T Visas and Trafficking
This article answers common questions about human trafficking and T Visas.
Composed by TexasLawHelp.org • Last Updated on March 22, 2025 • Special thanks to American Gateways for its contribution to this article.
Caution!
U.S. immigration laws, policies, and practices continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. One way to find an attorney is through the American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer.
What is a T Visa?
A T visa is a special type of visa for people who have been victims of severe human trafficking. Severe human trafficking means when people are forced into things like sex or labor work against their will. The law calls these two types "sex trafficking" and "labor trafficking."
Is a T Visa the same as a U Visa?
No, a T visa is not the same as a U visa. A T visa is for people who have been victims of serious human trafficking. A U visa is for people who have been victims of a crime in the U.S. and helped law enforcement with the investigation or trial of that crime.
Unlike the U visa, the T visa doesn't always need a certificate from the police. For a U visa, the police must say that the victim is helping with the investigation. But for a T visa, the person just needs to have helped law enforcement with the investigation of human trafficking. If the person was under 18 when the trafficking happened, or if they can't help because of physical or emotional harm, they don’t need to cooperate with the police.
Who is eligible for a T Visa?
A person who meets each of the following general requirements may be eligible for a T visa:
- Survivor of “severe trafficking” (use of force, fraud, or coercion for sex trafficking and/or involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery); and
- Who is physically present in the U.S. on account of trafficking; and
- Who has complied with any reasonable request by federal, state, or local law enforcement to assist in the investigation or prosecution of such trafficking; and
- Who would suffer extreme hardship involving severe and unusual harm upon removal.
Talk to an immigration attorney about how your experience meets these requirements. Specific factors such as the age of the victim; location of the trafficking experience; level of trauma; and evidence available affect how each applicant must meet these requirements.
If I wasn't a victim of human trafficking until after I crossed into the U.S. illegally, can I still get a T visa?
It depends on the details of each case. You need to show that you are in the U.S. or at a border because of the trafficking. It's a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer for help.
Can I work legally in the U.S. with a T Visa?
Yes. Once your T visa is approved, you will receive an employment authorization card that allows you to work legally in the U.S. for a period of four years. With your employment authorization card, you may request a Social Security number, as well as a state ID card or driver’s license.
Can my family also get a T Visa?
It depends on the situation. Usually, if a person applying for a T visa is under 21, they can also apply for their spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18. If the person is over 21, they can only apply for a spouse and children.
No matter the applicant's age, if there is a risk of harm to family members because of the trafficking or the person helping the police, they can include parents, unmarried siblings under 18, and their children.
It's a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer for more details and specific questions about applying for family members.
How long does my T Visa last?
A T visa is generally granted for four years. In certain situations, you may be able to extend your T visa by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Is a T Visa a path to citizenship?
Yes, a T visa lets you stay in the U.S. legally for four years.
After living in the U.S. for three of those four years, T visa holders can apply to change their status to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), also known as a "green card." Then, after five years of having a green card, the person may be able to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Where can I learn more about a T Visa?
You can find more information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on its page about Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status.
What do I need to apply for a T Visa?
To apply for a T visa, you need to submit:
- Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
- Proof that you helped law enforcement, or that you qualify for an exception.
- Proof that you meet all other eligibility requirements.
- Evidence that shows you are admissible, or Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, if you are inadmissible.
Please consult with an immigration lawyer for help with the application.
Related articles
- Human Trafficking: This article provides general information about human trafficking.
- Information for Detained Immigrants: VAWA, U Visas, T Visas: This article explains deportation defenses for survivors of crime and domestic violence.
Sources
- T Visas and Trafficking, TexasLawHelp.org, archived by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine on July 23, 2025. Original article last updated March 22, 2025.
- Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.