USCIS Seeks Public Comment on Extension of U Visa Family Petition Form, No Changes Expected
Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is inviting public comments on the extension of the "Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant" form (I-918, Supplement A), without proposing any changes. This routine administrative process, mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act, aims to ensure government forms remain necessary and efficient, but does not signal any policy shifts for U visa derivatives. For immigrants, this notice provides stability, confirming that the current application process for qualifying family members of U visa holders will continue unchanged for now.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced its intent to extend, without modifications, the currently approved information collection for the "Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant." This notice in the Federal Register is a mandatory step under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, requiring federal agencies to solicit public comment before renewing authorization for information collections, like application forms. It specifically concerns Form I-918, Supplement A, which is used by principal U-1 nonimmigrants to petition for their eligible family members to obtain U nonimmigrant status.
For immigrants and their advocates, this notice primarily signals business as usual. There are no immediate changes to the eligibility requirements, application process, or supporting documentation needed for U visa derivative petitions. While the public comment period allows for feedback on the administrative burden (time, effort, cost) associated with completing the form, it does not suggest any upcoming substantive policy shifts. Applicants currently preparing or planning to file Form I-918, Supplement A, should proceed with the existing guidelines and form versions.
Background
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) was established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 to protect victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement. Form I-918, Supplement A, allows principal U-1 nonimmigrants to petition for derivative status for their qualifying family members, reflecting the program's commitment to keeping families together.
Who This Affects
- Principal U-1 nonimmigrants planning to petition for their family members are affected as the form they use will remain unchanged.
- Qualifying family members of U-1 nonimmigrants seeking derivative U visa status will continue to follow the existing application procedures.
- Legal representatives and advocates assisting U visa applicants should note that no immediate updates to form instructions or requirements are anticipated.
What You Should Do Now
- Continue to use the current version of Form I-918, Supplement A, and its instructions when petitioning for qualifying family members.
- Review the Federal Register notice if you wish to comment on the administrative burden of the form, but understand it's not about policy changes.
- Stay informed through official USCIS channels for any future, unrelated updates to U visa policies or forms.
Key Takeaway
This USCIS notice confirms the continuation of the current Form I-918, Supplement A, for U visa family petitions without any immediate changes to its requirements or process.
Source: Read official article on Federal Register (Immigration)
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