What is the
T Visa?
Complete Guide to the T Nonmigrant Status
For many people, the journey to the United States is marked by difficulties and, unfortunately, severe mistreatment like human trafficking and forced labor. The T-Visa represents a route of relief to people who have been the victims of certain mistreatments: it allows them to reach legal status and obtain immigration benefits with which to build a safe future.
The T-Visa application process is complex and emotionally overwhelming, which is why the support of an experienced T Visa immigration attorney, like attorney Angel Lisinski, is essential to strengthen your case.
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Humanitarian Immigration Lawyer
At the Lisinski Law Firm, we are dedicated to humanitarian cases such as the T-Visa, the U-Visa, and VAWA, because our mission is to change as many lives as possible, and these cases allow us to help many people who believe they don’t have any options to adjust their status. The T-Visa application process, as in the other humanitarian cases, happens entirely within the United States—that is why it is among our favorite cases.
More than being experienced T-Visa attorneys, our legal team looks for the best way to help victims of mistreatment and abuse. We know that many come to the United States searching for better opportunities and usually endure situations of mistreatment at work, at home, or upon entry to the country, while not aware that they could qualify for the T-Visa based on these types of mistreatments. As trusted immigration attorneys, we review each client’s declaration in detail to identify the situations that meet the T-Visa requirements. Even if a case appears difficult, we do not give up—we fight for justice and the dignity of all victims.
The main cases that we handle at the firm are:
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VAWA
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), it is possible to fix papers based on certain problems in the relationship with a citizen or resident spouse (or ex-spouse), or citizen child of legal age.
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U Visa
Visa for the victims of certain crimes committed within the U.S. such as theft, assault, extortion, domestic violence, among others—as long as there is a police report about what happened.
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T Visa
Visa for the victims of certain types of mistreatment at work, at home, or by a coyote upon entry to the United States.
- Humanitarian Immigration Lawyer
- T Visa Requirements and Processing Time
- Benefits of the T Visa
- Difference between T Visa and U Visa
- The Importance of Legal Assistance
- What Kind of Documentation May Be Required in a T Visa Case
- Can You Include Family Members?
- Step-by-Step Guide to the T Visa Application Process
- Need an Immigration Attorney Near You?
- FAQ’s
Find out if you qualify for the T Visa!
T Visa Requirements and Processing Time
To meet the T Visa requirements, the applicant must:
- Be a victim of a form of trafficking under the use of force, fraud, threats, coercion for sex trafficking, involuntary servitude, slavery, and lack of fair payment at work.
- Physically present in the United States due to human trafficking.
- Comply with reasonable requests for assistance from law enforcement (with exceptions for minors or trauma survivors unable to cooperate).
- Suffer extreme hardship if removed from the U.S.
Contact an experienced T Visa immigration attorney who can evaluate the details of your situation and align them with the previous points. The requirements for the T Visa are flexible in the sense that certain factors like age, type of mistreatment, level of trauma, and evidence available, affect the eligibility criteria for each applicant.
In general, T Visa processing times could range between 1-3 years, depending on each case, but in certain situations it is possible to obtain immigration benefits while waiting for final approval. Your trusted immigration lawyer may give you a more accurate estimate regarding processing times, although you should keep in mind that recent changes in immigration proceedings affect the overall process as well. With varying T Visa approval rates and new executive orders, knowing how long each case would take usually depends on the workload at USCIS at the time of filing your application.
Learn more about T Visa processing times!
Benefits of the T Visa
- Ability to stay in the U.S. legally and avoid deportation.
- Work authorization as a pathway to economic independence.
- Access to certain public benefits (healthcare, housing, victim assistance).
- Option to include qualifying family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings under certain circumstances
- Pathway to a Green Card after three years with the T Visa.
Applying for the T Visa means investing in safety and immigration benefits for the future. With an approved case, you may remain legally in the United States for up to 4 years and may be protected from deportation during that period. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain the work permit while you wait for your T Visa approval. The work permit empowers you to find a stable job, build financial independence, improve your quality of life, and access regulated labor conditions. Once your case is approved, you’ll receive legal protection under T Visa status.
T Visa benefits could also apply to certain family members that qualify as derivatives. An experienced T Visa immigration attorney like Angel Lisinski could outline the best way to include family members in your case.
You could also go from the T Visa to a Green Card if three years have passed since initial approval, and after five years with the Green Card, you could apply for U.S. citizenship.
Difference between T Visa and U Visa
Both the T Visa and the U Visa are humanitarian cases we use at Lisinski Law to help victims of certain crimes obtain legal status within the country. The main difference between these cases is the type of crime: while the T Visa applies only to victims of certain types of mistreatments resulting from human trafficking, the U Visa applies to victims of other serious crimes committed within the United States.
If you were a victim of certain crimes within the United States, such as assault, theft, or extortion, among others, you could qualify for the U Visa. However, this case requires a police report documenting what happened, as supporting evidence of your willingness to assist in the investigation of these crimes.
Both visas offer a strong waiver for negative things on your immigration history, such as illegal entries, prior deportations, and even certain felonies on your criminal record.
The Importance of Legal Assistance
We understand how difficult it can be to seek help after experiencing something as traumatic as human trafficking. We recognize the courage it takes to share your story of abuse—especially in immigration proceedings. The T Visa application is complex and demanding, and success often depends on the smallest details. That is why our priority is to make the process clear and transparent, supporting you every step of the way.
When it comes to such complex cases, the best way to prepare for success is to have the support of an experienced T Visa immigration attorney who ensures that the petition is filed correctly, with the evidence and forms aligned with USCIS standards.
Above all, a trusted T Visa attorney will defend the client’s rights during the entire process and will guide them towards a safe future within the United States.
What Kind of Documentation May Be Required in a T Visa Case
An immigration attorney with experience in T Visas would most likely tell you that the evidence you must submit includes:
- Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status.
- Proof of cooperation with law enforcement, or evidence of a valid exception.
- Written declaration proving that you meet the other eligibility requirements.
- Evidence that demonstrates you are admissible, or Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant) if you are inadmissible.
Can You Include Family Members?
Another major benefit of the T Visa is the possibility of including family members as derivatives in your case:
- If you are married, you may include your undocumented spouse, and if they are currently in the U.S., the T Visa waiver would also apply to them.
- If your spouse is in their home country, you may be able to bring them to the United States.
- You may include your underage children and stepchildren.
- If the T Visa applicant is under legal age, they may include their spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18.
- If the applicant—regardless of age—can show that their family members are at risk due to the trafficking situation or their cooperation with law enforcement, they may include their parents, children, and unmarried siblings under 18 years of age.
Each T Visa case is unique. We recommend contacting the best T Visa immigration attorney near you, such as attorney Angel Lisinski, to guide you in including family members as derivatives.
Step-by-Step Guide to the T Visa Application Process
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Step 1: Submit Form I-914
- Complete and submit Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS.
- Under your attorney’s guidance, include evidence that you were a victim of human trafficking and that you are currently in the U.S. as a result.
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Step 2: Wait for a Decision from USCIS
- USCIS will review your petition and may notify you if additional documentation is needed.
- If approved, you may become eligible to apply for a work permit.
- If denied, there may be options to appeal, depending on your case.
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Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit
- File Form I-765 to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- In certain cases, and based on your attorney’s advice, you may be able to apply for and receive a work permit while pending T Visa approval.
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Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence (Green Card)
- After 3 years in T Visa status, you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485.
Need an Immigration Attorney Near You?
At the Lisinski Law Firm, we have a proven track record winning VAWA cases for many people who had lost all hope of fixing papers. Our legal team dedicated to difficult cases actively looks for all potential options to obtain documents 100% within the United States — that is why we are proud to have so many success stories and lives changed by our work.
We have helped many families stay together through the T Visa. With multiple office locations nationwide and channels of virtual immigration support, we are ready to guide you towards legal status.
Call us and find out if you qualify for the T Visa!
Frequently Asked Questions About the T Visa
Is the T Visa the same as the U Visa?
Although both protect victims of certain crimes, the T Visa is for victims of human trafficking, while the U Visa is for victims of other serious crimes, such as assault or domestic violence.
Can I work legally in the U.S. with a T Visa?
Yes. Once approved, you can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document).
Can my family also get a T Visa?
Yes. You may include certain family members, such as your spouse, children, parents, or siblings, depending on your age and situation. Consult specific eligibility criteria with your attorney.
How long does my T Visa last?
The T Visa is valid for 4 years, with possible extensions in certain cases.
Is the T Visa a path to citizenship?
Yes. After receiving a Green Card, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
How long does it take to get a T Visa approved?
Processing times vary, but it generally takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the case and other factors.
Can I apply for a Green Card after getting a T Visa?
Yes. You may apply for a Green Card after 3 years in T Visa status or once the trafficking investigation is complete.
Do I need a police report to qualify for a T Visa?
No. A police report is not required, but any proof of your cooperation with law enforcement can strengthen your case.
What evidence do I need to prove trafficking?
You can submit personal statements, medical records, official documents, letters of support, or any other evidence showing you were a victim of trafficking.
Does the T Visa expire?
Yes. It expires after 4 years, but you may request an extension or adjust your status to permanent residence before it expires.
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Client-Centered
High Success Rates
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Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation:Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
Client-Centered
High Success Rates
Nationwide Clients
For immigration representation, we can serve anyone throughout the United States as a matter of Federal law. In fact, many of our clients are in other states, so we have plenty of experience working closely with clients from long distances. We are available day and night to meet with clients by phone or other virtual means, no matter where you may be located. We welcome all our clients to visit our offices across the United States, if they want to, but they will never have to do so in order to start an immigration case.
Available & Reliable
- Hours of In-Person Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Extended Support Hours: 24/7 legal team at your service.
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