U Visas and T Visas

U visas and T visas protect people who have been seriously harmed in the United States and are willing to help law enforcement. A U visa is for victims of certain crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault and felonious assault. A T visa is for victims of human trafficking for labor or sex. Both provide lawful status, work authorization and a path to a green card, and both are confidential. Our office helps survivors in Atlanta, Norcross and across Georgia prepare these applications safely and completely.

The U visa

Who qualifies

You may qualify for U nonimmigrant status if:

• You were the victim of a qualifying crime, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, felonious assault, stalking, kidnapping, extortion, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, involuntary servitude, trafficking or a substantially similar crime
• You suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result
• You have information about the crime
• You were, are, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting it
• The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law
• You are admissible, or you obtain a waiver on Form I-192

A parent, guardian or “next friend” can provide the information and help for a victim who is under 16 or incapacitated. Certain family members of a murder or manslaughter victim may qualify as indirect victims.

The law enforcement certification

Every U visa petition requires Form I-918 Supplement B, signed by an authorized official of a certifying agency. Certifying agencies include police departments, sheriff’s offices, prosecutors, judges, child protective services and certain federal agencies. In metro Atlanta, these may include a county police department, a solicitor’s or district attorney’s office, or a city police department. The certification must have been signed within the six months before you file. Agencies are not required to sign, so we often help victims request certifications and gather the police reports and court records the agency needs.

The cap and the wait

Only 10,000 principal U visas can be granted each year. Demand is far higher, so approved petitions are placed on a waiting list. USCIS has also used a bona fide determination process to grant work authorization and deferred action to some petitioners before a visa number is available. Processing times are long, so file as soon as the case is ready.

Family members

• Petitioners under 21 can include a spouse, children, parents and unmarried siblings under 18.
• Petitioners 21 or older can include a spouse and children.

Family members are added on Form I-918 Supplement A, with the principal’s petition or later. Family members abroad go through consular processing after approval.

The T visa

Who qualifies

You may qualify for T nonimmigrant status if:

• You are or were a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. That means sex trafficking, or recruiting or holding someone for labor or services through force, fraud or coercion.
• You are in the United States, or at a port of entry, because of the trafficking
• You have complied with reasonable requests from law enforcement for help, unless you are under 18 or unable to cooperate because of physical or psychological trauma
• You would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed

Unlike the U visa, the T visa does not require a law enforcement certification, though one can help. DHS updated the T visa regulations in a final rule that took effect in 2024. The rule clarified that victims can show cooperation through their own statements and other evidence. Up to 5,000 principal T visas can be granted each year, and that cap has not been reached in recent years.

Family members

T visa applicants can include spouses and children, parents and unmarried siblings under 18 for applicants under 21, and in some cases family members who face present danger of retaliation because of the applicant’s escape or cooperation.

Confidentiality and safety

Federal law at 8 U.S.C. 1367 generally bars DHS from disclosing information about U, T and VAWA applicants, or from relying solely on information from the abuser or trafficker. You can list a safe mailing address. If you are in danger now, call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Inadmissibility waivers

Many survivors have issues such as unlawful entry, prior removals or criminal records connected to the abuse or trafficking. Form I-192 lets USCIS waive most grounds of inadmissibility for U and T applicants when it is in the public or national interest. Disclose your full history. Hiding a problem can lead to denial for misrepresentation.

The path to a green card

• U visa holders may apply for a green card under INA 245(m) after three years of continuous physical presence in U status, if they have not unreasonably refused to help law enforcement. In November 2025, USCIS confirmed in its policy manual that a grant of U status is not an “admission” for general adjustment of status under INA 245(a). Most U holders therefore use 245(m).
• T visa holders may apply under INA 245(l) after three years in T status, or sooner if the investigation or prosecution is complete. They must show good moral character and continued compliance or an exception.

Evidence to gather

• Police reports, incident numbers, protective orders and court records
• Medical and counseling records showing physical or mental harm
• Your detailed personal statement
• Statements from witnesses, advocates, shelters or counselors
• For trafficking, evidence of recruitment, debts, pay records, confiscated documents or threats
• Identity documents and records of your entries into the United States

Hypothetical: A woman in Gwinnett County was beaten by her former partner and called the police, who arrested him. She testified at a protective order hearing. She has no lawful status. She asks the county prosecutor’s office for a Supplement B certification. With her counseling records, the police report and her statement, she files a U visa petition and includes her 10-year-old daughter as a derivative. While they wait, her daughter’s school and her counselor provide support letters for a later adjustment application.

Read the USCIS U visa page. You can also learn about our immigration waiver services and our green card services.

This page reflects USCIS guidance as of November 2026. Rules and procedures change, so confirm current requirements before you file.

How our office can help

If you are looking for a U visa lawyer in Atlanta or need help with a T visa, our office can evaluate whether a U or T visa fits your situation, request law enforcement certifications, prepare your statement and evidence confidentially, handle inadmissibility waivers, include eligible family members, and file for a green card when you become eligible.

Call us today, at (770) 840-9098 to speak with an attorney.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Results may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.