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T Visa

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Protection for Survivors of Trafficking

If you or someone you love has been a victim of human trafficking, you may have more legal options and protections available than you realize. The T visa exists specifically to protect survivors, allow them to remain in the United States, and eventually build a stable and permanent life here. You do not have to stay silent, and you do not have to face this alone.

Survivors of trafficking are some of the most courageous people we have the honor of working with. Our role is to make sure the law protects them.

What Is a T Visa?

A T visa is a form of immigration protection created specifically for survivors of human trafficking, whether labor trafficking or sex trafficking. It allows you to remain in the United States legally, protects you from deportation, and gives you the ability to work while your case is processed.

After holding a T visa for a period of time, survivors may also be able to apply for a green card and eventually build permanent legal status in the United States. In some cases, certain family members may also be eligible for protection.

For many survivors, one of the hardest parts is not knowing that protection may even exist.

People often come to us believing they have no options, especially when what happened involved threats, manipulation, debt, unsafe work, or being forced into situations they never agreed to. A T visa was created for circumstances like these.

What someone experiences does not always look the way people imagine trafficking should look. It can happen quietly, through pressure, fear, control, false promises, or taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability. Because of that, many survivors do not identify themselves as victims at first, even when the law may recognize what happened differently.

A T visa can offer more than legal status. It can create room to rebuild — to work legally, feel safer, and begin planning for the future without carrying the same fear. Our role is to listen carefully, explain what protections may apply, and help you move forward in a way that feels informed, supported, and secure.

Schedule a case review with
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Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

You do not need to know the legal terms to recognize your experience. These situations may feel familiar.

"I was brought to the United States under false promises and forced to work or do things I never agreed to."

You may be wondering →

Could I qualify for a T visa based on what happened to me?

What you are describing may be human trafficking, and if so, you may qualify for a T visa. Trafficking includes situations where someone was deceived, forced, or controlled into labor or sexual exploitation. We listen to your story carefully and help you understand whether this protection is available to you.

"I am afraid to come forward because I do not have legal status, and I worry about what will happen to me."

You may be wondering →

Is it safe to ask for help if I am undocumented?

The T visa was created precisely for people in your situation. Survivors do not need to have legal status to apply, and the process is designed to protect you, not put you at greater risk. We handle your case with complete care and confidentiality, and we explain each step so you always know what to expect.

"I have a T visa already and I want to know if I can stay permanently and bring my family here."

You may be wondering →

Can a T visa lead to a green card, and can my family be protected too?

Yes. After holding a T visa for a period of time and meeting certain requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a green card and permanent residency. Certain family members may also qualify for their own protection under this program. We review your specific timeline and circumstances and help you take the next step when you are ready.

"I am not sure what happened to me qualifies as trafficking. I just know that what I went through was not right."

You may be wondering →

How do I know if my experience counts?

You do not need to have a label for what happened to you to come speak with us. Many survivors are unsure whether their experience qualifies, and that uncertainty is completely normal. We ask thoughtful questions, listen without judgment, and help you understand whether the law can protect you based on what you actually went through.

"I am worried about cooperating with law enforcement. I do not feel safe or I am not sure I want to get involved."

You may be wondering →

Do I have to work with the police to apply for a T visa?

There is a requirement to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking, but there are also exceptions for survivors who are under 18 or who would suffer serious harm by cooperating. We talk through your specific situation honestly so you can make an informed decision about what feels safe and right for you.

"Someone was supposed to help me cross the border, but things went wrong. I was held, threatened, or forced to do things I did not agree to in order to be released or survive."

You may be wondering →

Does what happened to me during my crossing count as trafficking?

What you are describing may qualify as human trafficking. When someone is held against their will, threatened, forced into labor, or sexually exploited as part of the crossing process or after arrival, that is trafficking under the law, regardless of how the journey began. Many survivors do not realize they have legal protections available to them because of what happened. You do not need to have the right words for it. We listen to what you went through and help you understand whether this protection applies to your situation.

A Note on Safety:

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.

They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages, and your call is confidential.

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