The Form I-918 Supplement B law enforcement certification is a required component of every U-visa petition. Our attorneys in Albany and the Capital District work directly with police departments, prosecutors, judges, and other certifying agencies to obtain the certifications our clients need to move their cases forward.
The Form I-918 Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, is one of the most critical components of a U-visa petition. Without a valid, signed certification from an authorized certifying official, USCIS cannot approve the petition. The Supplement B serves as official confirmation that the petitioner was a victim of qualifying criminal activity, possesses information about the crime, and has been helpful to law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of the offense. At Mandi Law Group in Albany, our immigration attorneys have extensive experience securing Supplement B certifications from agencies throughout the Capital District and across New York State.
The range of agencies authorized to sign the Supplement B is broad. Qualifying certifying agencies include federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, child protective services (CPS), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Homeland Security, and any other agency that has the authority to detect, investigate, or prosecute criminal activity. The certifying official must be the head of the agency, a supervisory official designated by the head of the agency, or a judge. Understanding which agency and which official to approach is a critical first step in the certification process.
One of the most common challenges in the U-visa process is obtaining the Supplement B certification. Under federal law, agencies are not required to sign U-visa certifications — the decision is discretionary. Some agencies in the Albany and Capital District area have well-established certification protocols and process requests promptly. Others may be unfamiliar with the U-visa program, uncertain about their authority to certify, or reluctant to participate. Agency turnover, archived case files, and internal policy restrictions can all create obstacles. Our attorneys understand these challenges and have developed effective strategies for overcoming them.
When a primary agency is unwilling or unable to certify, our attorneys pursue alternative certifying agencies. For a single case, there may be multiple agencies with authority to sign the Supplement B — a police department, a prosecutor's office, a judge, or a specialized agency such as the DOL or CPS. We evaluate all potential certifiers at the outset, develop a multi-agency strategy when appropriate, and persist until a valid certification is obtained. Our goal is to remove the certification barrier so that our clients can file their U-visa petitions and access the protection they deserve.
As a crime victim, you have legal rights under U.S. immigration law. The U-visa program was created to encourage victims to cooperate with law enforcement without fear of deportation. A signed Supplement B certification is the first step toward U-visa protection. Do not let agency unfamiliarity or reluctance prevent you from pursuing the relief you deserve.
(518) 698-0347Our certification practice covers every type of certifying agency and every stage of the Supplement B process, from initial request preparation through final certification review.
Form I-918 Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, is the required law enforcement certification that must accompany every U-visa petition. The form must be completed and signed by a certifying official at a qualifying agency who can confirm that the petitioner was a victim of qualifying criminal activity and has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of that crime. Our attorneys prepare comprehensive certification request packages that include a cover letter explaining the U-visa program and the agency's role, a pre-populated Supplement B form with all available case information, supporting documentation including police reports and case numbers, and clear instructions for the certifying official. We ensure that every request is professional, thorough, and designed to facilitate a prompt and favorable response.
Local police departments are among the most common certifying agencies for U-visa cases, particularly in matters involving domestic violence, assault, robbery, and other street-level crimes. However, not all police departments in the Albany and Capital District area have established protocols for processing U-visa certification requests. Some departments are unfamiliar with the Supplement B form, and others may be uncertain about their authority or obligation to certify. Our attorneys work directly with police departments throughout the Capital District, educating officers and supervisors about the certification process, identifying the appropriate certifying official within the department, and following up diligently to ensure timely processing of the request.
District attorneys and assistant district attorneys are authorized certifying officials for U-visa cases, and prosecutor certifications are especially valuable when criminal charges have been filed or a prosecution is underway. Prosecutors can certify that the victim has been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, which directly satisfies a key U-visa requirement. Our attorneys coordinate with prosecutors' offices throughout New York's Capital District, drafting targeted certification requests that reference the specific case, highlighting the victim's cooperation and helpfulness, and working within the prosecutor's timeline and procedures. When a police department declines to certify, a prosecutor's office often represents a strong alternative.
The U-visa statute authorizes a broad range of agencies to sign the Supplement B certification — not just police departments and prosecutors. Qualifying certifying agencies include federal, state, and local law enforcement, judges, the Department of Labor (DOL), child protective services (CPS), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies with authority to detect, investigate, or prosecute criminal activity. Our attorneys identify the most appropriate certifying agency for each case and pursue certification from that agency. For victims of labor trafficking and fraud in foreign labor contracting, the DOL may be the ideal certifier. For child abuse cases, CPS may be best positioned. We evaluate every available option and pursue the strategy most likely to succeed.
Our structured approach to obtaining Supplement B certifications ensures that every request is professionally prepared, strategically directed, and diligently pursued.
We begin by reviewing the details of the qualifying criminal activity, identifying all law enforcement agencies and other entities that investigated or prosecuted the crime, and determining which agency is best positioned to sign the Supplement B certification. We evaluate factors such as the agency's familiarity with the U-visa program, existing certification policies, and the strength of the connection between the agency and the crime.
Our attorneys prepare a professional, comprehensive certification request package tailored to the specific certifying agency. The package includes a detailed cover letter, a pre-populated Supplement B form, supporting documentation such as police reports and case records, and educational materials about the U-visa program and the agency's role. Every request is designed to make the certification process as straightforward as possible for the certifying official.
After submitting the request, we actively coordinate with the certifying agency — following up on the status of the request, answering questions from agency officials, providing additional information or documentation when needed, and addressing any concerns or hesitations the agency may have. If the initial agency declines or is unresponsive, we pursue alternative agencies without delay.
Once the signed Supplement B certification is obtained, we review it carefully to ensure it is complete, accurate, and properly signed by an authorized certifying official. We verify that the certification is consistent with the information in the U-visa petition and confirm that it was signed within the required timeframe. The certification is then incorporated into the complete U-visa application package for filing with USCIS.
Securing Law Enforcement Certifications
Dedicated advocacy for crime victims in Albany and the Capital District
Obtaining a Supplement B certification involves navigating agency policies, identifying the correct officials, and managing strict timelines. Understanding these considerations helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
Not just anyone at a law enforcement agency can sign the Supplement B form. The certification must be signed by the head of the certifying agency, a person in a supervisory role who has been specifically designated by the head of the agency to issue U-visa certifications, or a federal, state, or local judge. In practice, many agencies designate specific individuals — such as a detective, a victim advocate, or a supervisory officer — to handle certification requests. Our attorneys identify the correct certifying official at each agency to ensure the certification is valid.
Under federal law, law enforcement agencies are not required to sign U-visa certifications. Certification is discretionary, and some agencies choose not to participate or have restrictive policies. However, a growing number of states and localities have enacted laws or policies that encourage or require agencies to process certification requests within a specific timeframe. In New York, advocacy efforts have expanded agency participation, but challenges remain. Our attorneys understand the landscape in the Capital District and across the state, and we use every available tool to secure certifications for our clients.
A signed Supplement B certification is valid for six months from the date it is signed. The U-visa petition must be filed with USCIS within this six-month window. If the certification expires before filing, a new certification must be obtained. Our attorneys carefully manage the timeline between obtaining the certification and filing the petition to ensure that the certification remains valid when the complete application is submitted to USCIS. We coordinate with certifying agencies to align the signing date with the anticipated filing date.
If a police department refuses to certify or is unresponsive, the case is not lost. The U-visa statute authorizes a wide range of agencies to sign the Supplement B, including prosecutors, judges, the Department of Labor, child protective services, the EEOC, and other federal, state, and local agencies with investigative or prosecutorial authority over the qualifying criminal activity. Our attorneys evaluate all potential certifying agencies at the outset and develop a multi-agency strategy when appropriate, maximizing the likelihood of obtaining a valid certification for your case.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Supplement B law enforcement certification process. Every case is unique — consult with our attorneys for guidance specific to your situation.
Form I-918 Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, is a form that must be completed and signed by an authorized certifying official at a qualifying law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office, judge, or other authorized agency. The certification confirms that the petitioner was a victim of qualifying criminal activity, that the petitioner possesses information about the crime, and that the petitioner has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of the criminal activity. The signed Supplement B is a required component of every U-visa petition filed with USCIS.
The Supplement B can be signed by the head of a certifying agency, a person in a supervisory role who has been specifically designated by the head of the agency, or a federal, state, or local judge. Qualifying certifying agencies include federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, child protective services, the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other agencies that have the authority to detect, investigate, or prosecute criminal activity. The certifying official does not need to be the person who investigated the crime — they need to have authority to certify on behalf of the agency.
If a police department declines to sign the certification, there are several options. First, our attorneys can educate the department about the U-visa program and the certification requirements, as many refusals stem from unfamiliarity rather than a substantive objection. Second, you can request certification from a different qualifying agency that has jurisdiction over the case, such as the district attorney's office, a judge, a federal agency, or a state agency like the Department of Labor or child protective services. Third, if the refusal is based on a departmental policy, our attorneys can work with supervisors and administrators to address concerns and request reconsideration. We pursue every available avenue to obtain the certification.
Processing times for Supplement B certifications vary widely depending on the agency. Some agencies have established protocols and can process requests within a few weeks. Others may take several months, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the U-visa program or do not have a designated certifying official. In some jurisdictions, state or local policies require agencies to respond to certification requests within a specific timeframe — for example, 90 days. Our attorneys follow up proactively with agencies and manage the timeline carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.
Yes. A signed Supplement B certification is valid for six months from the date it is signed by the certifying official. The U-visa petition must be filed with USCIS before the certification expires. If the six-month period lapses before the petition is filed, the petitioner must obtain a new certification. Our attorneys coordinate the certification and filing timelines to ensure that the certification remains valid when the petition is submitted. In some cases, we may request that the certifying agency time the signing to align with the anticipated filing date.
Yes. Federal, state, and local judges are authorized to sign the Supplement B certification. A judge may be an appropriate certifier when the qualifying criminal activity was the subject of a court proceeding — for example, in domestic violence cases where a protective order was issued, or in criminal cases that proceeded to prosecution. A judge's certification can be particularly valuable when other agencies are unavailable or unwilling to certify. Our attorneys evaluate whether a judicial certification is appropriate for your case and prepare the request accordingly.
The certifying official needs sufficient information to complete the Supplement B form, including the nature of the qualifying criminal activity, the date and location of the crime, identifying information about the victim, details about the victim's helpfulness to the investigation or prosecution, and any relevant case numbers or report numbers. Our attorneys prepare comprehensive certification request packages that include all of this information in an organized format, along with a pre-populated Supplement B form and supporting documentation. The goal is to make the process as easy as possible for the certifying official, minimizing the burden on the agency and increasing the likelihood of a prompt response.
Yes. There is no statute of limitations on U-visa certification requests. Even if the qualifying criminal activity occurred years ago, you can still request a Supplement B certification from a qualifying agency. The certifying official must be able to confirm that the crime occurred and that the victim was, is, or is likely to be helpful, but there is no requirement that the crime be recent or that the investigation be ongoing. In practice, obtaining certification for older cases can be more challenging because records may be archived and personnel may have changed, but our attorneys are experienced in working with agencies to locate case files and secure certifications for crimes that occurred in the past.
Our U-visa practice provides comprehensive representation for crime victims from certification through adjustment of status.
Whether you need to obtain an initial certification from a local police department, coordinate with a prosecutor's office, or pursue an alternative agency certification, our experienced attorneys in Albany and the Capital District are here to help. Every consultation is confidential and without obligation.