T Visa

Benefits of the T Visa:

• The T Visa provides protection and legal status to victims of human trafficking who are in the U.S. It allows beneficiaries to reside and work legally, receive medical and educational assistance, and access victim support services. In addition, it offers the ability to include certain immediate family members in the application and to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) after three years of continuous status in the U.S.

Requirements for the T Visa:

• Be a victim of human trafficking, either for labor or sexual exploitation.
• Be present in the U.S. as a direct result of human trafficking.
• Cooperate with authorities in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking activities (there may be exceptions if cooperation is unsafe or if the applicant is a minor).
• Demonstrate that deportation would cause extreme hardship or significant danger to the applicant.

Process for Obtaining the T Visa:

• File Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, with evidence of victimization and cooperation with law enforcement.
• Include a personal statement detailing the victimization and how return to the home country would endanger the applicant.
• If approved, the beneficiary obtains work authorization and legal status for four years.
• After three years of continuous status, the beneficiary may apply for permanent residence on Form I-485.