U Visa Timeline (2025): How Long Does It Take?

If you're applying for a U visa, you’ve probably already realized one thing: the wait is painfully long.

But what if you didn’t have to wait in silence?

Thanks to Pro Se Pro’s Mandamus Lawsuit Service, you may be able to advance your U visa case legally and safely without hiring a lawyer.

In this article, we’ll break down the full U visa timeline, explain the causes of the delays, and show you how to take action now if you’re waiting for your Bona Fide Determination (BFD) or work permit (EAD).

What Is a U Visa?

The U visa is a form of immigration relief for people who:

Have been victims of certain crimes (like domestic violence, trafficking, or assault)
Suffered significant physical or emotional harm
Are willing to help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime

The U visa offers temporary protection from deportation, the ability to work legally, and eventually, a path to a green card. But the application process? Extremely slow.

The U Visa Timeline in 2025: How Long Does It Take?

As of mid-2025, USCIS is reviewing U visa applications filed more than 51 months ago—that’s over 4 years of waiting just for the first step (Bona Fide Determination).

Let’s walk through the typical stages of the U visa process:

1. Filing Your Application (Form I-918)

You submit your U visa petition with supporting evidence like (if you file with a lawyer, they should be able to provide more details on this):

A personal statement
Police reports
Medical or psychological records
A law enforcement certification (Form I-918B)

2. Biometrics Appointment

USCIS schedules you for fingerprints and photos used for background checks.

3. Bona Fide Determination (BFD)

If USCIS finds your application complete and credible, they may issue a BFD letter, which grants:

A 4-year work permit (EAD)
Deferred action (protection from deportation)

But here’s the problem: Most applicants wait 35–60 months just to get their BFD—even though USCIS said it would take less than 180 days when the process launched in 2021.

Why Is the U Visa Process So Slow?

There are over 300,000 pending U visa applications, and only 10,000 visas are issued per year. That’s a massive backlog.

Other reasons for delays include:

Understaffing and lack of funding at USCIS
Lost or misfiled documents
Incomplete applications
Policy shifts from one administration to another
No legal deadlines forcing USCIS to act

But you don’t have to stay stuck in that backlog. There's a way to push your case forward.

You Can Take Action: File a Mandamus Lawsuit

A mandamus lawsuit is a legal action that asks a federal court to order USCIS to act on your long-delayed case.

At Pro Se Pro, we’ve helped hundreds of U visa applicants file mandamus lawsuits without a lawyer. And the results speak for themselves:

✅ BFD and EAD approvals in 60–90 days
✅ USCIS responses within weeks of filing
✅ Legal protection throughout the process

When to File a U Visa Mandamus Lawsuit

You may be eligible to file a writ of mandamus if:

You filed your U visa application 90+ days ago
You haven’t received your Bona Fide Determination (BFD)
You’re still waiting for your work permit (EAD)
You have or haven’t done biometrics—it doesn’t matter

You do not need to wait for biometrics to use Pro Se Pro’s Mandamus Service.

Is It Safe to Sue USCIS?

Yes. Filing a mandamus lawsuit is a legal and protected right. It does not hurt your immigration case, and it does not increase your risk of deportation or denial.

Even under stricter political administrations, federal judges continue to hold USCIS accountable for delays that violate your rights.

Why U Visa Applicants Trust Pro Se Pro

We’re not lawyers—but we’ve built the tools to help you file Pro Se.

✅ Affordable: No attorney fees—save thousands
✅ Fast Results: Many cases approved within 90 days
✅ Guided Support: Step-by-step instructions

We even built the U Visa Processing Time Tool, which shows:

Where you are in the line
How long you might wait

Real Stories, Real Results

Stop Waiting. Start Acting.

Every day you sit in silence, your future is on hold. A mandamus lawsuit could be your best next step—especially if you're tired of waiting for your BFD, EAD, or final U visa decision.

Let Pro Se Pro help you take back control of your case.