Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victim)
TITLE: Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victim)
WHAT IT IS:
Form I-918 is the application for U nonimmigrant status. This is a temporary immigration benefit for victims of certain serious crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who helped law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime. If approved, you and certain family members can stay in the United States legally and may get work authorization. There is an annual limit on approvals, and a waiting line is managed by filing date.
WHO NEEDS IT:
You should file this form if you are an “alien” (a person who is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and you:
- are the victim of a qualifying criminal activity;
- have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse because of that crime;
- have information about the crime and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement.
You may also petition for your qualifying family members using Form I-918A (Supplement for Qualifying Family Members). If your family members live outside the United States, different rules apply; check the official instructions.
HOW TO FILE:
The source page does not list step‑by‑step filing instructions here. You must follow the official instructions that come with the form. General steps you should take:
1. Download the current Form I-918 and its instructions from www.uscis.gov/i-918.
2. Complete the form carefully. Provide all required evidence of the crime, your victim status, and your cooperation with law enforcement.
3. If you are living in the United States and want a work permit while you wait, also complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Under the “bona fide determination” process, USCIS may grant you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and deferred action early — but only if you filed a Form I-765.
4. Sign and date the form. Mail it to the address given in the instructions or, if allowed, file online (check the official page to see if online filing is available).
5. Keep copies of everything you send.
If you are outside the United States, you cannot get deferred action or a work permit through the bona fide determination process.
FEES:
The source text does not list a filing fee for Form I-918 or a fee waiver. Check the official fee schedule on the USCIS website before you file.
CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:
The source does not show a form edition date. Always use the edition currently posted on the official page.
Important time‑sensitive information: U nonimmigrant status has a legal cap of 10,000 principal aliens per federal fiscal year. USCIS announced that the cap for fiscal year 2025 was met as of Sept. 9, 2025. Starting Oct. 1, 2025 (the beginning of fiscal year 2026), USCIS will resume approving eligible principal petitions, beginning with the oldest — those filed on or before April 30, 2017.
Even when the cap is reached, USCIS will still review your petition for a bona fide determination and, where appropriate, place you on the waiting list. This can give you work authorization and protection from deportation while you wait for a final decision.
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Not also filing Form I-765 if you want a work permit early. Only people who submit Form I-765 can receive a bona fide determination EAD.
- Using an outdated edition of the form. Always download the form fresh from www.uscis.gov/i-918 before you file.
- Forgetting to sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.
- Assuming you will get U status quickly. There is a long waiting line; understand the cap and priority system.
WHERE TO GET THE FORM:
Only get the form and official instructions from the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-918. Do not use forms from third‑party sites; they may be outdated or incorrect.
SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-918
DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.