T Visas: What Does it Mean to be 'Trafficked'?
Who qualifies for a T visa and how do you prove it?
The T Visa: A Lifeline for Survivors of Human Trafficking
When we think of immigration, we often picture people coming to the U.S. for new opportunities, family reunification, or safety from violence back home. But some people arrive—or are brought here—under very different and heartbreaking circumstances.
That’s where the T visa comes in. It's a special immigration option designed to protect survivors of human trafficking and help them rebuild their lives with safety and dignity. If you’ve never heard of the T visa or aren’t sure who it’s for, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in plain English.
1. What Is the T Visa?
The T visa is a temporary immigration benefit for people who have been victims of severe forms of human trafficking. It allows survivors to stay in the United States for up to four years, and in many cases, apply for a green card (permanent residency) usually after three years.
2. Who Qualifies for a T Visa?
To qualify for a T visa, a person must meet several requirements—but don’t worry, we’ll explain each one clearly.
To be eligible, you must:
Be a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, either sex trafficking or labor trafficking.
Be physically present in the U.S. (or at a port of entry) because of that trafficking.
Assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the traffickers (unless you're under 18 or can’t cooperate due to trauma).
Show that you would suffer extreme hardship if you were forced to leave the U.S.
Now, let’s explain what that really means.
3. What Do You Have to Show?
The main thing is proving that you were a victim of trafficking. There are two broad types:
Sex trafficking
This involves being forced, tricked, or coerced into commercial sex acts. If the person is under 18, no coercion needs to be shown—any commercial sex act involving a minor is considered trafficking under the law.
Labor trafficking
This refers to forced labor—being made to work through threats, deception, or abuse. For example, someone might be brought to the U.S. with promises of a job, then have their documents taken away and be forced to work long hours without pay.
To support your case, you’ll usually need to provide:
A personal statement explaining what happened to you
Police reports, medical records, or letters from service providers, if available
Form I-914, the application for a T visa
Form I-914 Supplement B, which is a declaration from law enforcement (though this is helpful, it’s not always required)
If you’re scared to involve law enforcement or unsure how to get started, you’re not alone. Many survivors work with immigration lawyers, advocates, or trusted community organizations to help them through the process.
4. What Benefits Does a T Visa Give You?
The T visa is more than just permission to stay in the U.S.—it’s a powerful tool to help survivors rebuild their lives. Here’s what it offers:
✅ Legal Status in the U.S.
You can legally live and work in the U.S. for up to four years. You’ll get a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), which allows you to get a job and support yourself.
✅ Path to a Green Card
After three years (or sooner if your case helps law enforcement finish an investigation), you may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card).
✅ Access to Benefits
T visa holders can qualify for certain government benefits that are normally off-limits to other immigrants, such as:
Food stamps (SNAP)
Medicaid
Mental health and counseling services
✅ Protection for Your Family
You can also include certain family members in your T visa application. These may include:
Your spouse
Your children
If you’re under 21, your parents and unmarried siblings under 18
This helps keep families together and safe from retaliation by traffickers.
Hope and Healing
Applying for a T visa can feel overwhelming, especially for someone who’s already been through trauma. But it’s also a beacon of hope. It tells survivors: You are not alone. You have rights. And you deserve to be safe.
If you are still involved in an exploitative situation, you may believe you don't have rights because you don't have immigration status. This is not true!
If you or someone you know might be eligible, consider reaching out to an experienced immigration attorney so they can evaluate the situation. They can help you navigate the process and access the protections that the T visa offers.
Because no one should have to live in fear—especially not in the place they came to for a better life.
