Protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) can help protect victims of trafficking by securing their immigration status with a special temporary resident permit (TRP). A TRP provides legal immigration status in Canada to potential victims and may be issued for up to 180 days. Depending on the person’s situation, TRPs can be reissued at the end of the 180 day period.

Victims of trafficking who receive a TRP are eligible for health-care benefits and trauma counselling, and may also apply for a work permit.

How do victims apply for a TRP and a work permit?

If you believe that you are a victim of trafficking, or you know someone who is, please visit or contact the CIC office closest to you. To find out where the closest CIC office is, please call CIC toll-free at 1 888 242-2100 (from within Canada only). If you visit our local offices directly, CIC can assess your application faster. In case you need immediate help, please call your local police or 911.

Immigration officers at local CIC offices will interview potential victims to decide if they are eligible for a temporary resident permit. If necessary, they will put the person in contact with other organizations that help victims of trafficking, including other federal, provincial or municipal governments, non-government organizations, or the embassy of their home country. Immigration officers also help the person access health benefits, including counselling, through the Interim Federal Health program.

Victims of trafficking who receive a TRP can also apply for a fee-exempt work permit. They will need to fill out the necessary documents and give it to an immigration officer for processing.

What are the benefits of a TRP?

Victims of trafficking may require a short-term TRP for the following reasons:

• To allow them to escape the influence of traffickers.
• To provide a period of reflection so that they may have time to decide if they wish to return home OR assist in the investigation or prosecution of the trafficker(s).
• To allow them to recover from physical or mental trauma (e.g., counselling or medical treatment may be necessary).
• To allow them to participate in the investigation or prosecution of the trafficker(s).
• In addition, the work permit option allows victims the opportunity to earn a living for themselves without fear of persecution by their traffickers.