Protection for survivors of human trafficking
The T visa protects people who are or were victims of a severe form of human trafficking and are in the United States because of it. It provides lawful status for up to four years, work authorization, access to certain benefits and a path to a green card.
What is human trafficking?
- Sex trafficking: being recruited, transported or held for commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion, or any commercial sex involving someone under 18
- Labor trafficking: being recruited, transported or held for work or services through force, fraud or coercion, such as debt bondage, involuntary servitude or forced labor
Who qualifies?
- You are or were a victim of severe trafficking
- You are in the US, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands or a US port of entry because of trafficking
- You have complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement, unless you were under 18 or are unable to because of physical or psychological trauma
- You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the US
Unlike the U visa, a law enforcement certification is helpful but not required.
Family members
Your spouse and children may be included. If you are under 21, your parents and unmarried siblings under 18 may also qualify. In some cases, family members facing danger because of your escape or cooperation may qualify too.
The path to a green card
After three years in T status, or sooner if the trafficking investigation or prosecution is complete, you may apply for a green card.
Get help now
If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733.
Talk to a T visa attorney
Book a confidential Zoom consultation with our T visa lawyer. Everything you share is handled with care and discretion.
This page is general information, not legal advice.