Non-U.S. citizen survivor of human trafficking?
We may be able to help.
The T visa is a temporary immigration benefit for certain survivors of human trafficking to remain in the United States for up to four years. Qualifying family members of the survivor may also be eligible for T visas. After three years in T status, you may be able to apply for a green card (residency).
Immigration Relief for Immigrant Victims
What is a T visa?
Congress created the T visa in October 2000 as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. The T visa is a temporary immigration benefit that enables certain survivors of a severe form of human trafficking to remain in the United States for up to four years if they have assisted law enforcement in an investigation or prosecution of human trafficking. T visa holders can temporarily remain and work in the United States (generally for four years). T visa holders can also usually apply for lawful permanent residence and citizenship. T visa holders can also apply for certain qualifying relatives to obtain the T visa.
What is T visa certification?
Part of the T visa application process can be certification by law enforcement. USCIS Form I-914, Supplement B is the T visa certification document that a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency can complete for a survivor who is applying for a T visa. The T visa certification is not required to obtain a T visa, but it can provide evidence of the applicant’s cooperation. In the T visa certification, the law enforcement agency states that:
- The applicant is a survivor of human trafficking;
- the applicant has specific knowledge and details of crime; and
- the applicant has been, is being, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of the qualifying crime.
The T visa certification can be initiated by the law enforcement agency itself or by the survivor of human trafficking. If initiated by the survivor, the assistance of an advocate or an attorney is highly recommended. If a law enforcement agency signs a Form I-914B, the certification must be returned to the T visa applicant (or their advocate, attorney, etc.). The law enforcement agency does not need to send the signed certification separately to USCIS. The applicant is required to send the original signed certification form, along with the applicant’s complete T visa application, to USCIS.