T Visa Application

Immigration Protection for Survivors of Human Trafficking In the US

The T Visa may be an immigration protection option for certain individuals who have been victims of a severe form of human trafficking and are physically present in the United States because of that trafficking.

Human trafficking may involve labor exploitation, forced labor, servitude, coercion, sexual exploitation, or situations where a person was forced, deceived, threatened, or manipulated into working or performing activities against their will.

At Canto Legal Immigration Attorneys, we understand that these experiences can be difficult to talk about. We handle each case with respect, privacy, and seriousness, helping you understand whether the T Visa may apply and what information may be important to prepare a safe strategy.

Labor or Sex Trafficking

Exploitation Can Happen in Different Settings

Trafficking may be connected to domestic work, restaurants, agriculture, construction, salons, factories, caregiving services, informal businesses, or other work environments. It may also involve commercial sexual exploitation.

Every case requires analyzing the facts, the type of control used, and the impact the situation had on the person.

Presence in the United States

The Connection Between the Trafficking and Your Current Presence Matters

The person must be physically present in the United States, a U.S. territory, or a port of entry because of the trafficking. The analysis may include how the person arrived, what happened during the process, and why the person remains present in the United States.

Cooperation with Authorities

Cooperation Is Evaluated Based on the Circumstances of the Case

In general, the T Visa requires compliance with reasonable requests for assistance from authorities in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking. There are special rules for minors and for individuals who are unable to cooperate because of physical or psychological trauma.

Our Mission

Helping You Understand Your Options with Dignity and Confidentiality

Seeking help after an experience of exploitation can bring fear, confusion, or concerns about your safety. Our team can help you review your situation carefully, without minimizing what you experienced or pressuring you to share more than necessary in an initial conversation.

During the process, we help you:

  • Analyze whether the facts may constitute a severe form of human trafficking.
  • Review how the exploitation, control, or coercion occurred.
  • Identify possible documents, reports, or people who may support your story.
  • Evaluate whether there was previous contact with police, prosecutors, labor agencies, or other authorities.
  • Organize personal statements and medical, psychological, labor, and immigration evidence.
  • Review entries, departures, visas, prior applications, and other immigration history.
  • Evaluate possible options for eligible family members, when applicable.
  • Prepare a strategy to file Form I-914, when appropriate.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify
Indicators

Important Elements for a T Visa Application

Victim of a Severe Form of Human Trafficking

The situation must include elements of exploitation, fraud, force, coercion, deception, threats, or control, depending on the facts of the case.

Physically Present Because of the Trafficking

It is important to analyze how the trafficking experience is connected to the person’s current presence in the United States.

Risk of Extreme Harm if Removed

The person must show that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States.

Cooperation with Authorities, When Applicable

Reasonable assistance to authorities can be an important requirement, although exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.

Supporting Evidence

Police reports, medical records, messages, photographs, witness statements, labor documents, communications, therapy records, and other materials may help support the case.

Complete Immigration History

The person’s manner of entry, prior stays, applications, immigration orders, or denials may be relevant when defining the strategy.

Do You Want to Know Whether the T Visa May Apply to Your Case?

You do not need to have all your documents organized before contacting us. Complete an initial evaluation or communicate privately with our team to explain, in general terms, what happened, whether there was exploitation or coercion, whether there was contact with authorities, and what your current immigration situation is.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify