U Visa Approval and Denial Rates from FY2016 to FY2020

USCIS just released data on the I-918 U Visa approval and denial rates by petitioner state and year from FY2016 to FY2020.

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

In order to be eligible for a U visa, a person must meet certain eligibility requirements. To apply for U nonimmigrant status, petitioners (known as “principal petitioners”) submit Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (“Form I-918”), along with supporting evidence and any petitions for derivative family members, to USCIS. Through the information provided on Form I-918 and within supporting evidence, the petitioner must establish that he or she: (1) is a victim of a Qualifying Criminal Activity (QCA); (2) has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the QCA; (3) is able to provide credible and reliable information about the QCA; (4) is being, was, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement, as reasonably requested, in the detection, investigation or prosecution of the QCA; and (5) is admissible to the United States. For those not admissible, a petitioner may apply for a waiver via Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.