Building a Strong U-Visa Case: Certification, Evidence, and I-192 Discretion
TBD
This course is $0 with these passes:
About the Course
Introduction
This webinar will give immigration and victim advocacy counsel a practical and current update on U non-immigrant status (U-visas). The program will review the statutory and regulatory framework, how the bona fide determination (BFD) process works, the 10,000-principal annual cap, the reality of multi-year backlogs, work permits (EADs), and deferred action practices.
Description
The experts will cover the essentials of a strong filing: Form I-918 with a Supplement B signed within 6 months, prompt biometrics, and concise, credible evidence of harm and helpfulness. The panel examines derivatives and age-out protections, outlines who qualifies when the principal is under 21 vs. 21 or older, and explains where inadmissibility arises and how the I-192 waiver fits into strategy. When can mandamus realistically move a stalled case? How can counsel set client expectations about work authorization and final decisions?
Listen as our panel walks through the key decisions at each stage: BFD vs. waitlist, evidence and certification, derivatives, waivers, work authorization, and litigation options to enable advocates to guide clients toward protection and employment authorization as quickly and cleanly as current rules allow.
Presented By
Bio for Annie Attorney; loves horses and arguments
This is a bio for Big Boat. Big Boat is an avid reader and unicyclist.
This is a bio for speaker, Roller Coaster. Roller Coaster enjoys walks on the beach and pizza with pineapple.
Date + Time
- event
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
I. U-Visa fundamentals and statutory framework
II. USCIS BFD process: criteria, deferred action, updates and timelines
III. Building a bona fide file
A. Initial evidence checklists: I-918, Supplement B within 6 months, biometrics
B. Drafting effective declarations and framing trauma/rehabilitation evidence
C. Certifier outreach strategies and pitfalls
IV. Derivatives and family strategy
A. Eligibility (under/over-21 principals, spouses, children, parents, siblings)
B. Timing traps and INA §214(p)(7) age-out protections
C. I-918A concurrent filings and later I-929 for certain relatives
V. Inadmissibility and I-192 waivers
A. Common grounds and discretionary framing
B. Documenting equities (rehabilitation, hardship, VAWA confidentiality)
VI. Interim benefits and work authorization: deferred action, EADs, renewal, timelines
VII. Litigation and current policy trend
A. A.M.P. v. DHS and class actions over BFD/EAD delays
B. Mandamus strategies, what they can and cannot achieve
VIII. Client counseling
A. Counseling clients with trauma-informed practices during multi-year delays
B. Safety planning and candor regarding uncertain timelines
IX. Practitioner takeaways
The panel will review these and other relevant issues:
- Statutory and regulatory framework for U visas, including the annual cap, BFD, waitlist, and procedures
- Assembling and executing an effective filing: Form I-918 Supplement B, prompt biometrics, and concise, credible evidence of harm and helpfulness
- Applying current BFD and EAD practices to counsel clients on deferred action, work authorization categories, and realistic timelines
- Evaluating derivative eligibility and age-out protections, spotting traps, and ensuring timely filings
- Identifying inadmissibility and I-192 waiver issues and framing discretionary arguments effectively
- Assess when litigation (mandamus, class actions) or policy advocacy may be effective
Related Courses
Building a Strong U-Visa Case: Certification, Evidence, and I-192 Discretion
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
Asylum to Lawful Permanent Residence: Eligibility, Evidence, Strategy
Available On-Demand