Asylum (S) Visa

The Asylum (S) Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for individuals who have been victims of severe human trafficking or have provided substantial assistance to U.S. law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of serious crimes. It serves as both a humanitarian protection and an incentive for cooperation in combatting trafficking and organized criminal activities.

Key Aspects of the S Visa:

• Eligibility: The S visa is available to individuals who have suffered from severe forms of human trafficking—including both sex trafficking and labor trafficking—or who have offered vital information or testimony aiding U.S. law enforcement in criminal investigations.
• Law Enforcement Certification: To qualify, applicants must receive official certification from a U.S. law enforcement agency confirming that they have cooperated or are actively assisting in a criminal investigation or prosecution related to trafficking or serious criminal offenses.
• Derivative Benefits: Immediate family members—including spouses, children, and in some cases parents—may be eligible for derivative S visas to join or accompany the principal visa holder in the United States.
• Duration of Stay: The S visa is typically granted for up to three years, with possible extensions for individuals whose assistance remains necessary. After this period, eligible applicants may apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) if they meet all statutory requirements.
• Work Authorization: S visa holders are authorized to work in the United States and may obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to legally engage in employment during their stay.
• Protection and Support Services: Beneficiaries of the S visa have access to federal and state support programs, including medical care, counseling, employment assistance, and reintegration services offered by victim-support organizations and humanitarian agencies.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After maintaining continuous presence in the United States for at least three years and fulfilling all eligibility conditions, S visa holders may apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents.
• Confidentiality and Safety: Strict confidentiality and anti-retaliation protections are enforced to safeguard applicants from traffickers or criminal organizations, ensuring their safety and dignity throughout the legal process.
• Humanitarian Objective: The S visa program provides victims of trafficking with legal status, protection, and an opportunity for recovery—empowering them to rebuild their lives free from exploitation while contributing to justice and enforcement efforts in the United States.

The Asylum (S) Visa represents a vital balance between justice and humanitarian relief. At Visa2Migrate, we assist applicants, survivors, and cooperating witnesses through every stage of the S visa process—ensuring legal compliance, emotional support, and a clear path toward stability and safety in the United States.