U Visa Certification (Form I-918 Supplement B) in Georgia
A U visa petition cannot be filed without a certification signed by the agency that investigated the crime. We help you request it from the right agency and file on time.
Immigration News
LatestU.S. Department of StateNov 1, 2026
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: read the official monthly update
The Department of State has published its November 2026 Visa Bulletin, with family and employment preference charts. Open the official bulletin for the dates and USCIS filing-chart link. A date on a chart alone does not decide whether you may file.
USCISAdjustment of Status (Green Card): Rules and Filing Charts Keep ChangingJul 1, 2026USCISHumanitarian Protections Remain Available: U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWAJul 1, 2026USCISCuban Parole Pathways: Confirm the Current Status Before You Rely on ThemJul 1, 2026EOIRImmigration Court Practices Vary by Location: Local Representation MattersJul 1, 2026
Official U.S. sources (USCIS, EOIR, Federal Register). Not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
The U visa protects victims of certain crimes committed in the United States who have been, are being or are likely to be helpful to the authorities. To apply, the law requires a certification signed by the agency that investigated or prosecuted the crime. That certification is Form I-918, Supplement B (INA § 214(p)(1); 8 C.F.R. § 214.14).
An authorized official of a federal, state or local agency that investigates or prosecutes the crime may sign it: for example, a police department, a sheriff's office, a prosecutor's office or a judge. Some agencies other than police can also certify, such as agencies that investigate labor violations or child abuse (8 C.F.R. § 214.14(a)(2)).
The agency decides whether to sign. No law requires it to, and its signature does not grant the visa. It only confirms that you were the victim of a qualifying crime, that you have useful information and that you have helped or will help with the case. USCIS decides the petition.
The signature has a shelf life for this purpose: Supplement B must be signed within the six months before Form I-918 is filed (8 C.F.R. § 214.14(c)(2)(i)). That is why we plan the agency request and the USCIS petition as one process.
Steps You Should Take
1
Gather what you have
The police report number, the agency name, the date, any subpoena or court papers and the names of the detectives or prosecutors you spoke with.
2
We identify the right agency
We review who investigated or prosecuted the crime: police, sheriff, prosecutor or court. Sometimes more than one agency can certify.
3
We prepare and send the request
We prepare Supplement B and a letter giving the agency the information it needs to decide, and we follow up.
4
We file your U visa on time
Once the agency signs, we prepare Form I-918 and the rest of the petition before the six months run out. Call us at (770) 609-9396.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form I-918 Supplement B?
It is the U visa certification. An agency that investigated or prosecuted the crime confirms that you were the victim of a qualifying crime, that you have information about it and that you have been, are being or are likely to be helpful. Without this signed form, a U visa petition cannot be filed.
Who can sign the certification?
An authorized official of an agency that investigates or prosecutes the crime: police, a sheriff, a prosecutor, a judge or another agency with that responsibility, such as agencies that investigate labor violations or child abuse. It is usually the head of the agency or a person that official designates in writing.
Does the agency have to sign?
No. Signing is the agency's decision. If an agency declines, we explain the options that may exist in your case, such as asking another agency that was also involved.
How long is a signed certification good for?
To file the petition, Supplement B must have been signed within the six months before Form I-918 is filed. If your certification is older, a new signature is usually needed.
Does the offender need to be arrested or convicted?
Not necessarily. The certification is about you being the victim of a qualifying crime and about your cooperation. It does not require a conviction. Each case depends on the facts and on what the agency can certify.
Which crimes qualify?
The law lists qualifying crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, kidnapping, extortion, trafficking, witness tampering and obstruction of justice, and also an attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit them (INA § 101(a)(15)(U)(iii)). We review your report to see whether the crime is on the list.
Applicable Laws
INA § 214(p)(1) / 8 U.S.C. § 1184(p)(1)A U visa petition must include a certification from an authority that investigates or prosecutes the crime.
INA § 101(a)(15)(U) / 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(U)U visa requirements and the list of qualifying crimes.
8 C.F.R. § 214.14U visa regulation: who may certify and the six month signature window.
USCIS: Form I-918Official page for the form and Supplement B.
Related Services
Other Immigration Law Services
Green cards and status
Immigration court and deportation defense
Humanitarian protection and detention
Young immigrants
Citizenship
Family immigration
Work and business visas
Waivers and permission to return
Travel, consulates and extensions
More services
Case Evaluation
Talk to a u visa certification (i-918 supplement b) attorney today.
Schedule Consultation(770) 609-93961250 Tech Dr, Suite 240
Norcross, GA 30093
📋
Document Checklist
See the documents you need for your u visa certification (i-918 supplement b) case. Complete list organized by category.
View full list →Don't Wait. Every Day Counts.
The law has deadlines. Protect your rights today.
JLA explains it on video
Hear from our team. These educational videos do not replace an attorney’s review of your situation or changes in the rules.