Still Waiting on Your U Visa? Here’s How to Speed Up Your Case and Get a Work Permit Sooner

Every year, tens of thousands of people apply—and wait—for the chance to get lawful status and work authorization after surviving serious crimes in the U.S. The process can take years, with little to no updates from immigration. But what many people don’t realize is this: there are tools available to help you take control of your case and speed it up.

At Pro Se Pro, we’ve helped thousands of applicants understand their options and move their cases forward. One of the most powerful tools we offer is the BFD/EAD Mandamus service—a legal action that pushes immigration to issue a timely decision when they’ve delayed too long.

If your U visa has been pending and you haven’t received a Bona Fide Determination (BFD) or work permit, this article is for you.

Why Does the U Visa Take So Long?

By law, only 10,000 U visas can be approved each year. However, over 300,000 people have applied—and counting. This means the wait can be anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on your case. Even just getting a preliminary review for the Bona Fide Determination (BFD) can take years.

As of June 2025, USCIS is only reviewing BFD requests from November 2021, but there is no clear evidence that they review cases on a first-in, first-out basis. That means if you filed your U visa in late 2021 or after, you could be waiting a long time for any response.

What Is the BFD and Why Is It So Important?

A Bona Fide Determination (BFD) is a preliminary decision that your U visa case appears to meet the basic requirements. If approved, you can receive:

A work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD)
Deferred action, which protects you from deportation
Peace of mind while you wait for your full U visa approval

Getting a BFD doesn’t mean your visa is approved yet, but it does unlock critical protections and benefits while your case continues to process.

Why Are So Many People Waiting Without Updates?

In many cases, USCIS delays issuing BFDs and EADs, even when a person has been waiting over four years. This can happen due to:

Backlogs
Clerical errors
Misplaced evidence
Or simply the system is not working properly

And for many applicants, waiting feels like the only option. But it’s not.

The #1 Way to Take Control: File a BFD/EAD Mandamus Lawsuit

If you've been waiting over 90 days with no updates, you may be eligible to file a Mandamus lawsuit. This is not a lawsuit against your U visa eligibility. It’s a legal action that simply asks the government to do what they’re required to do: review your case and issue a timely decision.

What Happens When You File a Mandamus?

With Pro Se Pro’s BFD/EAD Mandamus service, we help you:

File a complaint in federal court
Request that USCIS make a decision on your BFD/EAD application
Push for a resolution—often in 90 days or less

You won’t be deported for filing a Mandamus. You won’t be punished. This is a completely lawful process meant to hold immigration accountable for unreasonable delays.

Real Results from Real People

Many U visa applicants who filed a Mandamus received their:

BFD approvals
Work permits

…all within weeks of taking action. Waiting quietly often leads to more delays, while taking action gets results. Check out one of our customer testimonials.

How Do You Know If You Qualify?

You might be a strong candidate for a BFD/EAD Mandamus if:

You filed your U visa more than 90 days ago
You have not received a BFD or C14 work permit
You believe your case is complete and meets the basic requirements
You want to work legally and live with less fear

If that’s you, our team at Pro Se Pro is ready to help. By simply calling us at (802) 318-4668 you’ll get clarity on how to expedite your U Visa BFD.

Other Ways to Strengthen Your U Visa Case

While Mandamus is the most powerful way to push your case forward, there are other important tips every U visa applicant should know:

1. Make Sure Your Application Is Complete and Well-Organized

Immigration officers review thousands of cases. Clear, strong, and complete applications have a better chance of moving faster. Your evidence should include:

Police reports
Detailed personal statements
Proof of emotional or physical harm
A psychological evaluation, if available
Proof of cooperation with authorities

2. Submit the Right Forms—And Make Sure They're Current

USCIS frequently updates immigration forms. Submitting outdated forms can result in delays or even rejection. Double-check that every form is the most recent version available on the USCIS website.

3. Track Your USCIS Receipt Notice

The date USCIS received your application is crucial. That’s how they determine your “place in line.” If you submitted your application in 2022 but your receipt notice is from 2023, your wait time may be longer than expected.

Why Pro Se Pro?

At Pro Se Pro, we believe people shouldn’t be punished with years of uncertainty for doing the right thing—reporting a crime, cooperating with police, and applying through the legal system.

That’s why we created an easy-to-use platform that helps applicants:

✅ Understand the BFD process
✅ File Mandamus actions at an affordable price
✅ Track immigration timelines
✅ Get the protection and work authorization they deserve

Our BFD/EAD Mandamus service has helped thousands of people unlock their cases faster—and we’re here to help you, too.

Take Action Now

If your U visa case is stuck, don’t wait in silence. Immigration delays can last for years unless you speak up.

👉 Visit Pro Se Pro’s BFD/EAD Mandamus page to see if you qualify
👉 File a Mandamus in just a few steps
👉 Get back the peace of mind and stability you deserve

Final Thoughts

Immigration is complex, but it shouldn’t be hopeless. If you’re eligible for a U visa, you’ve already taken a brave step forward. Now, it’s time to keep going.

With Pro Se Pro’s tools and support, you can push through the silence, demand answers, and finally move your life forward—legally and with confidence.

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