Certification allows victims of trafficking who are non-U.S. citizens to be eligible for a special visa and certain benefits and services under any Federal or state program or activity to the same extent as a refugee. Certification provides victims of trafficking with the necessary documentation to be eligible to receive benefits and services they may need to rebuild their lives while remaining in the United States. Victims of trafficking who are U.S. citizens do not need to be certified to receive benefits. As U.S. citizens, they may already be eligible for many benefits. To receive certification, victims of trafficking must: – Be a victim of a severe form of trafficking as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) 1 – Be willing to assist with the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases; and – Have completed a bona fide application for a T visa; or – Have received continued presence status from U.S. Customs and Immigration Services in order to contribute to the prosecution of human traffickers. Once they have met the certification requirements listed above, victims of trafficking will receive an official letter of certification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Children victims of trafficking (under the age of 18) do not need to be certified in order to receive services and benefits. ORR will issue a letter stating that a child is a victim of a severe form of trafficking and is therefore eligible for benefits.
