Do I need a law-enforcement certification for a T visa?

Unlike the U visa, a signed certification is not strictly required for a T visa. A law-enforcement declaration (Form I-914B) is helpful evidence, but USCIS may also rely on other credible evidence of your cooperation and the trafficking.

What if I was forced to do something illegal?

Many trafficking survivors were compelled to commit acts by their traffickers. Waivers of inadmissibility are available for T visa applicants, and certain conduct that resulted from the trafficking can be addressed. We evaluate these issues sensitively and thoroughly.

Can my family be protected too?

Yes. Depending on your age and circumstances, a spouse, children, parents, and certain siblings may qualify as derivatives on Form I-914, Supplement A. We include eligible family in the petition strategy.

Does the T visa lead to a green card?

Yes. After three years in T status — or earlier if the trafficking investigation or prosecution concludes — you may apply to adjust to lawful permanent residence, subject to the usual requirements.

T Visa — Trafficking Survivors

What Is the T Visa?

The T visa is for survivors of human trafficking — whether sex trafficking or labor trafficking — who were brought to or kept in the United States through force, fraud, or coercion. Like the U visa, it was designed to protect victims while encouraging them to help authorities hold traffickers accountable.

A T visa applicant must be or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking, be physically present in the U.S. on account of trafficking, comply with reasonable requests for assistance from law enforcement (with exceptions for trauma and age), and show they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed.

What the T Visa Provides

Up to four years of lawful nonimmigrant status.
Employment authorization for the principal applicant.
Derivative status for qualifying family members.
Access to certain federal and state benefits for survivors.
A path to a green card after three years or when an investigation concludes.
Protection while assisting in trafficking investigations.

T Visa Eligibility

The petition is built around these core elements, with humane exceptions to the cooperation requirement.

Severe Trafficking
You are or were a victim of a severe form of trafficking — sex trafficking or labor trafficking induced by force, fraud, or coercion.
Presence on Account of Trafficking
You are physically present in the U.S., American Samoa, the CNMI, or at a port of entry on account of trafficking.
Cooperation
You comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement, unless you are under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma.
Extreme Hardship
You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if you were removed from the United States.
Admissibility
You are admissible, or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility available to T visa applicants.

The T Visa Process

T visa cases are sensitive and evidence-driven. We move carefully and protect your privacy throughout.

Step 01

Survivor-Centered Assessment

We evaluate the trafficking, your presence in the U.S., and any law-enforcement contact, with a trauma-informed approach to gathering your account.

Step 02

Form I-914 & Declaration

We prepare the application, a detailed declaration, and corroborating evidence, including a law-enforcement declaration (Form I-914B) where one is available.

Step 03

Decision & Work Authorization

USCIS reviews the petition; an approval grants T status and employment authorization, and may extend status to eligible family members.

Step 04

Path to a Green Card

After three years in T status — or sooner if the trafficking investigation or prosecution is complete — you may apply to adjust to lawful permanent residence.

Evidence for a T Visa

A law-enforcement declaration helps but is not required; 'any credible evidence' may be considered.

Core Documents

Form I-914 application
Detailed personal declaration
Identity and any entry documents
Form I-914 Supplement A for qualifying family members

Supporting Evidence

Law-enforcement declaration (Form I-914B), if available
Records from shelters, advocates, or service providers
Medical or counseling records
Proof of the trafficking and resulting hardship

Frequently Asked Questions

Both protect immigrant crime victims who help authorities, but the T visa is specific to survivors of severe human trafficking, while the U visa covers a broader list of qualifying crimes. Some survivors may be eligible for either, and we assess both during the consultation.