Applying for a U visa is a long and sometimes stressful journey, especially after you finish your biometrics appointment. Many applicants want to know what happens next, how long the wait will be, and what steps they need to take. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to the U visa process after biometrics, including what you can expect at each stage, how long each part might take, and what actions you should take along the way.
Understanding the U Visa and Biometrics
The U visa is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical harm and are willing to help law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. After you submit your U visa application (Form I-918), one of the first steps is the biometrics appointment. This is where you go to a USCIS office so they can take your fingerprints, photo, and check your identity. Biometrics help USCIS run background checks and confirm who you are.
Step-by-Step U Visa Process After Biometrics
- Biometrics Appointment
- What happens: You attend your scheduled appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. They take your fingerprints, photograph, and check your identity.
- What you need to do: Bring your appointment notice and a valid photo ID. Arrive on time and follow instructions.
- What to expect: The appointment is usually quick, often taking less than 30 minutes.
- Background Checks
- What happens: USCIS uses your biometrics to check your fingerprints and information against law enforcement and immigration databases. They look for any criminal history or immigration violations.
- How long it takes: This step can take several months, especially if there are any issues or if your name matches someone else in the system.
- What you need to do: Usually, nothing unless USCIS contacts you for more information.
- Application Review
- What happens: USCIS reviews your full application, including your Form I-918 and the law enforcement certification (Form I-918 Supplement B). They check if you meet all requirements for the U visa.
- How long it takes: This review can take 12 to 24 months or longer after biometrics, depending on how busy USCIS is and how complicated your case is.
- What you need to do: Respond quickly if USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE), which means they need more information or documents. Not answering quickly can delay your case.
- Bona Fide Determination (BFD)
- What happens: If your application looks complete and you meet the basic requirements, USCIS may send you a Bona Fide Determination notice. This means your case is strong enough for you to get some protection while you wait for a final decision.
- How long it takes: You might get a BFD notice within months to over a year after biometrics, but it can take longer.
- What you need to do: Once you get a BFD notice, you can apply for deferred action (protection from deportation) and for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD).
- What to expect: If approved for BFD, you can work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting for your U visa.
- Final Adjudication
- What happens: USCIS makes a final decision on your U visa application. They check everything again and decide if you qualify.
- How long it takes: This can take several more years, mostly because of the annual cap of 10,000 U visas and the large backlog of cases.
- What you need to do: Keep your address updated with USCIS and check your case status online. Respond to any USCIS requests right away.
- Visa Issuance or Waiting List Placement
- What happens: If your application is approved and there is a U visa available, you get the visa. If not, you are placed on a waiting list and stay in deferred action status until a visa becomes available.
- What to expect: Many people wait 5 to 7 years or more from the time they apply until they get the actual U visa, mostly because of the visa cap and backlog.
Estimated Timeframes at Each Stage
- After biometrics: Expect to wait 12 to 32 months for background checks, application review, and possibly a BFD notice.
- Median processing time: As of mid-2025, the median time for Form I-918 is 32.7 months.
- Total time to U visa approval: Usually 5 to 7 years or more from the time you file your application.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | U Visa | several months for background checks |
| USA | U Visa | 12 to 24 months or longer for application review |
| USA | U Visa | within months to over a year for Bona Fide Determination |
| USA | U Visa | several more years for final adjudication |
| USA | U Visa | 5 to 7 years or more for total approval |
What Can Affect Your Processing Time?
- USCIS workload: If there are many applications, processing slows down.
- Background check results: If your background check needs more review, it can take longer.
- Requests for Evidence: If USCIS asks for more documents, your case pauses until you respond.
- Annual visa cap: Only 10,000 U visas are given each year, so even approved cases may have to wait.
- Policy and staffing: Changes in USCIS staff or rules can speed up or slow down the process.
What Should Applicants Do While Waiting?
- Check your case status: Use the USCIS Case Status Online tool to see updates.
- Keep your address current: If you move, tell USCIS right away.
- Respond to USCIS: If you get a letter or notice, answer quickly.
- Apply for work authorization: If you get a BFD notice, apply for an EAD so you can work legally.
- Stay informed: Check the USCIS Processing Times page for updates on Form I-918.
Practical Tips and Reassurance
- Be patient: The process is slow, but getting a BFD and work permit can help you while you wait.
- Stay organized: Keep copies of all your documents and notices from USCIS.
- Get help if needed: If you don’t understand a notice or need help, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or a recognized nonprofit.
- Don’t lose hope: Many people have waited years and finally received their U visa.
Recent Developments
As reported by VisaVerge.com, there have been no big changes in U visa processing times in 2024 or 2025. The backlog is still a problem, and USCIS continues to process cases in the order they are received. Some lawmakers and groups want to raise the annual U visa cap, but no new laws have passed yet.
Where to Find Official Information
- For the latest on U visa forms and instructions, visit the official USCIS I-918 page.
- For updates on your case or to check processing times, use the USCIS Processing Times page.
Final Thoughts
The U visa process after biometrics is long, with many steps and a lot of waiting. Most applicants will wait at least 1 to 3 years after biometrics for a BFD or other progress, and total approval can take 5 to 7 years or more. Use the time to prepare, apply for work authorization if you can, and keep in touch with USCIS. While the wait is hard, staying informed and ready will help you make the most of your options.
Learn Today
U visa → A visa for victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.
Biometrics → Collection of fingerprints and photos to verify identity and run security background checks.
Bona Fide Determination → A USCIS notice granting preliminary approval for deferred action and work authorization.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS request for additional information or documents to continue processing an application.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A work permit allowing U visa applicants to legally work while waiting for approval.
This Article in a Nutshell
After biometrics, U visa applicants face long waits, often years, for background checks, reviews, and final approvals. Applying for work authorization during the wait provides legal employment and relief amid uncertainty in a complex immigration process.
— By VisaVerge.com
