T visa requirements are the gateway to permanent residency for many survivors of human trafficking in the U.S. Every year, thousands of people begin their journey toward lawful status through a Visa that remains unknown to many: the T Visa.

Created to protect victims of trafficking, this visa offers more than temporary protection—it can open the door to a Green Card and long-term stability. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), over 1,700 people were granted T Visa benefits in 2023, with a significant portion coming from Latin American communities. Still, many people are unaware of the requirements for T Visa eligibility and how they can use this pathway to move toward a more stable future.

The good news? If you meet the right criteria, you may apply for permanent residency after just three years of continuous presence in the United States. The T Visa allows you to remain legally in the country for up to four years, while offering a real and attainable path to a green card.

But the T Visa is not just a legal benefit—it’s a humanitarian safeguard. It exists to uphold human rights and give a second chance to those who have experienced coercion, abuse, or exploitation. In this blog, the legal team at The Law Firm of Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys breaks down the T Visa requirements for permanent residency and how to move forward safely, with the support you deserve.

Key Benefits of the T Visa in the United States

What is the T Visa? Created under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000, the T Visa offers humanitarian protection for survivors of human trafficking who assist U.S. authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. 

This Visa provides several legal, social, and immigration-related benefits to those who qualify under T Visa eligibility requirements. 

1. Protection from Removal Proceedings

One of the most immediate and essential benefits of the T Visa is protection from being placed in removal proceedings. Individuals who qualify receive temporary legal status, allowing them to remain in the United States for an initial period of up to four years.  

This protection applies even to those who entered the country without authorization or are currently in immigration court. According to USCIS, once a T Visa is approved, the recipient is allowed to stay in the U.S. as long as they continue meeting the program’s T Visa requirements.

2. Work Authorization

T Visa recipients are automatically granted a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), which allows them to legally join the workforce in the U.S.

This employment authorization remains valid as long as the person maintains their T Visa status—and it can be renewed as needed.

3. Access to Federal and State Benefits

Holders of a T Visa may be eligible for certain federal and state benefits that support stability and recovery after trauma. These include:

• Medical assistance (Medicaid)

Survivors can access essential healthcare services through Medicaid, helping them manage both physical and emotional recovery without worrying about high medical bills.

• Food assistance (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps individuals and families put food on the table while rebuilding their lives in a safe environment.

• Temporary housing programs

T Visa holders may qualify for housing assistance programs that provide short-term shelter or rental support—especially crucial for those who left unsafe living conditions.

• Mental health services and trauma recovery support

Survivors of trafficking often face deep psychological impacts. Access to counseling and trauma-informed care is essential for long-term healing and reintegration.

4. Pathway to Lawful Permanent Residency

After three years of continuous physical presence in the U.S. under T Visa status—or once the trafficking case has been fully investigated or prosecuted—survivors may apply for a Green Card.

This is one of the core T Visa application requirements, and it opens the door to long-term legal stability and other immigration benefits.

5. Protection for Eligible Family Members

Perhaps one of the most compassionate aspects of the T Visa is its ability to extend protection to qualifying family members. This helps survivors maintain family unity and provide safety for loved ones at risk.

Depending on the age of the main applicant:

• If the applicant is 21 or older, they may include their spouse and children under 21.
• If under 21, they may include their parents, siblings under 18, spouse, and children (if applicable).
• In special circumstances, other family members may also be included if facing extreme danger without derivative status.

To include eligible relatives, applicants must submit Form I-914, Supplement A, along with evidence of the relationship and—if applicable—proof of the risks those relatives may face.

This benefit reinforces the humanitarian mission behind the T Visa, recognizing that protecting a survivor often means protecting their family as well.

Having the support of an experienced immigration attorney during this process is essential to ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly and that your family’s inclusion is handled with care.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a T Visa for Permanent Residency?

Understanding the Visa T requirements is essential for anyone seeking to transition from temporary protection to permanent legal status in the United States. For 2025, USCIS has outlined specific eligibility rules that applicants must meet to apply for a Green Card after holding a T Visa.

• Valid T Visa Status

Before applying for permanent residency, USCIS will carefully evaluate your visa history. One of the first things they’ll check is whether your T Visa status is still valid.

You must have been lawfully admitted as the principal holder of a T-1 Visa and continue to maintain that status at the time of applying for residency. Losing or failing to renew this status may disqualify you.

• Continuous Physical Presence in the U.S.

USCIS wants to ensure that applicants have genuinely established a presence in the U.S. One of the key T visa eligibility requirements is maintaining continuous physical presence in the United States for at least three years after receiving T Visa status. Maintaining physical presence is a key part of showing your long-term commitment to rebuilding your life here.

Alternatively, if the trafficking case was resolved in less than three years, that may also fulfill the requirement.

• Cooperation with Authorities

Collaboration with law enforcement is an important condition in trafficking-related visas. USCIS examines how the applicant supported the investigation or prosecution of the crime. If you were 18 or older when granted the T Visa, it is expected that you have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the trafficking crime. If you were underage or unable to cooperate due to psychological or physical trauma, you may be exempt—if properly documented.

• Good Moral Character

Moral integrity is another pillar of eligibility. USCIS will look into your background to ensure your actions align with the values of lawful permanent residents. Applicants must show they have maintained good moral character throughout their stay under T Visa protection. USCIS will evaluate your full background, including criminal history, as part of the T Visa application requirements.

• Admissibility Under Immigration Law

Even if you meet all other criteria, you must be considered legally ‘admissible’ under immigration law. This means USCIS will assess your history to determine whether you’re legally allowed to stay in the U.S. If not, you may still apply using Form I-192 to request a waiver, explaining why your stay is justified for humanitarian or public interest reasons. These waivers are often necessary to meet the T Visa requirements. Labor trafficking survivors may especially benefit from this legal relief.

To summarize, the requirements for T Visa include: lawful T Visa status, physical presence, cooperation with law enforcement, moral character, and admissibility. Meeting these standards is the foundation for pursuing permanent residency.

Having the support of an immigration attorney can help ensure you meet all the guidelines and criteria under the T Visa requirements—labor trafficking cases included—and protect your path forward with clarity and care.

Including Family Members: How It Works

A powerful aspect of the T Visa is its ability to include qualifying family members—offering not just protection for the survivor, but also for their loved ones who may be vulnerable to harm or displacement.

• Spouse (T-2): If you’re married, your husband or wife may be eligible for a T-2 Visa, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. with legal protection linked to your case.
• Children (T-3): Minor children can receive derivative status to ensure their safety, stability, and continued access to healthcare and education in the United States.
• Parents and siblings under 18, if the main applicant is under 21: Younger applicants can protect their parents and younger siblings—recognizing that entire families often face threats together, especially in cases of trafficking.

These family members may be eligible for derivative visas and, later on, apply for permanent residency if they also meet the required Visa T requirements.

In some cases, other relatives may also qualify if they would face extreme hardship or danger without derivative status. This option reflects the humanitarian nature of the T Visa, acknowledging the importance of keeping families safe and together.

Can You Travel with a T Visa Without Losing Your Status?

One of the most common questions is: can you travel with a T Visa? The answer is yes—but only under specific conditions.

You must apply for Advance Parole (a travel permit) before leaving the United States. If you leave the country without this authorization, you could lose your T Visa status and risk becoming ineligible for permanent residency based on that visa.

Our recommendation: do not travel outside the U.S. without first consulting an immigration attorney who can guide you based on your situation.

Protect Your Future and Avoid Unnecessary Risks

In summary, the T Visa offers protection and legal status to survivors of human trafficking, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. with the possibility of applying for a Green Card. This visa is valid for four years, but it can be renewed or adjusted through a permanent residency application.

If you’re concerned about your immigration status, you’re not alone. At The Law Firm of Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys, we understand your fears and are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the T Visa requirements and how they apply to your case is the first step toward building a more secure future. Schedule a free consultation today and let’s explore your path to lawful permanent residency—together.