USCIS Plans to Keep U Visa Family Form Exactly the Same
The government wants to keep using a form for U visa families, and nothing about it is changing.
Affects: U visa holders, Family members of U visa holders · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
The U.S. government agency called USCIS has announced something about one of its forms. This form is used by family members of people who have a special visa called a U visa. The announcement says USCIS wants to keep using this form.
The important part is that the government plans to keep the form exactly the same. Nothing about the questions on the form or the way you fill it out will change. This is a normal step the government takes to make sure its forms are still needed and approved.
The bigger picture
Before this announcement, USCIS already had a form called I-929. This form helps certain family members of U visa holders apply to live legally in the U.S. with them. The U visa itself is for victims of serious crimes who help law enforcement.
Government agencies like USCIS must regularly review all the forms they use to collect information from the public. This process is called an "information collection activity." They do this to make sure the forms are still useful and don't ask for too much information. They also use this time to ask the public for ideas on how to improve the forms.
What this means for you
U visa holders
This notice is about a form that your family members might use to apply to join you in the U.S. The good news is that the form and its rules are not changing. This means the process for your family should stay the same.
Family members of U visa holders
If you are a family member applying to join someone with a U visa, the form you use (Form I-929) will stay exactly as it is now. You do not need to learn any new rules or fill out a different version of the form. The application process will continue as before.
All immigrants
This announcement does not directly change anything for most immigrants. It is very specific to the forms used by family members of U visa holders. If you are not a U visa holder or their family member, this notice does not affect you.
Advocacy groups
Organizations that help immigrants have a chance to tell USCIS if they think the form I-929 could be better. Even though USCIS says there are 'no changes,' groups can still suggest improvements during the comment period.
What you should do
- If you have ideas or suggestions on how to make the Form I-929 better for family members of U visa holders, you can send your comments to the government. You must do this before November 13, 2026. Otherwise, if you don't have comments, there is nothing you need to do right now.
Key dates
- 2026-09-14: The day this announcement was published.
- 2026-11-13: The last day to send comments to the government about the form.
Words explained
- U-1 Nonimmigrant
- This is a special type of visa for people who have been victims of serious crimes in the United States. To get this visa, they must also help the police or government officials investigate or prosecute those crimes.
- Qualifying Family Member
- These are close family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent, of someone who has a U visa. They can apply to live in the U.S. based on their relationship to the U visa holder.
- Information Collection
- This is a government term for any form, survey, or request where a government agency asks people to provide information. Agencies must get approval to collect this information and review it regularly.
- Federal Register
- This is the official daily publication of the U.S. government. It's where federal agencies announce new rules, proposed changes, and public notices like this one, so everyone can see them.
- USCIS
- This stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the government agency responsible for managing lawful immigration to the United States, including processing visas and green cards.
Common questions
Is the U visa program changing?
No, this announcement is only about keeping a specific form for U visa family members the same. The U visa program itself, which helps crime victims, is not changing at this time. This notice just renews the approval for a form.
Do I need to use a new form or follow new rules?
No, the government clearly states that the form will be extended 'without change.' This means the form you use (Form I-929) and the rules for filling it out will be exactly the same as they are now. You do not need to worry about new versions.
What does '60-day notice' mean for me?
A '60-day notice' means the government is giving the public 60 days to share their thoughts, suggestions, or concerns about the form. If you have ideas to make the form better, this is your chance to tell them. After 60 days, they will review all comments.
Can I still apply for a U visa or for my family members?
Yes, the process for applying for a U visa and for your family members to join you is still in place. This notice does not stop or change that process. It simply confirms that the form used for family members will continue to be approved.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.