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T-5 — Sibling of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

T-5 — Sibling of T-1 (if T-1 under 21)

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

2.5–3.5 years

Estimated Cost

USD $185

Stay Duration

49 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now 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

Unmarried sibling under 18 of a T-1 visa holder who was under 21 at time of application.

The T-5 is a US derivative status for the unmarried sibling (under 18) of a T-1 ...

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Cost Breakdown

I-914 filing feeUSD $0
I-914 Supplement A filing feeUSD $0
Biometrics feeUSD $0
Consular MRV fee (if applying abroad)USD $185
I-765 Employment AuthorizationUSD $0
I-192 Inadmissibility waiver (if needed)USD $0
optional
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant StatusUSD $0
optional
I-485 Adjustment of StatusUSD $0
optional
TotalUSD $185

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant4.0 years

Annual Cap & Quota

No cap — T derivatives are exempt from the 5,000/year annual limit that applies to T-1 principals

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EB-4 — Employment Fourth Preference - Special Immigrant
United States flagUnited States

EB-4 — Employment Fourth Preference - Special Immigrant

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

T-1 principal holder must be under 21 years of age at the time the T-1 application was filed

Applicant must be an unmarried sibling under age 18 of the T-1 principal

T-1 principal must have a pending or approved I-914 application

Applicant must be admissible to the United States, or obtain a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192)

Evidence of qualifying family relationship must be provided (e.g., birth certificates)

Alternatively qualifying regardless of T-1 age if sibling faces present danger of retaliation due to T-1's escape or cooperation with law enforcement

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

Birth certificates or other evidence of sibling relationship to T-1 principal

Copy of T-1 principal's Form I-797 approval notice or receipt notice

Evidence of present danger of retaliation (if that is the qualification basis)

Biometric information (fingerprints, photo)

Form DS-160 confirmation page (if applying at a consulate abroad)

Passport-style photographs meeting State Department specifications

Form I-192 with supporting evidence (if waiver of inadmissibility is needed)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No USCIS filing fee — humanitarian fee exemption applies
  • Derivatives do not count toward the 5,000 annual cap on T-1 principal status grants
  • Grants open-market Employment Authorization (no employer restrictions after EAD issued)
  • Clear statutory pathway to lawful permanent residence after 3 years of physical presence
  • Extensions available if law enforcement need continues or exceptional circumstances exist
  • Waivers of inadmissibility (Form I-192) available without disclosing trafficker household income
  • Entire immediate family of a minor trafficking victim can obtain protected status together

Worth Knowing

  • T-1 principal must be under 21 for this specific derivative category (unless danger-of-retaliation basis applies)
  • Sibling must be unmarried and under 18
  • Status is derivative — adjudication is tied to T-1 principal's application
  • Work authorization is NOT automatic; a separate Form I-765 must be filed to obtain an EAD
  • Processing times are lengthy: 12–36 months is typical
  • Overseas derivatives must complete consular processing, including a $185 MRV fee
  • Hard bars exist: no waiver available for murder or torture-related criminal convictions

Application Process

1

T-1 principal files Form I-914 (Application for T Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS

2

T-1 principal concurrently or subsequently files Form I-914, Supplement A on behalf of the T-5 sibling

3

If sibling is outside the US, USCIS issues approval and sibling applies for T-5 visa stamp at a US consulate using Form DS-160 and attends interview

4

If sibling is inside the US, USCIS grants T-5 status directly

5

After status is granted, derivative files Form I-765 separately to obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

6

After 3 years of continuous physical presence in T-5 status, file Form I-485 to adjust to lawful permanent residence

Application Forms

Go to application portal
I-914
Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
Fill online
I-914 Supplement A
Application for Derivative T Nonimmigrant Status
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online
I-192
Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant
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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