A T Visa is a special type of immigration status that helps people who have been taken advantage of by others—through forced labor, threats, or harmful treatment. It lets you stay in the United States for up to four years and apply for a work permit so you can legally support yourself. After three years, many T Visa holders can apply for a green card (permanent residency), giving them a chance to rebuild their lives safely.

There are four requirements to qualify. The first requirement is that someone forced or tricked you into work or sexual services. The second requirement is that you’re still in the U.S. because of what happened. Third, you must show that you reported the issue to law enforcement (children under 18 and severely traumatized survivors may be excused from this requirement). And finally, you have to show that going back to your home country would cause serious harm or danger.

If you meet the first requirement, we know how to help you prove that you meet the other three. So please contact us to discuss your case, even if you’re not sure whether or not you qualify!

First, you will fill out the main form (Form I-914) that describes the abuse or exploitation you suffered. You also write a personal affidavit explaining your story, and can include any proof you have, like police reports or witness statements. If possible, it’s best to also attach a letter (Form I-914 Supplement B) from a law enforcement agency saying you helped their investigation.

We will work with you to make sure that your form is free of errors, that you have all materials that you need for approval, and that everything gets submitted properly. We’ll also help you respond to any RFEs (Requests For Evidence) that you might receive in your case.

You can apply by yourself, but the stakes are high. In 2023, more than one in four T Visa applications were denied. And if that happens to you, there’s a strong possibility you’ll be placed into removal proceedings. Also, since a lot of trafficking cases don’t involve much evidence, it’s important you know how to prepare your personal affidavit in a way that will convince immigration the abuse you suffered was real.

We have helped hundreds of immigrants successfully apply for a T Visa, and we know what immigration officers are looking for in your submission. We will work with you every step of the way to give you the best possible chance of being approved.

By their nature, trafficking cases don’t often have a lot of evidence. Most victims don’t get a chance to document the abuse they experienced. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your personal affidavit in a way that convinces immigration that you qualify. They know what to look for in your story, so if it’s not presented in the right way, you run the risk of being denied.

Fortunately, we understand exactly what evidence immigration officials need to see, and we can help you present your story in the most compelling way possible.

One of the requirements when applying for the T Visa is that you contact law enforcement, but that doesn’t mean the police! Many applicants can meet this requirement by making a report to the Department of Labor, the FBI, or other government agencies instead. These agencies can confirm that trafficking occurred without you having to deal directly with local law enforcement.

Your safety is what matters most. If you’re worried about how speaking with the police might affect you, a trusted immigration lawyer can guide you through your options and make sure you’re protected. You do not have to go through this alone—help is available to make sure you feel safe and supported every step of the way.

The time it takes to get a T Visa can vary, but most cases take between 1.5 to 2 years for USCIS to process. While this may feel like a long wait, there is good news—you can get a work permit much sooner in many cases.

Thanks to recent changes, applicants can receive a bona fide determination from USCIS, which grants them a work permit while their case is being processed. This means that even before your T Visa is officially approved, you may be able to work legally and begin rebuilding your life.

Once your T Visa is approved, it remains valid for four years, and after three years, you may be eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residency).

Every case is different, and having an experienced lawyer can help prevent delays by ensuring that all paperwork is submitted correctly. While waiting can be difficult, this visa is a powerful pathway to safety, security, and legal status in the U.S.

A T Visa is more than just legal status—it’s a chance to rebuild your life, work without fear, and stay in the U.S. safely. Survivors of trafficking have already been through so much, and this visa is designed to help you move forward with security, dignity, and hope.‍

Here’s what you can expect when you get a T Visa:‍

✅ Legal Stay in the U.S. – You can stay in the U.S. legally for up to four years, with the possibility of renewal.

✅ Work Authorization – You’ll receive a work permit, allowing you to work legally and support yourself without fear.

✅ Path to a Green Card– After three years, you can apply for permanent residency (a green card) and work toward U.S. citizenship.

✅ Protection from Deportation – You cannot be deported while your T Visa is valid, giving you time and security to plan your future.

✅ Bring Your Family to Safety – You may be able to bring your spouse, children, parents, and even some siblings or nieces/nephews to the U.S. so they can be safe with you.

✅ Access to Life-Changing Benefits – You may qualify for healthcare, food assistance, housing support, and other essential programs to help you recover and rebuild.

✅ Forgiveness for Past Immigration Issues – The T Visa can waive certain immigration violations, such as unlawful entry, past deportations, or false claims to U.S. citizenship—things that might normally prevent someone from getting legal status.

‍Most importantly, a T Visa gives you the chance to feel safe, work legally, and build a new future free from fear.‍

If you believe you may qualify, don’t wait. Help is available. Contact us today to learn more about your options.