U Visa Wait Estimator
A planning tool that estimates your U visa timeline (work permit, final approval, and green card) from your I-918 receipt date.
I-918 Receipt Date
(from your I-797 Notice of Action)
How this works
Bona fide determination (BFD). USCIS reviews pending I-918 petitions and, if a case appears complete and passes background checks, grants a work permit and protection from deportation. For this step we use recent USCIS median and processing-time data to show a planning range of about 13–19 months.
Final U visa approval. The 10,000-per-year statutory cap is fixed. We project timing from published USCIS receipt data and the pace at which USCIS is currently approving cases. Most approvals fall between October and March, so that result is shown as a window.
Green card. After U visa approval, you may apply about 3 years later. All dates are planning estimates that depend on USCIS pace and policy, not predictions about an individual case.
Based on USCIS data as of FY2026 Q1 (Dec 31, 2025). Reviewed when USCIS publishes new figures.
What about my spouse and kids?
Certain family members may qualify for derivative U visas that the principal petitioner files on their behalf (Form I-918A): typically a spouse and unmarried children under 21, and (if the principal petitioner is under 21) parents and unmarried siblings under 18. Derivatives generally share the principal’s place in line, and once the principal petition is approved, eligible family members can be approved too. This tool estimates only the principal (U-1) petition, so derivative timing isn’t shown separately. A nonprofit immigration legal services organization or an accredited representative can confirm who in your family qualifies and how to file.
What to do while you wait
Keep your mailing address current with USCIS (file Form AR-11 within 10 days of any move) so notices reach you. If you’ve received a Bona Fide Determination, make sure Form I-765 is on file so your work permit (EAD) is issued, and renew it before it expires. Keep copies of every receipt and notice. If you haven’t heard, check your case status with your receipt number at egov.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Free or low-cost help is available from nonprofit immigration legal services. Be cautious with “notarios,” who are not authorized to give legal advice.