A foreign national adult victim of human trafficking is eligible for federal and state benefits and services to the same extent as a refugee upon issuance of a letter of certification by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS issues a Certification Letter after notification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granting a person Continued Presence, or a T visa, or that a bona fide T visa application has not been denied (22 U.S.C. § 7105).

U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are victims of a severe form of human trafficking do not need to obtain certification from HHS in order to access specialized services for victims of trafficking or any other federal benefits and protections to which they are entitled.

Access the fact sheets to learn more about the Certification process and related data.