What is the maximum initial duration for Continued Presence status?

Continued Presence status is a form of immigration relief granted to individuals who are victims of a severe form of trafficking and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking cases. The maximum initial duration for Continued Presence status is set at 2 years. This period allows law enforcement adequate time to conduct investigations while also ensuring that victims are afforded some stability during the process. After the initial 2-year period, individuals may be eligible to apply for extensions of their status if they continue to cooperate with law enforcement.

This structure serves to balance the needs of law enforcement with the protection and support of trafficking victims, providing them a temporary status that acknowledges their situation while encouraging participation in the judicial process.