U and T Visa Certifications

U and T Visa Certifications: Protection for Victims

Certification from a law enforcement agency is required, confirm the victim’s helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution.

The T Visa provides status to victims of severe forms of human trafficking. While not strictly required, a Declaration (Form I-914, Supplement B) from an agency describe the casualty assistance is highly beneficial. Both visas offer a path to temporary status, work consent , and eventually, a Green Card. But County Attorney Mary Moriarty, who took office in 2023, said her ancestor rarely prepared them.

— Protection for victims of crime and human trafficking (eligibility, benefits, and next steps)

The U and T nonimmigrant visas provide humanitarian relief for noncitizen victims who cooperate with law enforcement (U visa) or who were victims of severe human trafficking (T visa). Therefore, victims and their advocates should evaluate eligibility promptly, preserve evidence, and coordinate with law enforcement and counsel to maximize the chance of a successful petition.

What the U visa does (quick)

• The U visa is for victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who are helpful to law enforcement. U-visa recipients receive temporary status, work authorization, and may become eligible to adjust to lawful permanent residence after meeting certain requirements.

What the T visa does (quick)

• The T visa protects victims of severe trafficking in persons (sex trafficking or forced labor). T-visa holders receive temporary status, work authorization, and derivative benefits; T visas may also lead to adjustment in many situations.

Who may be eligible

• U: Victim of a qualifying crime; suffered substantial abuse; has information about the crime; has a certifying official sign Form I-918, Supplement B; is helpful to law enforcement (or explains why not).
• T: Victim of severe trafficking subjected to force, fraud, or coercion; presence in the U.S. is due to trafficking; and the applicant would suffer extreme hardship upon removal or complies with reasonable requests for assistance.

Immediate steps

1. Preserve evidence: police reports, medical/counseling records, photographs, witness statements.
2. Obtain certifications: U petitions require Form I-918, Supplement B signed by a certifying official; T petitions need detailed trafficking evidence and letters where available.
3. Seek counsel: legal drafting of substantial-harm, helpfulness, and coercion elements is essential.
4. Coordinate with victim-service providers for corroborating documentation and safety planning.

Documents to assemble

• Police reports, prosecutor letters, and Form I-918 Supplement B (U cases).
• Medical and counseling records, declarations, employment records, and affidavits.
• Passport, identity documents, and prior immigration records.

How we help

We draft and file U and T petitions, secure and prepare law-enforcement certifications, assemble medical and counseling corroboration, prepare victim and witness affidavits, file employment-authorization requests, and advise on paths to adjustment and safety measures.