On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-914?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-914 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-914 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-914?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-914 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-914 have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-914?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-914?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form DS-3035 guide, as described in the Form I-129 guide.
T-VISA: T Nonimmigrant Status (Trafficking Victims)
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-914?)
#Overall, Form I-914 is a vital component of the U.S. immigration system's efforts to combat human trafficking and offer refuge to its victims. For related guidance, see the T Nonimmigrant Status (Trafficking Victims) page.
First page of I-914 form
Source: I-914 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-914 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process for obtaining T nonimmigrant status.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) is typically issued after submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature) if required.
- Possible issuance of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if approved.
- I-914 is commonly filed alongside Form I-765, Form I-192.
Who uses it
Form I-914 is intended for applicants who are victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons. To qualify for T Nonimmigrant Status, the applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on account of trafficking. Additionally, the applicant must have complied with any reasonable request for assistance from a Federal, State, Tribal, or local law enforcement agency in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking cases, unless they are under 18 years of age or unable to cooperate due to trauma. This status allows eligible individuals to remain in the United States and potentially apply for permanent residency.
When it is used
- T-VISA: T Nonimmigrant Status (Trafficking Victims)
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Failure prevention (What causes Form I-914 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a signature.
- Failing to include English translations for documents not in English.
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient evidence of trafficking victim status.
- Inadequate documentation of cooperation with law enforcement.
- To avoid incomplete application or insufficient evidence: Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents.
- To avoid filing without i-914 supplement b law enforcement certification: Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) from certifying agency; request early.
- To avoid insufficient evidence of trafficking or cooperation: Document severe trafficking, presence in U.S., and cooperation with investigation per instructions.
What it asks for (What does Form I-914 ask for?)
#- Your current immigration status and last entry into the United States.
- Personal narrative statement describing the circumstances of trafficking.
- Evidence to establish each eligibility requirement.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- The certification must also include the translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information
- Adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the request.
- Documentation related to: Evidence of being a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons
What you need (What do you need for Form I-914?)
#- The current edition of I-914
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Evidence to establish each eligibility requirement.
- Evidence of being a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.
- Evidence of physical presence in the United States due to trafficking.
- Evidence of cooperation with law enforcement or an explanation if unable to cooperate.
- A personal statement and evidence of trafficking victim status.
- Review the checklist of required initial evidence before submitting Form I-914.
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Checklist (What is the Form I-914 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-914 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-914 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of I-914
- Confirm your mailing address is current and correct
- Ensure that all necessary fields on the form are both signed and dated.
- Sign, date, and submit I-914 with all required supporting evidence
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Provides temporary immigration benefits to noncitizen victims of trafficking and their eligible family members | 27 to 29.5 monthsas of January 2026 |
- Processing times for I-914 vary by eligibility category and service center. Data sourced from the official USCIS processing times tool.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires — some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. USCIS distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official USCIS processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on — not a countdown from when you filed.
- While pending: track your case status online with your receipt number, respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence, and update your address through your USCIS account if you move.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-914 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-914. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-914 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-914 have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete application or insufficient evidence | Rejection | Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents. |
| Filing without I-914 Supplement B law enforcement certification | Rejection | Obtain law enforcement certification (Supplement B) from certifying agency; request early. |
| Insufficient evidence of trafficking or cooperation | RFE | Document severe trafficking, presence in U.S., and cooperation with investigation per instructions. |
| Missing personal statement or inconsistent timeline | RFE | Provide detailed statement; ensure dates and facts are consistent across evidence. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-914?)
#- Complete all certifications: Ensure all required official certifications are properly signed and dated.
- Verify documentation: All supporting documents must be current and properly formatted.
- Cross-reference information: Information must be consistent across all sections and supporting documents.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-914?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Some applicants assume that being a victim of trafficking automatically grants T Nonimmigrant Status, but they must still meet all eligibility requirements and provide sufficient evidence.
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Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-914, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization: Filed together: Work authorization for trafficking victims (Humanitarian relief pathway)
- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Next step after approval: Adjustment of status after 3 years or investigation complete (Humanitarian relief pathway)
- Unlike Form I-192: Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant: Filed together: Waiver of inadmissibility if applicable (Humanitarian relief pathway)
Why it matters
#Applicants under 21 can file for more family members than those over 21.
Why it matters: Understanding age-related eligibility can impact who can be included in the application.
Family members remain eligible even if the principal applicant ages out before adjudication.
Why it matters: This ensures continuity of eligibility despite changes in the applicant's age.
Concurrent filing of Supplement A is possible but requires prior approval for certain derivatives.
Why it matters: Proper sequencing of applications can prevent delays in family member approvals.
Form I-914, Supplement B is optional but can strengthen your application.
Why it matters: It provides law enforcement endorsement, which can be a strong piece of evidence for your claim.
Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the application has been received.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if required, where fingerprints, photos, and signatures are collected.
- Await a decision on the application, which may involve requests for additional evidence.
- If approved, receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and T nonimmigrant status.
- Consider applying for derivative status for eligible family members if applicable.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-914 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
FAQs
What is I-914?
Form I-914, the Application for T Nonimmigrant Status, is an official form provided by USCIS. It is essential to consult the official instructions to assess its relevance to your circumstances.
Where can I get I-914 and its instructions?
Download the current edition of I-914 and its instructions from the official USCIS website. Always verify you are using the most recent form version before filing.
Where do I verify the filing fee for I-914?
Use the official USCIS fee schedule for current information specific to your situation and filing method.
What supporting documents do I need for I-914?
Evidence to establish each eligibility requirement. Evidence of being a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. Evidence of physical presence in the United States due to trafficking.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-914?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
Who is eligible to file I-914?
Form I-914 serves as the application for T Nonimmigrant Status, specifically intended for victims of human trafficking who aid law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting such cases. This form enables eligible individuals to stay in the United States and possibly pursue permanent residency. To be eligible for T-1 nonimmigrant status, you must demonstrate that you are or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.
What happens after I submit I-914?
After submitting I-914, USCIS will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons I-914 gets rejected?
Common reasons I-914 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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