Certification Letters

Foreign national adults in the United States who have been subjected to a severe form of trafficking in persons are eligible for certain benefits and services under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.  Certification Letters let individuals who have experienced trafficking and meet certain eligibility rules apply for the same benefits and services as refugees.  

U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who have experienced trafficking do not need Certification or Eligibility Letters to be eligible for similar services. You can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline for further assistance.

If you or someone you know has already received a Certification Letter, follow the steps in the adult certification handout. 

Here are more resources that can assist:

• Trafficking Victim Assistance Program grantees can provide case management services to assist foreign nationals with HHS certification and enrollment in benefits.
• ORR State Refugee Coordinators can help navigate state-specific benefits questions.
• The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for technical assistance and service referrals.  Call 1-888-373-7888 or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org.

Family members of individuals who have experienced trafficking that have their own derivative T visas (T-2 through T-6) are immediately eligible for benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. They do not need any letter from HHS.