United States•North AmericaT-1 — Trafficking Victim
At a Glance
1.5–3 years
USD $185
4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons who assist law enforcement. Provides protection and path to permanent residence.
The T-1 is a US nonimmigrant status for victims of severe human trafficking — sex trafficking or labor trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion — who are physically present in the US due to that exploitation. Up to 5,000 principal grants are issued per fiscal year; derivatives do not count toward the cap.
Applicants must cooperate with law enforcement, with an exception for minors or those unable to cooperate due to trauma. All forms are fee-exempt. Initial status is up to 4 years, renewable, with a green card available after 3 years. Derivatives join as T-2 through T-6 and are work-authorized.
This visa is ideal for trafficking survivors physically present in the US who are willing and able to assist law enforcement and need a fee-free, protected path to permanent residence.
Curious about life in the United States?
Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 4 years |
Annual Cap & Quota
5,000 (principal T-1 applicants only; derivative family members do not count toward cap)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Is or was a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons (sex or labor trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion)
Is physically present in the U.S., American Samoa, CNMI, or at a port of entry due to trafficking
Complied with any reasonable law enforcement request to assist in detection, investigation, or prosecution of trafficking (exception: victims under 18 or those unable to cooperate due to physical or psychological trauma)
Would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States
Is admissible to the U.S. or qualifying for a waiver of inadmissibility grounds
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed Form I-914 with personal statement describing trafficking experience
Form I-914, Supplement B completed by a law enforcement certifying official (highly recommended)
Evidence of physical presence in the U.S. as a result of trafficking
Evidence of compliance with law enforcement (or documentation of exception: age under 18, or physical/psychological trauma)
Evidence of extreme hardship if removed (medical records, court records, expert declarations)
Evidence of admissibility or grounds for a waiver
Corroborating documentation: police reports, court records, medical records, social worker statements, affidavits from individuals with direct knowledge
Two passport-style photographs
Copies of prior immigration documents (if any)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No filing fee for any USCIS forms in the T status process
- Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued upon approval — unrestricted work authorization
- Clear Green Card pathway: qualifying to apply after 3 years of continuous physical presence in T-1 status
- Annual cap of 5,000 principal applicants has historically not been reached, so no waitlisting due to cap
- Law enforcement certification (Supplement B) is strongly recommended but not strictly required
- Trafficking victims under 18 are exempt from the law enforcement cooperation requirement
- Derivative T status available for qualifying family members (spouse, children, parents, unmarried siblings under 18)
Worth Knowing
- Processing times are very long: currently 17.5–36.5 months at the Vermont Service Center
- Applicant must establish physical presence in the U.S. as a direct result of trafficking
- If grounds of inadmissibility exist, Form I-192 must be filed and approved (separate process)
- Work authorization EAD is not issued until I-914 is fully adjudicated — no interim EAD
- Good moral character for the 3-year period is required for Green Card adjustment
- Continuous physical presence for Green Card requires no single absence of more than 90 days and no total absence exceeding 180 days
- Extensions beyond the 4-year initial period are limited: only for law enforcement need or exceptional circumstances
- Derivative family members in the U.S. must file separate I-765 for work authorization; those abroad apply at a U.S. consulate and pay the $185 MRV fee
Application Process
Complete Form I-914 (Application for T Nonimmigrant Status) with a detailed personal statement describing the trafficking victimization
Obtain Form I-914, Supplement B (Law Enforcement Declaration) from a qualifying certifying official, if available — strongly recommended
Include Form I-914, Supplement A for each qualifying derivative family member in the U.S.
File Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) concurrently with I-914 — fee-exempt, processed after I-914 is approved
If grounds of inadmissibility apply, include Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant)
Mail the complete package to the USCIS Vermont Service Center
Await USCIS decision (currently 17.5–36.5 months)
Upon approval, receive I-94 indicating T-1 status and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Application Forms
| I-914 Application for T Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
| I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant | Fill online |
| I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Fill online |
| I-914A Application for Derivative T Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
| I-914B Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in United States
- Spouse of T-1 Trafficking Victim
Humanitarian
- Child of T-1 Trafficking Victim
Humanitarian
- Parent of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
Humanitarian
Humanitarian visas in other countries
- S2 Healthcare Visitor Visa
United Kingdom
- National Visa for Medical Treatment
Germany
- Refugee Status (Condición de Refugiado)
Guatemala
Living in United States
Ready to see if the T-1 — Trafficking Victim is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery