T Visa for Trafficking Survivors
The T Visa provides immigration relief and protection for victims of human trafficking. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed representation to help survivors rebuild their lives safely in the United States.
Types of Trafficking
Forms of Human Trafficking
The T Visa protects victims of severe forms of trafficking including:
Requirements
T Visa Eligibility
Victim of Severe Trafficking
You must be or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, including sex trafficking or labor trafficking.
Physical Presence in U.S.
You must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the CNMI, or at a U.S. port of entry due to trafficking.
Compliance with Requests
If you are 18 or older, you must comply with any reasonable request from law enforcement for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking.
Extreme Hardship
You must demonstrate that you would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States.
Benefits of T Visa Status
- Legal status for up to 4 years
- Work authorization (EAD)
- Path to green card after 3 years
- Include qualifying family members
- Protection from deportation
- Access to federal benefits and services
- Eligibility for certain refugee benefits
Family Members
Derivative T Visas for Family
Your qualifying family members can also receive T Visa status to keep your family together and safe.
If you are under 21
Spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18
If you are 21 or older
Spouse and children
Common Questions
T Visa FAQs
What is considered human trafficking?
Human trafficking includes sex trafficking (where someone is induced to perform commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion) and labor trafficking (where someone is recruited or harbored for labor through force, fraud, or coercion). Minors induced into commercial sex are victims regardless of force or coercion.
Do I need to cooperate with law enforcement?
If you are 18 or older, you must comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement to assist in investigation or prosecution. However, if you are under 18 or have experienced trauma that prevents cooperation, exceptions may apply.
How many T Visas are available each year?
Up to 5,000 T Visas are available each year for principal applicants. This cap does not include derivative family members. Unlike the U Visa, T Visa applications are generally processed faster.
Can my family members get T Visas too?
Yes, qualifying family members can receive derivative T Visas. If you are under 21, this includes your spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18. If you are 21 or older, it includes your spouse and children.
What benefits can I access with a T Visa?
T Visa holders can access many federal benefits to the same extent as refugees, including cash assistance, medical care, food assistance, and housing support through the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Can I get a green card with a T Visa?
Yes, after 3 years in T status (or when the investigation/prosecution is complete), you may apply for lawful permanent residence if you meet the requirements, including continuous physical presence and good moral character.
You are not alone
If you are a survivor of human trafficking, help is available. Let's discuss your T Visa options in a confidential, judgment-free consultation.