U.S. T Visa

Summary

The T visa protects certain survivors of severe human trafficking who are in the United States because of trafficking and meet cooperation or exception rules.

These cases are sensitive and should be handled with trauma-informed legal and victim-services support.

Eligibility

You may fit this pathway if:

• You are or were a victim of a severe form of trafficking.
• You are physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry because of trafficking.
• You comply with reasonable law-enforcement requests, unless an exception applies.
• You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed.
• You are admissible, or eligible for any needed waiver.

Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path

• Duration: Temporary T status can be granted for a limited period.
• Long-term path: Some T visa holders may later apply for a green card after meeting the required conditions.

What This Route Allows

T status can provide protection, work authorization, and a possible later path to permanent residence.

What This Route Is Not

It is not a general hardship route. It is specifically for severe trafficking situations and has detailed evidence requirements.

Next Steps

1. Contact a qualified immigration lawyer, trafficking survivor organization, or victim advocate.
2. Preserve evidence safely, including identity documents, reports, messages, medical or counseling records, and support letters.
3. Review law-enforcement cooperation or exception facts.
4. Review waiver needs if there are immigration or criminal-history issues.

Sources

• USCIS - Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status
• USCIS - Humanitarian