U Visa Law Enforcement Certification in Lakewood: Getting Form I-918B Signed
Understanding the critical certification requirement for U visa crime victim applications
Quick Answer
For crime victims in Lakewood seeking U visa protection, obtaining law enforcement certification is often the most challenging step. SoCal Immigration Services helps victims understand the certification process and navigate this critical requirement.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For crime victims in Lakewood seeking U visa protection, obtaining law enforcement certification is often the most challenging step. SoCal Immigration Services helps victims understand the certification process and navigate this critical requirement.
What is U Visa Law Enforcement Certification?
Form I-918 Supplement B:
• Official certification form required by USCIS
• Must be signed by authorized certifying official
• Confirms qualifying crime occurred
• Confirms victim was helpful or willing to be helpful
• Valid for 6 months from date of signature
Who Can Sign the Certification
- •Local police departments (Lakewood Sheriff's Station)
- •Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
- •District Attorney's Office
- •City Attorney's Office
- •Federal law enforcement (FBI, ICE, etc.)
- •Child Protective Services
- •EEOC (for employment crimes)
- •Department of Labor (for labor crimes)
- •Judges handling related cases
Qualifying Crimes for U Visa
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crimes | Assault, murder, manslaughter | Physical harm involved |
| Sexual Crimes | Rape, sexual assault, incest | Any sexual violation |
| Trafficking | Human trafficking, involuntary servitude | Labor or sex trafficking |
| Domestic Violence | Domestic violence, stalking | Intimate partner crimes |
| Fraud/Exploitation | Fraud, extortion, blackmail | Involving coercion |
| Other | Kidnapping, witness tampering, obstruction | Various qualifying crimes |
The Helpfulness Requirement
What Counts as Helpful:
• Reporting the crime to police
• Providing a statement to investigators
• Identifying suspects
• Cooperating with prosecutors
• Testifying at trial
• Responding to requests for information
Willingness Counts:
• If investigation is ongoing or hasn't started
• If prosecution decided not to proceed
• Victim's willingness to help is sufficient
How to Request Certification in Lakewood
- •Step 1: Gather documentation of the crime (police reports, etc.)
- •Step 2: Identify the appropriate certifying agency
- •Step 3: Locate the agency's certification process/contacts
- •Step 4: Submit written request with Form I-918B
- •Step 5: Include evidence of helpfulness
- •Step 6: Follow up appropriately
- •Step 7: Respond to any questions from the agency
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Process
Certification Process:
• Submit request through designated unit
• Include case number and police report
• Provide victim's personal statement
• Explain how victim was helpful
• Processing times vary (weeks to months)
Contact the Sheriff's Department U visa liaison for current procedures.
District Attorney Certification
When to Request DA Certification:
• Case was filed for prosecution
• Victim was involved in court proceedings
• Case was declined but victim was helpful
LA County DA U Visa Program:
• Has established certification procedures
• Reviews requests based on case involvement
• May be appropriate alternative to police certification
What If Certification Is Denied
Understanding Denials:
• Not required to certify by law
• May deny for various reasons
• Denial doesn't mean you can't apply
Alternative Options:
• Request from different agency involved
• Appeal or request reconsideration
• Seek certification from federal agency if applicable
• Provide explanation to USCIS with application
• Document all certification attempts
Certification Validity Period
The 6-Month Rule:
• Certification valid for 6 months from signing date
• Must file U visa application within this period
• If expired, must obtain new certification
Planning Ahead:
• Don't request certification until ready to file
• Have all other documents prepared first
• Allow time for agency processing
Common Certification Challenges
- •Agency unfamiliar with U visa process
- •Case is old and records difficult to locate
- •Original detective no longer available
- •Agency policy limits certifications
- •Victim cooperation was limited
- •Crime was not prosecuted
- •Agency delays or non-responsiveness
Lakewood U Visa Certification Services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
- •Certification request preparation
- •Communication with certifying agencies
- •Documentation gathering
- •Alternative agency identification
- •Complete U visa application filing
- •Trauma-informed, confidential assistance
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Are police required to sign U visa certifications?
A: No. While many agencies have policies supporting certification, there is no legal requirement. However, if you were a victim of a qualifying crime and were helpful, many agencies will certify. Some jurisdictions have more favorable policies than others.
Q:What if the crime was never reported to police?
A: This makes certification much more difficult but not always impossible. Some crimes may be reported to other agencies (CPS, EEOC, etc.) that can certify. In some cases, you may be able to report now and still obtain certification.
Q:Can I apply for a U visa without certification?
A: Technically yes, but your application will almost certainly be denied without the I-918B certification. USCIS requires this certification as evidence that you meet the helpfulness requirement.
Q:How long does it take to get certification?
A: Processing times vary significantly by agency, from a few weeks to several months. The LA County Sheriff's Department and DA's office have their own timelines. Start the process early and follow up regularly.
Q:What if my certification expires before USCIS decides my case?
A: The certification only needs to be valid when you file. Once filed, USCIS doesn't require you to renew it while waiting for a decision. However, keeping cooperation ongoing is important.
Q:Can I get certified for a crime that happened years ago?
A: Yes, there's no statute of limitations for U visa certification. However, older cases may be harder to certify due to records retention, personnel changes, and memory issues. Document your cooperation as thoroughly as possible.
Need Help Getting U Visa Certification in Lakewood?
Our team assists crime victims in navigating the challenging certification process. We communicate with certifying agencies and prepare complete applications.
Related Articles
Family Preference Wait Times in Whittier: Understanding Visa Bulletin Priorities for Arab Families
Complete guide to family preference category wait times for Arab families in Whittier including F1-F4 categories, Visa Bulletin updates, and strategies to reduce waiting periods.
J-1 Waiver Services in San Marcos: Two-Year Home Residency Requirement Help for Arab Professionals
Expert J-1 waiver assistance in San Marcos for Arab professionals subject to the two-year home residency requirement including all five waiver bases and application process.