Difference between revisions of "Victims of Human Trafficking (4:VIII)"

Many victims of human trafficking find themselves in Canada without proper documentation and at risk of deportation.  To address this issue, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) can issue a special temporary resident permit to victims of human trafficking (This is referred to as the VTIP TRP – Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Temporary Resident Permit).  The VTIP TRP gives presumed trafficked persons legal status in Canada and is valid for up to 180 days.  Depending on the circumstances of the individual, CIC can even reissue the TRP at the end of the 180-day period.  The benefits of the VTIP TRP include access to health care benefits and trauma counselling through the Interim Federal Health Program.  A work permit is also issued and in BC, social assistance benefits may be available.  A presumed trafficked person with a VTIP TRP is eligible to apply for social assistance benefits.  Victims of human trafficking need not testify against their trafficker in order to be eligible for an initial TRP.  However, immigration officers will interview an individual in order to decide whether they are eligible for the TRP.  

For more information about obtaining a VTIP TRP, call CIC at 1-888-242 2100.