Texas Law Enforcement U-Visa Certification: What Agencies Must Sign and How to Get One

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified [immigration](https://www.omarzambrano.com/immigration-law) attorney regarding your specific situation.*

Introduction: Why U-Visa Certification Matters in Texas

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a serious crime in Texas, you may qualify for a U-Visa — a special immigration benefit designed to protect crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement. However, before you can apply for a U-Visa with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must first obtain a signed certification from a qualifying law enforcement agency.

This step — getting that certification — is often the most challenging part of the entire U-Visa process. In Texas, navigating which agencies can certify, who must sign, and how to request the document can feel overwhelming, especially for vulnerable immigrant victims who may already fear interacting with authorities.

This guide breaks down exactly what Texas law enforcement agencies are required to do, how you can request a certification, and what to do if an agency refuses to cooperate.

Legal Framework: What Is U-Visa Certification and Who Can Issue It?

What Is the U-Visa?

The U-Visa (formally known as the U Nonimmigrant Status) was created by Congress through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. It provides temporary legal status to undocumented immigrants who:

• Have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of certain qualifying crimes

• Have information about that criminal activity

• Have been, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime

• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws

Qualifying crimes include assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion, and many others listed under federal [immigration law](https://www.omarzambrano.com/immigration-law) at 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(U).

What Is Form I-918B?

To apply for a U-Visa, the victim must submit **Form I-918, Supplement B**, also known as the **U Nonimmigrant Status Certification**. This form must be signed by a certifying official from a law enforcement agency confirming that:

1. The petitioner is a victim of a qualifying criminal activity

2. The criminal activity violated U.S. law or occurred in the United States

3. The petitioner has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution

This certification is not a recommendation for immigration status itself — that decision rests solely with USCIS. The certification only confirms the victim's cooperation and victim status.

Who Can Sign the Certification in Texas?

Under federal law, certifying agencies include:

• **Local and state law enforcement agencies** (police departments, sheriff's offices)

• **Prosecutors' offices** (district attorneys, city attorneys)

• **Federal law enforcement agencies** (FBI, DEA, ICE)

• **Child protective services agencies**

• **Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)**

• **Labor and employment agencies**

In Texas, this means a certification can come from any of the above. Local police departments, county sheriff's offices, and the offices of district attorneys all have the authority to sign Form I-918B. The signatory must be a **designated certifying official** — typically a head of the agency, a supervisor, or someone specifically authorized to sign certifications on behalf of the agency.

How to Request a U-Visa Certification from a Texas Law Enforcement Agency

Step 1: Identify the Right Agency

The certifying agency should be the one that investigated or is investigating the crime you experienced. If you reported a domestic assault to your local police department, that department is typically the right agency to approach. If a prosecutor's office took over the case, they may also be able to certify.

Step 2: Submit a Written Request

Contact the agency — often through their records division, legal department, or a designated U-Visa coordinator — and submit a **written request** for Form I-918B. Your request should include:

• Your full name and contact information

• A description of the qualifying crime and when it occurred

• Your case or report number, if available

• A completed Form I-918B for their review and signature

• Any supporting documentation (police reports, medical records, witness statements)

Many agencies have their own internal policies for handling U-Visa requests. Some Texas cities and counties have created formal procedures, while others handle requests on a case-by-case basis.

Step 3: Work With an Attorney

An experienced immigration attorney can dramatically improve your chances of a successful certification request. They can communicate with the agency on your behalf, help frame your cooperation in the clearest possible terms, and follow up appropriately if the agency delays or denies the request.

Step 4: What to Do If an Agency Refuses

Texas law enforcement agencies are **not legally required** under federal law to sign U-Visa certifications. However, many Texas cities — including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin — have adopted policies encouraging cooperation with the process.

If an agency refuses, your options may include:

• **Requesting reconsideration** with additional documentation

• **Approaching another qualifying agency** (such as the district attorney's office)

• **Contacting local victim advocacy organizations** that may have established relationships with certifying officials

• **Consulting an immigration attorney** who can advise on alternative strategies

Key Considerations for Texas Crime Victims Seeking Certification

Timing Matters

There is **no strict statute of limitations** on U-Visa certification requests, but it is generally advisable to request certification while the case is still active or the agency still has records on file. Delays can make it harder for officials to recall the circumstances of your cooperation.

Confidentiality Protections

Federal immigration law includes important confidentiality protections for U-Visa applicants. Information you share in your immigration application generally cannot be used against you in immigration enforcement proceedings. However, it is important to discuss this with your attorney to understand the full scope of these protections.

Your Cooperation Doesn't Require a Conviction

A common misconception is that the criminal case must result in a conviction for you to qualify. That is **not true**. The law only requires that you have been helpful — or are willing to be helpful — in the investigation or prosecution. Cases that were dropped, declined for prosecution, or remain open may still support a valid certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can any police officer in Texas sign my U-Visa certification?**

A: No. The signatory must be a designated certifying official with authority to sign on behalf of the agency — typically a supervisor, chief, sheriff, or authorized designee.

**Q: What if the agency lost my police report?**

A: Work with an immigration attorney to gather alternative evidence of the crime and your cooperation. Other agencies or victim advocates may also be able to assist in locating records.

**Q: How long does it take to get a certification?**

A: There is no legal deadline for agencies to respond. Some certifications are issued in weeks; others take months. An attorney can help follow up and escalate if necessary.

**Q: Can I get a U-Visa if I never reported the crime to police?**

A: Generally, no — you need to have been helpful to a law enforcement agency, which typically requires some form of reporting or cooperation. However, certain other agencies (like child protective services) may certify in some circumstances.

**Q: Does getting a certification mean I will receive a U-Visa?**

A: No. The certification only satisfies one requirement of the application. USCIS makes the final decision on U-Visa approval based on all eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

Obtaining a U-Visa certification in Texas requires understanding the legal process, identifying the right certifying agency, and making a well-documented formal request. While the path can be complex and agencies are not mandated to certify every case, many Texas law enforcement offices recognize the importance of supporting crime victims regardless of immigration status.

If you or someone you know is a crime victim seeking U-Visa protection, please consult a qualified immigration attorney who can guide you through each step of this process. Early, informed action gives you the strongest foundation for your case.

*This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.*

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