Trafficking Victim (T Visa Holder)
⏱ Wait required🌿 Quick Summary
- •Who: Victims of human trafficking who received T nonimmigrant status
- •Wait time: Wait required (~36–60 (3 years in T status + processing) months)
- •Total estimated time: 36–60 (3 years in T status + processing) months
Description
Trafficking survivors who have held a T visa for 3 years can apply for a green card.
Who Qualifies
✉️ Letter Templates
💡 Tips to Speed Up and Prevent Denial
🔵 Quality
- For U visa: getting the I-918B certification is the biggest hurdle. Certifying officials are not always aware of the process. Bring them a copy of Form I-918B and a one-page explanation of what they need to do. Many victim advocates and legal organizations have experience working with certifying officials — use them.
- Even undocumented immigrants, overstayed visa holders, and people with prior removal orders can qualify for T and U visas. Immigration violations generally do not bar you from these humanitarian protections. Do not assume you cannot apply because of your immigration history — consult a lawyer.
- Both T and U visa processes are available for FREE. Do NOT pay anyone who is not a licensed attorney to prepare these applications for you. Many nonprofit organizations help trafficking and crime victims with free immigration legal services. Organizations like Catholic Charities, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), RAICES, and local legal aid offices handle these cases regularly.
🟢 Speed
- File your U visa application as soon as you have the certification. The waiting list is very long and starts from the date USCIS receives your complete application. Every month you delay is a month more you wait.
🔴 Avoid Denial
- For BOTH T and U visas: you must continue to cooperate with law enforcement when reasonably asked, throughout the entire process — including during the 3-year period before you can apply for a green card. If law enforcement contacts you and you refuse without a valid reason, it can jeopardize your case.