand that U Visa cases require careful coordination between the Form I-918, Supplement B certification, personal declaration, law enforcement records, evidence of substantial abuse, and immigration history. Our approach is to examine the applicant's circumstances as a complete legal record rather than treating each document independently. We focus on whether the evidence consistently addresses the statutory requirements and whether potential weaknesses or discrepancies should be explained before filing. A properly prepared Form I-918 petition should give USCIS a clear understanding of the applicant's experience, the qualifying criminal activity, the resulting harm, cooperation with authorities, and the evidence supporting each element of eligibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is shared for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or interacting with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration situations vary from case to case. For legal guidance specific to your situation, consult with a licensed immigration attorney.