Understanding the Salt Lake City Police Department’s U Visa Certification Process

Most crime victims in Salt Lake City never learn that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a signed law enforcement certification before a U visa petition can be filed. Fewer still know which person inside the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) actually signs it, or how to make sure the request reaches the right desk.

In Salt Lake City, that process is more defined than in many other cities. SLCPD has a dedicated program, a named certifying official, and a clear intake pathway. Understanding each step is what a U visa attorney in Salt Lake City uses to keep a request from getting lost and to protect the six-month window a victim has after the certification is signed.

Key Takeaways About U Visa Certification in Salt Lake City

• SLCPD processes certification requests through its Victim Advocate Program. Requests submitted to patrol, records, or the front desk may not reach the right person.
• The certifying official is the Investigations Lieutenant over persons crimes, not the Chief of Police or a general supervisor.
• Utah passed a U visa certification law in 2024 that requires law enforcement agencies to follow federal helpfulness standards and protect victim confidentiality.
• A police report is not required to reach SLCPD victim advocates. Victims can call from a blocked number or use an alias.
• Once SLCPD signs Form I-918B, the victim has six months to file the complete U visa petition with USCIS.

Key Statistics About U Visa Cases in the U.S.

These numbers explain why the certification step carries so much weight.

• USCIS received 41,558 U visa petitions in fiscal year 2024, against an annual approval cap of only 10,000.
• As of early 2025, over 266,000 petitions were pending. Wait times for final approval may exceed 15 years.
• A streamlined review process that had allowed some applicants to receive early work authorization was suspended by USCIS as of February 2025.

A delayed or rejected certification request in Salt Lake City does not just pause an application. In many situations, it ends the opportunity to apply from that agency entirely.

What Is SLCPD’s Internal U Visa Certification Process?

Most law enforcement agencies in Utah handle U visa requests informally. Salt Lake City is different. SLCPD has a documented intake process with defined roles, a named certifying official, and specific submission options, all of which matter when an attorney is working to make sure a request does not get lost.

Who Is the Certifying Official at SLCPD?

The certifying official at SLCPD is the Investigations Lieutenant over persons crimes. This is not the Chief of Police, a patrol sergeant, or a records administrator. Requests submitted to the wrong person or department may not be routed correctly, which can cost time a victim cannot afford.

When an attorney submits a certification request to SLCPD, knowing this title and routing the submission through the Victim Advocate Program is how the request reaches the right desk.

What Role Does the Victim Advocate Play in the Certification Process?

SLCPD victim advocates do not just receive requests. They actively help prepare Form I-918B and process requests on behalf of the Investigations Lieutenant. For an unrepresented victim, this means having someone inside the department who understands the form and can help complete it accurately.

For an attorney submitting on behalf of a client, it means the point of contact is trained on this process, not encountering the form for the first time.

How Do You Submit a U Visa Certification Request to SLCPD?

SLCPD’s Victim Advocate Program accepts certification requests from victims, nonprofit organizations, and law firms through two primary channels.

Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the SLC Public Safety Building, 475 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.

A 24-hour hotline is also available at 801-580-7969. Callers can use a blocked number, provide an alias, or choose not to share identifying information. No police report is required to reach an advocate or ask questions about the process.

How to Submit a U Visa Certification Request to SLCPD

Method	Location / Contact	Hours	Who Can Submit
Walk-in	475 South 300 East, SLC UT 84111	Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–5:00 pm	Victims, nonprofits, law firms
24-Hour Hotline	801-580-7969	24 hours, 7 days	Victims (anonymous calls accepted)
Direct submission (law firms)	Through Victim Advocate Program	Business hours	Law firms on behalf of clients

What Other Agencies Certify U Visas in the Salt Lake City Area?

SLCPD is not the only certifying authority available to crime victims in the Salt Lake Valley. The right agency depends on which department investigated the crime and whether a prosecution followed.

How to Identify Which Utah Agency Handled Your Case

Because jurisdictions overlap closely in the Salt Lake Valley, many victims confuse the agencies involved. To ensure your Form I-918B goes to the correct desk, check your paperwork for these identifiers:

• Salt Lake City Police (SLCPD): Look for an incident report number that typically follows a year-and-sequence format (e.g., 26-12345). Their paperwork will explicitly state “Salt Lake City Police Department” and features the blue and gold SLC city seal.
• Unified Police Department (UPD) / SLCO Sheriff: If your crime happened in unincorporated areas, Millcreek, or Magna, it was likely handled by UPD or the Salt Lake County Sheriff. Their case numbers often start with “CO” (e.g., CO26-12345).
• West Valley City Police (WVCPD): If the incident occurred west of I-15 near 3500 South, check if your report has a “WVC” prefix. WVCPD handles its own certifications independently of SLCPD.
• Court Citations: If you have a document showing a court date at the 3rd District Court (450 S State St) or the SLC Justice Court (333 S 200 E), an arrest was made, meaning the Prosecutor or District Attorney’s office is now involved.

Can the Salt Lake City Prosecutor’s Office Certify a U Visa?

The Salt Lake City Prosecutor’s Office handles criminal cases that arise within city limits. In situations where a case was referred for prosecution, the Prosecutor’s Office may be an appropriate certifying authority in addition to, or instead of, SLCPD.

An attorney can assess whether the prosecution history of a specific case supports a request to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Does the Salt Lake County District Attorney Certify U Visa Cases?

The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office is a certifying authority for crimes that were prosecuted at the county level. For victims whose cases were handled by county-level agencies, the DA’s Office may be the relevant contact rather than SLCPD.

As with other DA offices, certification is typically available for active cases or cases with a recent disposition. An attorney can confirm whether the timeline qualifies.

Are There Other Certifying Authorities in the Salt Lake Valley?

Several other agencies in the area have certifying authority. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office handles incidents in unincorporated parts of the county. West Valley City Police Department, which serves Utah’s largest Hispanic community, is a separate certifying agency for crimes within its jurisdiction.

For victims who reported their crime to any of these agencies, the certification request goes to the agency that investigated, not to SLCPD.

What Does Utah Law Require From Certifying Agencies?

Utah is one of a growing number of states that has passed legislation governing how law enforcement must handle U visa certification requests. That law adds meaningful protections for Salt Lake Valley crime victims.

What Did Utah’s 2024 U Visa Certification Law Change?

Utah passed a U visa certification law in 2024 that requires law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts throughout the state to follow federal guidelines when assessing a victim’s helpfulness. The law also establishes record-keeping requirements so agencies must track certification requests they receive, approve, and deny.

This matters for victims because it creates an accountability structure. Agencies cannot simply ignore requests or process them inconsistently without documentation.

What Confidentiality Protections Apply Under Utah Law?

The 2024 Utah law includes confidentiality protections for crime victims who request certification. Law enforcement is not permitted to disclose a victim’s immigration status in connection with a certification request.

SLCPD’s own policy reinforces this: the Victim Advocate Program is bound by Utah Code 77-38-4, which creates privacy protections for victims who speak with advocates. Victims can contact the hotline without sharing their name or identifying information.

Does a Victim Need to File a Police Report Before Requesting Certification?

No. SLCPD is clear that a police report is not required to contact victim advocates or receive assistance. A victim who reported a crime that was not documented, or who needs to understand options before deciding whether to file a report, can still reach out.

An advocate can help explain the process confidentially before any formal steps are taken.

Common Problems That Stall a U Visa Certification Request in Salt Lake City

Even when a victim qualifies for a U visa, the certification step is where many cases stall. Some of the most common reasons are administrative, not legal.

What Happens If Form I-918B Is Submitted With Errors?

Form I-918B must be submitted on the most current edition, dated January 20, 2025 or later. Older versions will not be accepted by USCIS. The form must also be complete, accurately describe the victim’s cooperation, and check all qualifying criminal activities that apply to the facts of the case.

An incomplete or incorrectly prepared form may be returned, delayed, or rejected outright. SLCPD’s victim advocates can assist with preparation, but having an attorney review the form before submission adds an important layer of accuracy.

What Is the Six-Month Filing Rule?

Once the Investigations Lieutenant signs Form I-918B, the victim has exactly six months to submit the complete U visa petition to USCIS. If that window closes, the certification expires and must be obtained again from scratch.

Attorneys working on U visa cases in Salt Lake City typically prepare as much of the petition as possible before the certification is signed, so filing can happen quickly once the form is returned.

What If SLCPD Declines to Certify?

Certifying officials have discretion. There is no formal right of appeal within SLCPD if the Investigations Lieutenant declines to sign. However, an attorney may be able to identify whether the Salt Lake City Prosecutor’s Office, the Salt Lake County DA, or another qualifying agency has independent authority to certify based on the same facts.

What Benefits May Come With U Visa Status?

A U visa opens a path that most long-term undocumented immigrants in Salt Lake City have never been told is available to them.

Can You Work While Your U Visa Application Is Pending?

Victims whose petitions are found to be bona fide, meaning USCIS has confirmed they appear to meet the basic eligibility requirements, may receive deferred action and a work permit while waiting for final approval. Given current processing timelines, this interim authorization is often the most immediate practical benefit of filing.

Can a U Visa Lead to a Green Card?

U visa holders receive nonimmigrant status for up to four years. After three years of continuous presence in the U.S. under U nonimmigrant status, individuals may be able to apply for lawful permanent residence, subject to USCIS review.

Can Family Members Be Included in a U Visa Petition?

In many cases, qualifying family members may be included in a U visa petition as derivatives. Which relatives qualify depends on the age of the principal petitioner and the relationship involved. Because this process functions as a family-based document application, an attorney can assess whether family members in Utah or elsewhere may be included.

When Should You Talk to a U Visa Attorney in Salt Lake City?

The best time is before submitting anything to SLCPD.

The wording of a certification request, the completeness of Form I-918B, and the timing of submission relative to a victim’s case history all affect how the request is evaluated. A rejected or expired certification is difficult to recover from.

Many clients reach out to Vergara Miller when they are unsure whether SLCPD or another local agency has jurisdiction over their case, when a prior request went unanswered, when they are concerned about their safety or privacy during the process, or when they want someone to handle the submission on their behalf so nothing is missed.

Practical Steps Many U Visa Applicants in Salt Lake City Find Helpful

Most U visa cases do not fail because of the law. They fail because of paperwork, missed deadlines, or uncertainty about where to begin.

How Do You Find Your SLCPD Case or Incident Number?

Many applicants find it helpful to locate the case or incident number from when the crime was originally reported. This identifies which agency handled the investigation and is typically required when submitting a certification request.

SLCPD records can be requested through a Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) request, available on the department’s website at police.slc.gov.

What Documentation Strengthens a Certification Request to SLCPD?

Keeping records of any contact with law enforcement, including dates, officer names, case numbers, and the nature of any statements or cooperation provided, builds a clear record of helpfulness. Medical records, protective orders, and correspondence with victim service organizations can also document the history of a case effectively.

SLCPD victim advocates can assist in preparing Form I-918B using this documentation.

Why Does Timing Matter for Salt Lake City U Visa Cases?

Federal regulations do not set a hard deadline for requesting certification, but individual agencies may have policies that limit how old a case can be. Acting as soon as a victim becomes aware they may qualify is the most reliable way to preserve all available options.

Once certification is signed, the six-month USCIS filing window begins immediately. Preparation should start before that clock does.

Ask Vergara Miller: U Visa Certification Questions From Salt Lake City Clients

Q: Can I call SLCPD’s victim advocate hotline anonymously to ask questions before deciding whether to request certification? A: Yes. SLCPD’s 24-hour hotline at 801-580-7969 allows callers to use a blocked number, provide an alias, or choose not to share any identifying information. You can ask questions about the process and your rights without formally beginning a request. Many clients find it helpful to speak with an attorney first to understand exactly what to ask.

Q: My crime happened in West Valley City, not Salt Lake City. Can SLCPD still certify my U visa? A: Generally, no. Certification authority follows the agency that investigated the crime. West Valley City has its own police department and is a separate certifying authority for incidents within its jurisdiction. An attorney familiar with the Salt Lake Valley can confirm which agency applies to your case and how to approach them.

Q: I submitted a certification request to SLCPD several weeks ago and have not heard anything back. What should I do? A: Following up through the Victim Advocate Program is typically the right step. Requests can sometimes sit without a response if documentation is incomplete or if the request was not routed correctly to the Investigations Lieutenant’s desk. An attorney can make a formal written follow-up that creates a clear record of the request and its timeline.

Q: My crime was investigated by SLCPD but the case was later referred to the Salt Lake County DA for prosecution. Which office should I approach for certification? A: When a case moves to prosecution, the DA’s Office may have independent certification authority based on the prosecution record. An attorney can assess whether approaching both SLCPD and the DA’s Office is appropriate, or whether one has stronger authority based on the specific facts of your case.

U Visa Attorney Salt Lake City: Questions Crime Victims Often Ask

Does SLCPD certify U visas for crimes that happened in the past, or only for recent incidents? Federal regulations do not set a hard statute of limitations for U visa certification. The key question is whether a victim was helpful during the investigation or prosecution of a qualifying crime. SLCPD reviews requests on a case-by-case basis. How long ago a crime occurred can affect how the request is evaluated, but it does not automatically disqualify a victim from requesting certification.

Can I still apply for a U visa in Utah if the person who harmed me threatened to report me to immigration authorities? Threats from an abuser are a common tactic used to prevent victims from seeking help. Utah’s 2024 U visa law includes confidentiality protections that prohibit law enforcement from disclosing a victim’s immigration status in connection with a certification request. An attorney can also help document the threat as part of the broader case and advise on safety planning during the process.

If I am currently in removal proceedings, can I still request U visa certification from SLCPD? Yes. Being in removal proceedings does not disqualify a victim from requesting certification or filing a U visa petition. In some situations, a pending U visa case may provide grounds to request a stay of removal, though this is not automatic. An attorney can assess whether this applies to your specific case and what steps to take in the immigration court process alongside the U visa filing.

Does SLCPD’s victim advocate program provide services in Spanish? SLCPD’s policy states that victim advocates will help individuals with limited English proficiency access services in their primary language. Language access assistance is available. The Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center also provides bilingual immigration assistance specifically for U visa applicants and connects victims with licensed immigration staff in both English and Spanish.

You Have Already Taken the Hardest Step

Deciding to seek help after experiencing a crime takes courage, especially when fear of deportation has kept you from speaking for months or years. The certification process at SLCPD exists for exactly this reason. The law was designed to protect people in your position, not to create new risks for them.

At Vergara Miller Law, we are an immigrant-led firm. Our role is to advocate for clients who have been through enough, and to pursue every available path on their behalf. Our Midvale office is minutes from West Valley City and Kearns, the Salt Lake Valley communities where many of our Utah clients live and work.

We offer honest case evaluations. Our team speaks Spanish. We answer phones late evenings and are building toward 24/7 availability for clients who need to reach us outside regular hours.

Call (385) 275-6505 or reach us on WhatsApp to speak with our team. You can also learn more about U visa cases and how we approach them on our immigration practice area page.