Reviewed July 2026
Immigration Legal Services

Humanitarian Services

Ayuda gratuita y confidencial: Visa U y VAWA

If you have been the victim of a violent crime, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, or human trafficking, you may qualify for immigration relief such as U-Visa or T-Visa. If you have ever been the victim of abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member, you may qualify for immigration relief such as VAWA. IHF provides free and confidential legal help in English and Spanish.

Get confidential help Call 702-889-4431
Sliding-scale fees
Who it's for
Crime victims and abuse survivors
Typical timeline
18 months to 5+ years U-Visa backlogs are long; VAWA moves faster
IHF cost
Sliding-scale fees Sliding scale plus USCIS fees may apply

About the Humanitarian Program

The U-Visa is for people who were the victims of a serious crime in the U.S. (including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, stalking, kidnapping, and others) and who cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation.

VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act) protects women, men, and children who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. Your abuser is never notified.

T-Visa is meant for victims of severe forms of trafficking: sex trafficking, human trafficking, or labor trafficking who cooperated in the detection, investigation, or prosecution.

Who qualifies

  • You were the victim of a qualifying violent crime in the U.S. (U-Visa) or human trafficking (T-Visa).
  • You are the spouse, child (under 21), or parent of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident abuser (VAWA).
  • You suffered substantial physical or emotional harm.
  • You cooperated with law enforcement (U-Visa or T-Visa) or have evidence of abuse (VAWA).
  • You have not been convicted of a serious offense that would disqualify you.
  • You are willing to share documents and your story with our immigration attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives in confidence.

How IHF helps, step by step

  1. 1

    Confidential consultation

    We listen. Nothing leaves the room without your permission.

  2. 2

    Case review

    Our immigration attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives confirm whether your situation is eligible for U-Visa, T-Visa, or VAWA. They will also inform you on evidence needed for your case.

  3. 3

    Form preparation

    IHF staff will prepare forms, including the personal declaration, with your input.

  4. 4

    Evidence gathering and mental health support

    If available, IHF offers mental health support with the Alebrije Program. Or connect you with other mental health resources.

  5. 5

    Filing and follow-up

    We submit the case, request a work permit, and stay with you through the long wait for a decision.

Common questions

Humanitarian Services, answered

What does IHF cost?
We do an eligibility screening to understand your situation before any fees are set. We use a sliding-scale fee based on your income. We tell you the cost upfront and help you apply for a USCIS fee waiver if you qualify.
Do I need a police report?
Yes, for U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWA it is required to have a police report.
Sources

Where this information comes from

Direct links to government and authoritative sources we used. If you spot something out of date, email info@immigrantfoundation.org.

  1. USCIS - Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status U-Visa eligibility and process
  2. USCIS - Battered Spouses, Children, and Parents (VAWA) VAWA self-petition path
  3. USCIS - Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status U-Visa application form
  4. USCIS - Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status T-Visa application form
  5. USCIS - Form I-360, VAWA Self-Petition VAWA petition form
Private + secure

Need to meet safely?

Schedule a private online consultation. Encrypted forms, secure video, bilingual staff. No in-person visit required.

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