Huntsville T Visa Lawyer

A T visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the country temporarily while they seek permanent residency. A T visa is designed to give trafficking victims legal protection while they stay in the U.S., get a work permit, and apply for a green card on their way to naturalization and citizenship.

If you are in the U.S. because of sex or labor trafficking, a Huntsville T-visa lawyer from the Solano Law Firm could help you with the application process. Contact one of our dedicated immigration visa attorneys today for legal advice. En Español.

Do You Qualify for a T Visa?

A T visa helps victims of human trafficking and their family members stay in the United States so they can recover from the effects of the trauma and help law enforcement prosecute the wrongdoers. A T visa attorney helps victims work with law enforcement while protecting their legal status.

To qualify for a T visa, the victim must already be in the U.S. due to a severe form of human trafficking. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines two types of severe human trafficking. Sex trafficking occurs when victims are brought to the U.S. by force, fraud, or threats to perform sexual acts. Labor trafficking happens when individuals are encouraged, enticed, or transported to the U.S. under fraudulent circumstances to work under conditions that are essentially bondage, peonage, or slavery.

Traffickers often threaten their victims with their undocumented status. At the Solano Law Firm in Huntsville, one of our immigration attorneys could work with undocumented individuals who need waivers to qualify for eligibility under the T visa program.

Family Member Eligibility

The T visa program covers victims who have other family members in the U.S. and worry about retaliation if they flee from their traffickers. This is known as derivative status. Generally, spouses, parents, and minors are eligible if they are in present danger of retaliation. A T visa attorney in Huntsville could explain this in more detail.

What Happens After You Apply?

The initial response time for a T visa application is between 12 and 36 months. This response determines if your application is bona fide (genuine) or if additional information is needed. Several factors could affect the determination, including a backlog of cases at the USCIS and the complexity of your case.

Following the initial ruling, the case may take several years to process. The review process and government policy changes could increase or decrease the time needed to handle claims.

The USCIS has a strict annual quota of 5,000 cases. Once they approve that number, the remaining applications are put on hold until the following year. This quota is not always reached. Applicants may qualify for deferred action on their case.

If you believe you qualify for a T visa, contact one of our immigration attorneys in Huntsville immediately. There may be other options for you to consider.

A T visa is valid for four years. Once you receive the T visa, you may qualify for permanent legal resident status (green card) after three years of continuous residence and cooperation with authorities on your case. Ask your attorney about the requirements, as you must remain in the U.S. to qualify.

Contact an Immigration Attorney in Huntsville Today

The changing policies surrounding immigration today may seem frightening. There are still many options for those who are in the U.S. because of human trafficking or other crimes. A Huntsville T-visa lawyer at the Solano Law Firm could answer your questions about T visas and other ways to address immigration and documentation.

Contact our dedicated team today if you or a family member has questions or concerns about T visas or other types of legal assistance. En Español.