T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa)
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Key Forms & Process
The process requires filing Form I-914 (Application for T Nonimmigrant Status) along with: (1) proof you are a victim of severe trafficking (police reports, affidavits, NGO letters, medical records), (2) proof you are physically present in the U.S. due to trafficking, (3) proof you would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S., and (4) a Supplement A for derivatives (spouse, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under 18). For adult victims (18+), a law enforcement Supplement B (certification of helpfulness) is required unless you can prove extreme trauma makes you unable to cooperate. You must also file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) for your work permit. USCIS has a discretionary authority to grant T visas to victims who meet all requirements.
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates provide trauma-informed representation throughout the T visa process: identifying trafficking indicators (forced labor, debt bondage, document confiscation, threats, physical confinement), gathering compelling evidence (medical records, psychological evaluations, witness affidavits, letters from anti-trafficking organizations), drafting your detailed personal declaration, obtaining Supplement B certification from law enforcement (or filing a waiver for extreme trauma), filing I-914 with all supplements, and adding derivatives. After 3 years in T visa status, we file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) for your green card. We also help you access federal benefits (housing, healthcare, job training) through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
Call us at 865-382-2900 for a confidential, trauma-informed consultation – you are not alone, and help is available.
It's a non-immigrant visa for victims of severe forms of human trafficking who are physically present in the U.S. due to trafficking. It provides protection, work authorization, access to federal benefits, and a path to a green card.
Sex trafficking: Commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion (or any commercial sex act if the victim is under 18)
Labor trafficking: Recruitment, harboring, or transportation for labor or services using force, fraud, or coercion for involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or slavery
Yes. Only 5,000 T visas (principal applicants) can be approved each fiscal year. Derivatives (family members) do NOT count toward the cap. Unused T visas roll over to the next year.
Under 18: No. Minor victims are not required to assist law enforcement.
18 or older: Generally yes, you must be willing to assist in the investigation or prosecution. However, USCIS may waive this requirement if you have suffered extreme trauma (physical, psychological, or both) making you unable to cooperate.
Yes. Derivatives include:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21
Parents (if you are under 21)
Unmarried siblings under 18 (if you are under 21)
Use Form I-914, Supplement A to add derivatives.
Yes. You must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with your I-914. Once approved (or if granted interim relief), you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Yes. After you have held T visa status for 3 continuous years , you can apply for a green card using Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). Requirements include: (1) good moral character, (2) continued presence in the U.S. for humanitarian purposes or family unity, and (3) no unreasonable refusal to assist law enforcement.
T visa recipients are eligible for the same federal benefits as refugees, including:
Cash assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF)
Medical assistance (Medicaid)
Housing assistance (Section 8, HUD programs)
Job training (through ORR)
Social Security (if qualified)
Your personal sworn declaration (detailed timeline)
Police reports (if you reported the crime)
Medical records (physical injuries, sexual assault exams)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Letters from anti-trafficking NGOs or shelters
Affidavits from witnesses, social workers, or other victims
Proof of document confiscation (passport, visa, ID)
Yes. We provide full notarization services for your personal declaration, witness affidavits, psychological evaluations (with proper authorization), and all supporting documents. We also certify translations of foreign-language evidence and maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process.
