CIMM – Human Trafficking – February 7, 2024

Key Facts and Figures

Between 2015 and 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 906 temporary resident permits to out-of-status foreign national victims of human trafficking and their dependents (VTIP TRPs).
The majority of VTIP TRPs are currently issued to males (approximately 60%), and to Mexican nationals (approximately 73% in 2023). VTIP TRPs are most commonly issued to individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 (approximately 32% in 2023).
The current approval rate for VTIP TRPs is 86% (for victims of human trafficking; the approval rate for dependents of victims is 100%).
Recently, there have been longer processing times (218 days in 2023 vs 150 days in 2022) for temporary resident permits for victims of human trafficking, due to larger volumes and additional time needed to fully research allegations and seek guidance on these complex cases. While the intent of the program is to facilitate the client’s immigration situation in Canada as soon as feasible, a final decision sometimes cannot be made until information related to cases, including a more complete verification of the facts potentially through an interview or in consultation with law enforcement, can be made available to the decision-maker. There are also other factors which could explain the length of the processing times, such as files being finalized but not closed in the system due to technical errors, and additional training requirements for newer officers.

The Government of Canada recognizes the heinous nature of human trafficking. IRCC is committed to helping to protect victims.
As a protection measure, IRCC issues temporary resident permits (TRPs) to out of status foreign national victims of human trafficking when it is justified in the circumstances. These TRPs allow access to an open work permit or study permit, as well as healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program, including medical and psychological services and prescription drug coverage.
These TRPs are processed on a priority basis, meaning that they take precedence at local offices over other applications from clients not in a vulnerable position.
An initial TRP is typically issued for 180 days to allow for eligibility to apply for a work or study permit. This initial TRP and work permit/study permit are fee exempt.
Should the victims wish to stay in Canada longer, they may apply for a subsequent TRP (not fee exempt). TRPs can be issued for up to three years. They can also apply for one of IRCC’s permanent resident programs (e.g. submitting a Humanitarian and Compassionate application for permanent residence) or make a refugee claim if they are eligible.
IRCC works with partner departments and agencies through the whole-of-government National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.

IRCC conducts administrative investigations to identify human trafficking facilitators and victims and disrupt networks of facilitated human trafficking. Currently, there are approximately 10 such investigations.^{Footnote 1} The Department collaborates with enforcement partners and provides assistance with their criminal investigations and works with officers to identify possible new cases of trafficking victims to put additional scrutiny on an application when concerns arise.
The National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is a horizontal Government of Canada approach, led by Public Safety Canada, and is based on five pillars: empowerment, prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. IRCC’s work falls under the “protection” pillar, and is focused on the issuance of temporary resident permits to victims of human trafficking and administrative immigration investigations.

2024-06-06