If you’re an immigrant who has been subject to human trafficking, you may be eligible for a T visa. Mendoza Law has extensive experience helping vulnerable individuals apply for T visas to obtain legal protection. To check your eligibility, you need to speak to a T visa lawyer serving San Francisco immediately.
Contact our offices today to learn more about how a San Francisco humanitarian visa lawyer can help. We can offer legal assistance throughout the entire application process and for any other immigration issues you may have.
T-Visa Explained
A T visa is a type of temporary non-immigrant visa that is available to victims of severe trafficking who help law enforcement with investigations. A T visa grants temporary legal status if you were a victim of trafficking and assists law enforcement with their investigations into criminal trafficking activity.
With a T visa, you can stay in the U.S. for up to a four-year initial period and can be eligible for employment and certain federal and state benefits. T visa holders may also be able to adjust their legal status and become permanent residents in the future.
Congress created the T visa designation in 2000 as a means to protect victims of human trafficking and help law enforcement prosecute groups guilty of trafficking. U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) can issue up to 5,000 T visas annually, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a free case evaluation with a t visa lawyer serving San Francisco, call +1 (202) 933-3379
T-Visa Eligibility Requirements
The T visa program has extremely specific requirements you must meet to be eligible. Our San Francisco immigration lawyers can explain whether you qualify. The requirements include:
- You were a victim of severe trafficking. “Severe trafficking” in this context means sex or labor trafficking by force or coercion.
- You are inside the U.S. or a nearby port of entry because you were trafficked there.
- You complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement to assist in investigating, detecting, or prosecuting human trafficking operations (unless you were 18 or physically unable to do so).
- You show that you would face extraordinary hardship and danger if you were removed from the country.
- You are otherwise eligible for entry to the US (e.g., no violent felony convictions).
In addition to those who meet the criteria above, eligible family members may also be able to receive a T visa. If you are uncertain about whether your situation qualifies, you can discuss your case and options with a T visa lawyer serving San Francisco.
San Francisco T Visa Lawyer Near Me +1 (202) 933-3379
What is the Process of Applying for a T-Visa?
If you are eligible to apply for a T visa, it’s extremely important that you follow the application procedure as closely as possible. Errors during the application process can result in visa denials or delays.
Fill Out Form I-914 Application
The first step is filling out Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status. This form contains basic personal details and information related to the circumstances of your trafficking. As part of the form, you must answer several questions about your background and whether you have ever been convicted of crimes.
Provide Evidence of Complying With Law Enforcement
Next, you must provide proof of your compliance with law enforcement requests to aid investigations by filling out Form I-914 Supplement B. This form contains details about the agency and investigation you assisted with. Supplement B must be filled out by a federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement agency.
Note that minor victims under 18 don’t have to provide evidence of assisting law enforcement. You also don’t need to show evidence of complying if you were unable, whether due to physical or mental trauma.
Complete Form I-192
The last step is completing Form I-192, which covers your admissibility into the U.S. If you are inadmissible, this form lets you apply for a waiver of inadmissibility that may be granted based on your specific circumstances.
Wait for Approval
Approval for a T visa typically takes between nine and 24 months, though backlogs can push decisions back as much as three years. In the meantime, an attorney can help you secure a bona fide determination from USCIS that will protect you from removal and allow you to work while waiting for a final decision.
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How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help With a T Visa
The U.S. immigration system is incredibly complex and often obtuse. Applying for a T visa requires submitting several documents and forms on time and responding to additional requests for information. An experienced immigration attorney can help with the application process and manage your case for you by:
- Determining your eligibility for a T visa
- Filling out the appropriate immigration forms
- Obtaining documents and records for evidentiary purposes
- Contacting law enforcement agencies you assisted
- Helping you write personal statements
- Applying for inadmissibility waivers
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Mendoza Law: Your San Francisco T Visa Lawyer
Victims of trafficking may face instability and danger from their precarious positions. The team at Mendoza Law has extensive experience helping immigrants and victims of trafficking obtain legal status and find the freedom to determine their own lives.
Contact our offices online or reach out by phone today to discuss your case with our San Francisco T visa lawyers.
Call or text +1 (202) 933-3379 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
