20,242 Migrants Approved For Legal Status Following Comprehensive Security Vetting

UPDATE (03/11/26): Less than 100 people reportedly showed up at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Monday (2nd November, 2026) as distribution of Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) cards and Minister’s Permits began, despite 20,242 applicants being recommended for approval following comprehensive security checks.

Some applicants are said to have struggled to find authorized NLCB Lotto booths to pay the required TT $710 fee, while others could not get time off from work to collect their documents.

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The Ministry of Homeland Security is advising migrants that the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) is moving into its third and final phase, following the completion of online applications and in-person registration. As at 25th October, 2026, a total of 20,242 applicants had been recommended for MRF cards and Minister’s Permits following a comprehensive security vetting process.

In a Media Release on Friday (30th October, 2026), the Ministry said payment is scheduled to commence on Sunday (1st November, 2026) at participating National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Lotto booths nationwide, with Phase 3 document distribution expected to begin on Monday (2nd November, 2026). The MRF cards and permits will be valid from 1st November, 2026 to 31st October, 2027.

What Applicants Need To Do

1. Check Your Application Status

• Visit www.migrantregistration.gov.tt to check your application status and assigned collection date details. Follow the instructions provided for your application outcome. Applicants whose status is pending, unsuccessful or cannot be located should seek guidance through the Ministry’s MRF Help Desk at mfrhelpdesk@mhs.gov.tt or call 613-1505 before making any payment.

2. Make The Required Payment

• Applicants whose applications have been approved will be required to pay TT $710, comprising the prescribed MRF fee of $700 and $10 transaction fee, at participating National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Lotto booths nationwide.
• Applicants must have their MRF number available and retain their payment receipt as proof of payment.

3. Collect Your Documents

• Following payment, approved applicants must visit the Ato Boldon Stadium, located off Balmain Main Road, Balmain, Couva, on their assigned collection date. Applicants must bring their payment receipt and the identification documents specified in the official collection instructions. At the distribution centre, applicants will sign their Minister’s Permits and receive their document packages.

4. Official Photograph

• All applicants will be required to have an official photograph taken for their MRF cards at the designated collection centre. Applicants are asked to dress appropriately and wear clothing in a colour other than white to ensure a clear photograph.

Important Information

• The MRF card and associated Minister’s Permit authorize eligible holders to legally reside and work in Trinidad and Tobago for the duration of the permit’s validity. However, the permit does not serve as a travel document and does not permit holders to leave and re-enter Trinidad and Tobago while the permit remains valid.
• Applicants are encouraged to monitor the Ministry of Homeland Security’s official Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and further instructions.

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry remains committed to facilitating an orderly and efficient process and encourages all applicants to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding the MRF.”

More on this as it becomes available.

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