The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) is committed to protecting and serving all victims of crime, regardless of citizenship status, documentation, or language ability.
U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa) is a temporary status (visa) allowing immigration protection for victims of qualifying crimes who are helpful to law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of criminal activity. T Nonimmigrant status provides immigration benefits to victims of severe forms of human trafficking.
A complete petition (application) for U Nonimmigrant Status must include a certification form (Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification) signed by a certifying agency (judge, law enforcement, or prosecutor) where the crime occurred. This certification form confirms the individual is or was a victim of one or more qualifying crimes, and they are or were helpful with the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Without the signed certification, the victim is unable to file a U Nonimmigrant Status petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) However, the signed certification alone does not grant any immigration status to the victim.
If the criminal activity occurred within BPD’s jurisdiction, victims can submit a draft of the I-918 Supplement B Certification form for consideration by BPD. The Bellingham Police Department does not grant or guarantee a U Nonimmigrant Status or any other immigration status by signing a law enforcement certification. Only USCIS (the administrative federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for approving or denying an immigration benefit) may grant or deny U or T Nonimmigrant Status after a full review of the petition and related evidence.
In accordance with SHB 1022 and Chapter 7.98 RCW, BPD shall respond to victim requests for law enforcement certification forms to be signed in support of U and T Nonimmigrant Petitions:
- BPD shall review the completed I-918 Supplement B form for accuracy and sign the law enforcement certification upon affirmative determination.
- BPD shall process the certification request within ninety days of receipt of the request, unless the victim is in federal immigration removal proceedings, in which case BPD shall execute the certification no later than fourteen days after the request is received.
- BPD shall not disclose personal identifying information, or information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any victim of criminal activity or trafficking in connection with the certification process.
- The certifying official for the Bellingham Police is the current police chief.
For more information on the process and forms required, please visit USCIS i-918.
Requests should include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope and be submitted to the following address:
Bellingham Police Department
Attn: Investigation Division Lieutenant
505 Grand Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8677
