EN 
ES Vawa - U & T Visa – Relief for Victims of Human Trafficking
Empowering survivors of violence, abuse, and trafficking with legal pathways to safety and stability in the U.S.
What Are VAWA, U & T Visas?
VAWA, U, and T visas provide protection and immigration relief to individuals who have suffered abuse, violence, or trafficking.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) allows abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or residents to self-petition for legal status without the abuser’s knowledge.
U Visas are for victims of certain crimes (such as domestic violence, assault, or trafficking) who have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.
T Visas offer protection to victims of human trafficking who have endured forced labor or exploitation and are willing to assist in investigations.
These humanitarian visas not only offer safety but also open a path to lawful permanent residency.
Vawa - U & T Visa
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
We assist victims of domestic abuse by U.S. citizens or residents in applying for lawful status under VAWA.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Self‑Petition.
Under federal law, immigrant survivors of domestic violence—spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents—can self-petition for a green card without the abuser’s knowledge or sponsorship by filing Form I‑360 VAWA Self‑Petition. VAWA self-petitioners are eligible to adjust status in the U.S. (Form I‑485) if a visa is immediately available, and are generally exempt from most grounds of inadmissibility and bars to adjustment under current policy. USCIS maintains strict confidentiality protections to ensure the petition remains undisclosed to the abuser .
Approved petitioners may also obtain work authorization, lawful permanent residence, and derivative status for qualifying children. In some cases, individuals with pending VAWA petitions may be considered for deferred action while awaiting a decision
Who is eligible to file a VAWA Self‑Petition?
Survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse/former spouse, parent, or child. Applicants may self-petition independently of the abuser .
Can men or LGBTQ+ individuals file under VAWA?
Yes. VAWA protections extend to all survivors of qualifying abuse regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
What evidence is required?
Evidence may include police reports, court records, medical documentation, photographs, affidavits from witnesses, and personal statements.
Is the VAWA petition confidential?
Yes. USCIS treats VAWA self-petitions as strictly confidential and does not notify the abuser.
Can I include my children or adjust status after filing?
Yes. Spouse or child petitioners may include unmarried children under 21. After approval, petitioners may apply for adjustment of status, social security, work authorization, and may include derivatives.
U Visa
We help victims of certain crimes who have cooperated with law enforcement apply for U visa protection.
The U visa (Form I‑918) provides nonimmigrant status to victims of certain qualifying crimes (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking) who have experienced substantial physical or mental abuse and who cooperate with law enforcement. This visa offers up to four years of protection, work authorization, and a pathway to a green card after three years of continuous presence in U‑1 status.
Derivative family members (spouse, children—and, for petitioners under 21, also parents and unmarried siblings under 18) may obtain U status based on the principal applicant’s petition. USCIS implements a “bona fide determination”process allowing early work authorization and deferred action, even before the petition is fully approved.
A 10,000 visa cap per year results in long processing delays currently tracking petitions submitted in February 2017.
Who qualifies for a U visa?
Victims of qualifying crimes (e.g., rape, trafficking, domestic violence) who suffered substantial harm and who have assisted law enforcement with investigation or prosecution.
Can my family get U status too?
Yes. The principal U‑1 applicant can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21 (U‑2/U‑3); if under 21, also parents and siblings under 18 (U‑4/U‑5).
How long does U‑visa processing take?
Because of the annual cap and backlog, final U‑visa approval often takes several years (averaging around 32.7 months), though a bona fide determination may grant EAD and deferred action earlier.
When can I work in the U.S.?
After filing Form I‑918 with supporting law enforcement certification (Form I‑918B), USCIS may issue deferred action and an Employment Authorization Document under bona fide review even while the application awaits full adjudication.
Can I get a green card?
Yes. After holding U‑1 nonimmigrant status for at least three years, you may file Form I‑485 to adjust to permanent residency even with previous undocumented entries or unlawful presence.
T Visa
We represent victims of human trafficking in applying for T visas and lawful status in the U.S
The T nonimmigrant status (T visa) was established under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (2000) to provide protection and immigration relief for foreign nationals who are victims of a severe form of human trafficking (sex trafficking or labor trafficking), and who are present in the U.S. as a result of the trafficking.
Applicants must satisfy all of the following at the time of application:
- Be or have been a victim of trafficking as defined by federal law.
- Be physically present in the U.S. (or U.S. territory/port of entry) because of trafficking.
- Comply with any reasonable request from law enforcement, unless under 18 at the time of trafficking or unable to cooperate due to trauma .
- Demonstrate that extreme hardship would result upon removal.
- Be admissible, or obtain a waiver for inadmissibility .
T status grants up to 4 years of lawful presence, employment authorization, and eligibility for certain federal and state services; extensions are allowed under limited circumstances. After maintaining T status for 3 continuous years, or once justice is served in the trafficking case, survivors may apply for a green card (Form I‑485) as they become eligible. Eligible family members (spouse, children, and—if under 21—parents and siblings) may obtain derivative T status without affecting the principal’s visa ca
Who is eligible for a T visa?
Victims of severe trafficking, sex or labor, physically present in the U.S. due to trafficking, who cooperate (or are exempt due to age or trauma), face extreme hardship upon removal, and are admissible or qualify for a waiver.
How long does T status last?
T status is typically valid for up to 4 years, with possible extensions in specific cases, such as ongoing cooperation in a trafficking investigation.
Can I work or access benefits?
Yes. T visa holders may obtain work authorization and access certain federal and state benefits and services designed for trafficking survivors.
Can family members get status too?
Yes. Derivative T status is available for spouses and unmarried children under 21. For principal applicants under 21, parents and unmarried siblings under 18 may also qualify.
What is the path to permanent residency?
After residing in T status for at least 3 years, or once the trafficking investigation/prosecution concludes, visa holders may file Form I‑485 to adjust to lawful permanent resident status.
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