T Visas: How Congruence Law, P.C. Supports Survivors of Human Trafficking Seeking Protection and Legal Status

Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, involving the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex. Survivors of trafficking—many of whom are undocumented or vulnerable due to immigration status—often fear reporting abuse or seeking help. The T visa was created to protect these individuals by providing a legal pathway to safety, work authorization, and ultimately permanent residency. At Congruence Law, P.C., we help trafficking survivors assert their rights and access the protection they deserve under U.S. immigration law.

The T nonimmigrant visa (Form I-914) is available to noncitizens who:

• Are victims of a severe form of human trafficking;

• Are physically present in the U.S. on account of that trafficking;

• Have complied with reasonable requests for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of the trafficking (unless under 18 or unable to cooperate due to trauma);

• Would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S.;

• Are admissible to the U.S. or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.

Severe forms of trafficking include sex trafficking involving a minor or where the individual was induced to engage in a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion, and labor trafficking involving involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or peonage. Victims often face exploitation in domestic work, agriculture, construction, factory labor, or sex-related industries.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we work with survivors to document their experiences, prepare strong legal arguments, and submit complete and credible applications for T visa protection. We begin with a trauma-informed intake process, allowing individuals to safely share their story while identifying the facts and legal elements necessary to support the claim. We collect police reports, court records, medical or psychological evaluations, and affidavits from service providers or witnesses to corroborate the abuse.

We also help survivors complete Form I-914, and where necessary, Form I-192 to request a waiver of inadmissibility for issues such as unlawful entry, prior removal orders, or certain immigration violations. We may also include Form I-914 Supplement B, a law enforcement declaration, though this is not required if the survivor can demonstrate cooperation through other means.

For many trafficking survivors, one of the greatest challenges is proving the nexus between their trafficking experience and their current presence in the United States. We work closely with clients to build a factual and legal bridge between the trafficking, their fear of removal, and the hardship they would face if returned to their country of origin. This may involve explaining risk of retribution, lack of medical or psychological care, or continued vulnerability to harm.

T visa holders receive four years of lawful immigration status, protection from removal, work authorization, and access to certain federal benefits and services. After three years—or upon completion of a trafficking investigation—they may apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency. Derivative T visas are also available for certain family members, including spouses, children, parents, and unmarried siblings under age 18, depending on the age and circumstances of the primary applicant.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we understand that survivors of trafficking need more than legal paperwork—they need respect, support, and advocates who listen and respond with both empathy and precision. We are committed to helping clients navigate the T visa process in a safe and confidential setting, with resources tailored to their unique experiences and needs.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking and may qualify for a T visa, contact us at immigration@congruence.com to request a confidential consultation. We are here to help you pursue safety, stability, and a lawful future free from exploitation.