T Visa and Green Card Pathway

The T visa is a nonimmigrant visa for victims of severe forms of human trafficking. T visa holders who have been in the United States for at least three years (or the duration of the investigation or prosecution of trafficking) may be eligible to apply for a green card by filing Form I-485.

T visa holders who file I-485 must meet the standard adjustment of status requirements, including completing an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.

Medical Exam Requirement

All I-485 applicants, including T visa holders, must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The medical exam requirement applies regardless of the basis for the I-485 application.

The civil surgeon is bound by HIPAA and professional confidentiality obligations. They will not share your medical information with anyone other than USCIS without your consent.

Trauma-Informed Approach to the Exam

A good civil surgeon will approach the exam with sensitivity and respect for all patients. If you have experienced trauma, you can let the civil surgeon know that you prefer a trauma-informed approach. You can also bring a support person or advocate to the appointment.

You are not required to disclose the details of your trafficking experience to the civil surgeon. Simply tell them you are filing Form I-485. The civil surgeon only needs to evaluate your medical fitness for immigration purposes.

Mental Health Findings and T Visa Holders

Mental health conditions are evaluated during the immigration medical exam. A mental health condition alone does not make you inadmissible unless it is associated with harmful behavior. PTSD, depression, and anxiety — which are common among trafficking survivors — are not grounds for inadmissibility.

If you have a mental health history, the civil surgeon will document relevant findings on Form I-693 as required. Having a mental health condition does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a green card.

Confidentiality and Sensitivity

The civil surgeon's office is bound by HIPAA privacy rules. Your medical information will not be shared with your trafficker or anyone else without your consent, except as required by law.

If you have concerns about privacy or safety, contact the civil surgeon's office before your appointment to discuss their privacy practices. You can also bring a trusted advocate or case manager from a trafficking victim services organization.

Resources and Support

T visa holders can access free or low-cost legal assistance through legal aid organizations and trafficking victim services providers. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 1-888-373-7888. Many organizations can help you navigate the immigration process safely and confidentially.