T Visa

The T visa is a nonimmigrant status for victims of severe human trafficking (sex trafficking or labor trafficking) who are present in the U.S. due to trafficking and who are willing to assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting traffickers. It provides protection, work authorization, and a path to permanent residence.



Who is the Visa for?

Victims of severe forms of human trafficking, including:

  • Sex trafficking (induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or involving minors).

  • Labor trafficking (involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or slavery-like practices).

Certain qualifying family members (spouse, children, parents, and siblings, depending on age of principal applicant).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking.

  • Must be physically present in the U.S. due to trafficking.

  • Must comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement in investigating/prosecuting traffickers (exceptions for minors or trauma victims).

  • Must demonstrate extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S.

  • Must be admissible to the U.S. (or apply for a waiver if ineligible).

Benefit

  • Must be or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking.

  • Must be physically present in the U.S. due to trafficking.

  • Must comply with reasonable requests from law enforcement in investigating/prosecuting traffickers (exceptions for minors or trauma victims).

  • Must demonstrate extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S.

  • Must be admissible to the U.S. (or apply for a waiver if ineligible).

Visa Duration:

  • Granted for up to 4 years.

  • Extensions are possible in limited circumstances (e.g., ongoing investigation or exceptional need).


Processing Time:

  • Varies depending on case complexity and evidence provided.

  • USCIS also issues bona fide determinations to allow interim work authorization and protection while the case is pending.

OpenSphere Services:

  • Case Assessment & Declaration Drafting

  • Petition Prep (Form I-914 + Evidence)

  • Law Enforcement Documentation Strategy

  • Guidance on Work Permit, Family Visas & Green Card