United States•North AmericaT-4 — Parent of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
At a Glance
2.5–3 years
USD $185
49 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
Parent of a T-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.
The T-4 is a US derivative nonimmigrant status for parents of T-1 trafficking victims. qualifying parents must be biological, adoptive, or step-parents of a T-1 holder who was under 21 at filing — or face present danger of retaliation from the T-1's escape or cooperation with law enforcement, regardless of the T-1's age.
No USCIS filing fees apply — I-914 Supplement A, biometrics, and Form I-765 (EAD) are all $0. Initial stay mirrors the T-1 up to 4 years, renewable in 1-year increments. Work auth is not automatic; parents must file I-765 after status is granted. A permanent residence pathway exists after 3 years in T status.
This visa is ideal for parents of T-1 trafficking survivors who need to join their child in the US to support recovery and cooperation with federal law enforcement.
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Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 4.0 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be the biological, adoptive, or stepparent of the T-1 principal applicant
T-1 principal must have been under 21 years of age at time of filing (age locked at filing date)
Alternatively qualifying if parent faces present danger of retaliation due to T-1's escape or cooperation with law enforcement (regardless of T-1's age)
Must not be inadmissible on security, criminal, or other grounds (or must obtain a waiver)
Does not need to be a trafficking victim independently
T-1 principal petition must already be filed or approved
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed Form I-914, Supplement A (signed by T-1 petitioner)
Proof of relationship: birth certificate of T-1 showing parent's name (biological); adoption decree (adoptive); marriage certificate to biological parent (stepparent)
Copy of T-1's I-914 receipt or approval notice
Evidence of danger of retaliation (if using retaliation-danger pathway)
Biographic information and passport photos
Valid passport (if abroad, for consular processing)
Form DS-160 confirmation and MRV fee receipt (if applying at US consulate)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No USCIS filing fees at any stage (I-914 Supplement A, biometrics, I-765 all waived)
- Work authorization available via I-765 (EAD) at no cost
- Path to lawful permanent residence (green card) after 3 years in T status
- Age-out protection: T-1's age is locked at initial filing date, preserving T-4 qualification
- Derivative extensions can be filed independently of T-1 under 2024 final rule
- Access to federal and state benefits and services for trafficking victims
- No annual cap — T derivative visas are uncapped
- Deferred action and interim work authorization available after T-1 bona fide determination
Worth Knowing
- Processing times are very long — currently 2.5 to 3+ years
- T-4 is not automatic; the T-1 principal must actively file Supplement A on the parent's behalf
- Work authorization is not incident to status — a separate I-765 filing is required
- Parent must not be inadmissible; criminal history may trigger bars (waivers available for certain grounds)
- If parent is outside the US, consular processing is required after USCIS approval; $185 DS-160 MRV fee applies
- T-4 qualification based on the under-21 pathway is contingent on the T-1's age at time of their filing
- Status mirrors T-1 — if T-1 status is terminated, T-4 status is also affected
- Green card qualification requires T-1 to petition separately on Form I-914A
Application Process
T-1 principal victim files Form I-914, Supplement A on behalf of the parent (T-4 derivative)
USCIS issues bona fide determination (BFD) on the T-1 petition; derivatives in the US may receive deferred action at this stage
USCIS adjudicates I-914 Supplement A and issues I-797 approval notice
If parent is outside the US
apply for T-4 visa stamp at US embassy/consulate using DS-160 with I-797 approval notice
Upon entry or status grant, file Form I-765 (no fee) to obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
After 3 years in T status (or when investigation/prosecution is complete), T-1 may petition for T-4 family member green card on Form I-914A
Application Forms
Go to application portal| I-914 Application for T Nonimmigrant Status (Supplement A filed by T-1 on behalf of family member) | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in United States
- Sibling of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
Humanitarian
- Adult or Minor Child of a Derivative Family Member
Humanitarian
- Temporary Protected Status
Humanitarian
Humanitarian visas in other countries
- S2 Healthcare Visitor Visa
United Kingdom
- National Visa for Medical Treatment
Germany
- Residencia Permanente de Refugiados
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Living in United States
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