There are three departments that certify visas.

Be sure to submit your request to the correct department.

If you submit your request to the wrong department, we will return it to you.

Find out where to submit your request 

Your letter should include the following information.

• A request for certification of your U or T visa application.          

  • Your full legal name and aliases, A-Number (optional), date of birth, and gender.

  • Case identifying information. For example: court file number, police report, or law enforcement CCN number.

  • The investigating agency name.

• A description of how you helped, are helping, or will help with a crime investigation.

Submit your request for certification to us by U.S. Mail. Be sure to include:

• A copy of your letter (see Step 3)
• A self-addressed, postage paid return envelope
  • Examples:
    • Copies of your birth certificate, passport, and/or medical records
    • Photos of injuries not in the police report

If a victim's representative submits a certification request, they should also:

• Submit a signed release of information (in an appropriate language for the applicant)
• Inform if they represent other indirect victims or qualified applicants related to this matter
• Inform if they wish to have separate I-918B or I-914B forms

If you are in removal proceedings, contact us by email at visa@minneapolismn.gov

• The subject line should read: (Your name) in removal proceedings. Please expedite.
• Include proof of removal proceedings, such as a copy of the notice to appear

Get our contact information

When we receive your application, we will

• Make sure you sent it to the right department.
  • If you sent it to the wrong department, we will return it to you with instructions on who to contact
• Gather all related documentation and reach out to other City departments if necessary.
  • If we can't gather the necessary documentation, we may refer the application to another agency.
• Act on your request within 30 business days.
  • Some cases may require more time.
  • If you are in removal proceedings, we will expedite the timeframe to seven days.

If we decline your request, you can ask us to reconsider

You must provide:

• Additional evidence, and 
• A letter explaining why we should reconsider your request

We will act on your request to reconsider within 14 business days.