U Visa Certification
The MCSO Community Outreach Division reviews and responds to U Visa Certification applications.
The MCSO follows the U Visa Certification process outlined in the U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide. Each request for certification is considered on an individual basis as it is presented to the Office.
The MCSO accepts U Visa Certification applications three ways:
- By United States Postal Service (mail)
- Via e-mail: uvisa@mcso.maricopa.gov
- In person at MCSO Headquarters
550 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
When a U Visa Certification application is received:
- MCSO will notify the sender with an acknowledgement
- Please allow up to 60 days for a response from MCSO
- Copies of all documentation received by MCSO will be maintained and all original documents will be returned when the application is determined
Qualifications may include, but are not limited to:
- The applicant must have been a victim of a qualifying crime, as specified in the U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide
- The qualifying crime must have been investigated or documented by MCSO
- The victim was, is, or is likely to assist law enforcement in the investigation
- Prior criminal history of the applicant does not prevent an application from consideration
After review and consideration, all decisions are final
U visa petitioners often work with a legal representative or victim advocate. If you have any questions about submitting a U Visa Certification application to MCSO, please contact the Community Outreach Division at (602) 876-4508 or by email at uvisa@mcso.maricopa.gov.