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Who can certify a U nonimmigrant petition? U visa applicants must follow normal appointment procedures. Tierney noted that DOS has updated the DS-160 online application form to include a U nonimmigrant visa category. embassies or consulates, because the U nonimmigrant visa is unique, with qualification requirements that are different compared with other nonimmigrant or immigrant visas. DOS emphasized that applicants should always be clear that they are seeking a U nonimmigrant visa when they contact U.S.
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embassies and consulates have email addresses at which applicants may request information, as available on the Department of State (DOS) U.S. When a U nonimmigrant visa applicant has an approved petition, s/he should contact the relevant U.S. Tierney explained that DOS cannot issue a U nonimmigrant visa without an approved U nonimmigrant petition from USCIS. Once USCIS approves a U nonimmigrant petition, applicants can seek a U visa through DOS. Tierney explained that individuals outside the United States must first file a petition for U nonimmigrant status with USCIS at the Vermont Service Center (VSC).
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How do I apply for a U nonimmigrant visa? The petition must also include a Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification ( PDF, 8 pages, 259 KB), signed by a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency investigating or prosecuting the qualifying criminal activity. A petition for U nonimmigrant status requires an applicant to qualify as a victim of a criminal activity designated in INA section 101(a)(15)(U). Whelan explained that an individual may petition for U nonimmigrant status by filing Form I-918 ( PDF, 8 pages, 259 KB), Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. How do I apply for U nonimmigrant status? DOS and USCIS coordinate to timely process U nonimmigrant visa applicants and derivative family members.
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Upon entry to the U.S., an overseas approved applicant has U nonimmigrant status. If DOS finds the applicant admissible, DOS will issue a U nonimmigrant visa to authorize travel and entry into the U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, will interview those overseas applicants with U nonimmigrant petitions approved by USCIS. DOS, through its consular offices located in U.S. Individuals in the United States who have an approved petition are immediately granted U nonimmigrant status by USCIS because they do not need to process through the State Department to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. Tierney explained that USCIS approves U nonimmigrant petitions for people who are in the United States and for those abroad. What is the difference between U nonimmigrant status and a U nonimmigrant visa? They explained and provided updates on the U visa process, as summarized below. Representing DOS was Kevin Tierney, Post Liaison Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Visa Office in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, and Rebecca Pasini, Deputy Visa Chief in Mexico City. Representing USCIS was Bryan Christian, Branch Chief, Service Center Operations, Scott Whelan, Adjudications Officer with Office of Policy and Strategy, and Colleen Renk Zengotitabengoa, Associate Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S.