On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 Supplement B rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-918 Supplement B ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-918 Supplement B checklist?)
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-918 Supplement B have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918 Supplement B?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Check the form instructions for category-specific requirements, as described in the Form I-129 guide, as described in the Form I-129F guide.
This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#Form I-918 Supplement B is crucial for victims of specific crimes applying for U Nonimmigrant Status. This form is used to certify that an individual is a victim of qualifying criminal activity and has been helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that activity. The certification must be completed by a Federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency, prosecutor, authority, or judge responsible for handling the qualifying criminal activity.
This certification is a key component in the application process for U Nonimmigrant Status, which provides temporary immigration benefits to victims who assist law enforcement. The form is submitted to USCIS as part of the application.
First page of I-918 Supplement B form
Source: I-918 Supplement B PDF
Context and workflow
#Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS acknowledging the submission.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for I-918 Supplement B varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
- Initiates the process for applying for U Nonimmigrant Status.
- Involves obtaining certification from a law enforcement agency.
- Leads to the submission of the main U visa application with USCIS.
Who uses it
Form I-918 Supplement B is for individuals who are victims of qualifying criminal activity and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that activity. This form is part of the application process for U Nonimmigrant Status, which offers temporary immigration benefits to victims who assist law enforcement. The certifying agency must be a Federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency, prosecutor, authority, or judge responsible for the detection, investigation, prosecution, conviction, or sentencing of the qualifying criminal activity. The applicant must have suffered direct and proximate harm as a result of the criminal activity. Additionally, certain family members may also be considered victims if the direct victim is deceased or incapacitated.
When it is used
- This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
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Failure prevention (What causes Form I-918 Supplement B rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting a photocopy of the signature page instead of an original signature.
- Not completing all required fields fully and accurately.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Failing to provide evidence of helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.
- Using nicknames instead of full legal names.
- To avoid filing i-918 without supplement b certification: Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) before or with I-918; application cannot be approved without it.
- To avoid certifying agency not completing supplement b: Build relationship with agency; provide all victimization and cooperation evidence.
- To avoid incomplete certification or wrong agency: Ensure certifying agency has jurisdiction; certification must meet U visa requirements.
What it asks for (What does Form I-918 Supplement B ask for?)
#- Details of the qualifying criminal activity.
- Indicate whether the victim possesses information about the crimes and provide an explanation of the victim’s helpfulness.
- Certification from a law enforcement agency that the individual is a victim of a qualifying criminal activity and has been helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- The individual identified in Part 1 must be a victim of one or more of the crimes listed in Part 3.
- An explanation of the victim's helpfulness if 'Yes' is answered to certain questions in Part 4.
- Biographic information when applying for registration and fingerprinting under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U
- Us with additional information if you are requesting to adjust status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- Not filing Form I-918 within six months of the Supplement B signature date.
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- A properly executed Supplement B signed by a certifying official
- Copies of relevant reports and findings related to the criminal activity
- Evidence of being helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the qualifying criminal activity.
- Failing to provide evidence of helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.
Checklist (What is the Form I-918 Supplement B checklist?)
#- Download the current I-918 Supplement B and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete and sign Form I-918 Supplement B, ensuring all necessary supporting documentation is included, and submit it accordingly.
Sources for this section
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-918 Supplement B page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-918 supplement b. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-918 Supplement B fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-918 Supplement B have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Filing I-918 without Supplement B certification | Rejection | Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) before or with I-918; application cannot be approved without it. |
| Certifying agency not completing Supplement B | Delay | Build relationship with agency; provide all victimization and cooperation evidence. |
| Incomplete certification or wrong agency | RFE | Ensure certifying agency has jurisdiction; certification must meet U visa requirements. |
| Assuming Supplement B alone suffices | Rejection | I-918 and Supplement B are filed together; Supplement B is one required component. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: Petitioner forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- Common weakness: Applicant submits without evidence of helpfulness; request for evidence issued.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-918 Supplement B?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that providing evidence of helpfulness guarantees approval; however, each case is evaluated on its own merits and other criteria must also be met.
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Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-918 Supplement B, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat I-918 Supplement B as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status: Required for: Law enforcement certification required for I-918 U visa petition
- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Next step after approval: Adjustment of status after U visa approval
Why it matters
#Supplement B must be signed by a certifying official and is valid for six months.
Why it matters: If the victim does not file Form I-918 within six months, a new Supplement B is required, potentially delaying the process.
A petitioner under 16 or incapacitated can have a 'next friend' provide evidence on their behalf.
Why it matters: This allows vulnerable victims to still meet the helpfulness requirement through representation.
A certifying agency has discretion to complete Supplement B.
Why it matters: Without a completed Supplement B, the petitioner cannot obtain U nonimmigrant status, highlighting the importance of agency cooperation.
The certification is valid for six months from the date of signature.
Why it matters: If the victim does not file Form I-918 within this period, they will need to obtain a new Supplement B.
Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS acknowledging the submission.
- Await possible requests for additional evidence or information.
- Receive a decision on the U Nonimmigrant Status application.
- If approved, proceed with next stage forms for derivative family members, if applicable.
Verification
#This guide is based on official USCIS instructions for I-918 Supplement B and is updated with any changes in form editions or filing rules. Always check the official USCIS website for the most current requirements.
FAQs
Do I need to file Form I-918 Supplement B if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Do I need to provide my Alien Registration Number on Form I-918 Supplement B?
Yes, if you have an Alien Registration Number, it should be provided on the form. Review the official I-918 Supplement B instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What is I-918 Supplement B?
Form I-918 Supplement B, known as the U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, is an official document from USCIS. To determine its applicability to your circumstances, consult the official instructions.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-918 Supplement B?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What does I-918 Supplement B do and who needs it?
I-918 Supplement B is used to authorize a specific immigration benefit as defined by USCIS. Whether you need to submit this depends on your visa category, nationality, and individual circumstances. Check the official USCIS website for the most current eligibility criteria and requirements for your situation.
When will I-918 Supplement B be processed and what is the workflow?
Processing timing for I-918 Supplement B varies depending on the filing category, processing location, and current application volume. Standard processing can range from a few weeks to several months. Before submitting, check the official USCIS processing times tool for the most current estimates. After filing, monitor your case status and consider whether expedited options are available.
What are common mistakes when filing I-918 Supplement B?
Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms, missing required signatures, paying incorrect fees, and failing to include all required supporting documents. Even minor errors can cause significant delays or outright rejection of your application. Double-check every section, verify fee amounts on the official USCIS schedule, and review the instructions thoroughly before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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