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T-2 — Spouse of T-1 Trafficking Victim
United StatesUnited States•North America
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T-2 — Spouse of T-1 Trafficking Victim

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 years

Estimated Cost

USD $185

Stay Duration

4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Spouse of a principal T-1 trafficking victim. Derivative beneficiary.

The T-2 is a US derivative nonimmigrant visa for the legal spouse of an approved T-1 trafficking victim. Filed via Form I-914, Supplement A, it grants the right to live and work in the US for the duration of the T-1 principal’s status — with no filing fee under the 2024 USCIS fee exemption.

Initial status matches the T-1 grant — up to 4 years — with 1-year extensions available. Derivatives are not counted against the 5,000 annual T-1 cap. Work authorization requires a separate Form I-765 (EAD). A green card pathway exists via Form I-485 adjustment of status.

This visa is ideal for spouses of trafficking survivors who need legal US status, work authorization, and a path to permanent residence while the T-1 principal is in status.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-914, Supplement A (T-2 derivative application)USD $0
Form I-192 (inadmissibility waiver)USD $0
Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document)USD $0
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application / MRV Fee)USD $185
TotalUSD $185

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant4 years

Annual Cap & Quota

Derivatives are not subject to the 5,000 annual T visa cap (cap applies to T-1 principals only)

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

T-1 principal must have an approved or pending Form I-914

Must be the legal spouse of the T-1 principal

Must be admissible to the US or obtain a waiver via Form I-192

If outside the US, must complete consular processing at a US embassy/consulate

If inside the US, derivative status granted through USCIS approval of Supplement A

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-914, Supplement A (completed by T-1 principal)

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay

Marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English)

Copy of T-1 principal's Form I-797 Notice of Action

Form I-192 with supporting evidence (if any inadmissibility grounds apply)

DS-160 confirmation page (consular processing only)

Two passport-style photos (consular processing only)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No filing fee for the derivative T-2 application
  • Derivatives are not subject to the 5,000 annual T visa cap
  • Strong pathway to permanent residence via Form I-485
  • T-2 derivatives are exempt from the 3-year continuous physical presence requirement at adjustment stage
  • T-2 derivatives are exempt from the good moral character requirement at adjustment stage
  • Same-sex spouses are treated identically to opposite-sex spouses
  • Most grounds of inadmissibility can be waived via Form I-192

Worth Knowing

  • Work authorization is not automatic — a separate Form I-765 must be filed
  • Processing times can be 12–36 months; no premium processing available
  • T-2 must file their own Form I-485 independently; it is not bundled with the T-1 principal's
  • Extensions beyond 4 years are limited to law enforcement need or exceptional circumstances
  • Any inadmissibility grounds require Form I-192 waiver filed concurrently with Supplement A
  • At adjustment stage, previously unwaived inadmissibility requires Form I-601 (not I-192)
  • As of October 31, 2025, all applications are filed via USCIS Lockbox (not directly to a service center)

Application Process

1

T-1 principal files Form I-914 with Supplement A at the USCIS Lockbox (on behalf of spouse)

2

USCIS issues Form I-797 Notice of Action upon approval

3

If outside US

T-2 spouse completes DS-160, schedules consular interview, attends interview

4

If inside US

T-2 receives status upon Supplement A approval

5

T-2 files Form I-765 separately to obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

6

To extend beyond 4 years, file Form I-539 citing law enforcement need or exceptional circumstances

7

File Form I-485 to adjust status to lawful permanent resident before T-2 status expires

Application Forms

I-914
Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
Fill online
I-192
Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online
I-539
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Fill online
I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Fill online

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