T Visas: A Critical Immigration Option for Survivors of Human Trafficking

T nonimmigrant status 1 is a nonimmigrant (temporary) status that allows noncitizen survivors of a severe form of human trafficking to stay in the United States, obtain employment authorization, apply for lawful permanent resident status, and help certain family members obtain immigration status as well. It was created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (hereinafter VTVPA 2000).
The T nonimmigrant status discussed in this manual is often colloquially referred to as a “T visa” by attorneys and community members alike. However, it is important to note that most clients in the United States who benefit from this immigration option will not have a T visa. Instead, they will be approved for T nonimmigrant status. This is an important distinction to make to clients and to understand as immigration practitioners.