The Ministry of Homeland Security has announced a revised start date for the 2026 Migrant Registration Framework (MRF), with online registration now set to begin on Monday, January 26th, 2026, and conclude on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026.
The ministry issued a media release stating that while a commencement date of January 30th was previously considered, the earlier start date is intended to allow applicants more time to complete the necessary digital phase of the process.
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander highlighted the significance of the new timeline, noting that the 2026 registration exercise differs from previous efforts in key ways.
“This new 2026 registration exercise differs from previous such registration exercises in the following ways: it is expanded to all illegal immigrants, irrespective of nationality and previous registration status and the process is partially digitized, enhancing efficiency and demonstrating modernisation,” the Minister stated.
All applicants are first required to register through the official portal at migrantregistration.gov.tt. This digital stage will be followed by mandatory in-person processing and verification, which is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2026. The specific start date for the physical vetting stage will be announced in a subsequent update.
The physical vetting will take place at four designated sporting venues across the country, selected for their suitability as high-capacity centers. These locations include the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain for the West Zone, the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima for the East Zone, the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva for the Central/South Zone, and the Dwight Yorke Stadium for the Tobago Zone.
Applicants will undergo a comprehensive verification process, including security vetting by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) involving fingerprinting and background checks. Additionally, officials from the Ministry of Health will be present to conduct on-site health screenings. To offset the administrative and operational costs of the exercise, a registration fee of TT$700.00 is required per applicant.
Approved registrants will be issued a migrant registration card, legally authorizing them to reside and work in Trinidad and Tobago until December 31st, 2026. The Ministry reminded all undocumented migrants that participation in this exercise is essential, as failure to register during this window will result in deportation.