What you need to know
Did the police refuse to sign your certification for the U Visa? All is not lost. In this article you will discover what to do if your Supplement B certification was denied, who else could sign and how to move forward even when you were told “no”.
You file a report. You cooperated with the police. Maybe you even testified. But when you asked for the U Visa signature, the answer was no. “We don’t sign those papers”. “The case is already closed”. “That’s not up to us”.
This is the most common barrier for those seeking the U Visa: the police refusal to sign Supplement B. And the most painful part is that many believe it ends there. That if there is no police signature, there is no case. But that is not true.
This article will show you that there are other legal options. That you could still move forward. That there are other authorities with power to sign the certification, and that a "no" is not always final.
What is the Supplement B certification?
The key that opens the path to the U Visa.
Form I-918, Supplement B, is a document that must be signed by a law enforcement authority to confirm vital facts:
- You were a victim of a qualifying crime.
- You cooperated with the investigation.
- You are eligible to apply for the U Visa.
Without this signature, you could not officially submit your application. That is why, when the police refuse to sign, many people believe their only chance is lost.
Why might the police refuse to sign?
It is not always ill will. There are departments that, by policy, simply do not sign certifications for U Visas, regardless of the merit of the case. Common reasons are:
This is legal, although questionable ethically.
What to do if the police do not sign?
Alternatives and other authorities
- Prosecutors or District Attorneys: If your case reached the prosecutor, they could certify.
- Criminal Court Judges: Rare, but valid if they presided over your case.
- Victim Services Offices: Usually more empathetic and know the U Visa.
- Federal Agencies: FBI, ICE, Homeland Security if involved.
- Child Protective Services (CPS): In cases involving minors.
Practical Strategies
Review your entire file and identify which agencies participated (police, prosecutor, courts). Consult with your immigration attorney to know who to turn to. Request the signature in writing formally. Do not assume a refusal is final; in many cases, a change of administration or a new review could open the door.
Real cases: when others did sign
Luis and Carla: Overcoming the "No"
January 20, 2025
"Police told Luis the case was closed. Carla received a flat no from the local department. It seemed like the end..."
Thanks to the right legal strategy, alternative paths were found:
What happens if no one wants to sign?
Possible paths if all doors close. You can appeal internally within the agency that denied the signature, wait for staff changes (especially in prosecutor's offices) or try to reopen the case if new evidence arises.
Does public pressure help?
In extreme cases, yes.
- Seek support with community organizations.
- Contact local media.
- Document every refusal for your file.
Although it is difficult, it is not impossible. The important thing is not to abandon the case without first exploring all legal avenues.
Conclusion
A refusal from the police does not mean your dream of obtaining the U Visa is over. There are more paths, more options and more authorities willing to recognize your cooperation. The system is complex, but your story and your effort are worth it.
If they already told you "no", it is time to look for someone who tells you "yes". The key is to insist with strategy, advice and legal clarity.
Consult with an Attorney NowCited Sources
- USCIS – Form I-918 Supplement B
- American Immigration Council – U Visa Overview
- ILRC – U Visa Certification Manual