New name.
Same mission.
LIRS is now Global Refuge.
Welcoming newcomers since 1939.
See Our EvolutionRefugee Resettlement
Virtual Reception and Placement
Our innovative new approach to resettlement allows us to serve more people than ever.
In partnership with the Department of State’s Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), Global Refuge launched a new virtual case management program, Virtual Reception and Placement (VR&P), in May 2024. VR&P was created to increase the U.S.’s ability to resettle refugees while also relieving capacity limitations on local resettlement offices.
This expansion of our long-standing resettlement program offers the opportunity for refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders to be reunited with close friends/family anywhere in the U.S., while receiving the support of a dedicated caseworker, virtually. The program provides a multitude of services including assistance with applying for social services, support enrolling children in school, referrals to ongoing services like English classes and employment services, and direct assistance to cover basic needs.
What is VR&P?
VR&P is an opt-in program that provides virtual case management services to interested refugees and SIVs designated for resettlement through the U.S Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). In close coordination with a friend/relative already residing in the U.S., referred to as a “U.S. Tie,” the VR&P program promotes family reunification, provides up to 90 days of resettlement services virtually, and serves as a connection to long-term supports in the community.
The Role of the U.S. Ties in VR&P
U.S. Ties play a critical role in the successful resettlement of their friend(s)/family member(s) served virtually though VR&P. U.S. Ties must have a close, personal relationship with the client(s), as well as be able to demonstrate a full commitment to aiding in the provision of VR&P program services and support. This support includes ensuring the well-being of the client(s), securing safe, sanitary, and appropriate housing, airport reception upon arrival, providing basic needs and transportation, and assistance navigating their new community. The dedication of U.S. Ties, combined with Global Refuge’s coordination, ensures that refugees and SIVs resettled through VR&P receive comprehensive support and a seamless transition to their new lives.
How Does VR&P Work?
- Interest and Assessment: While overseas, refugees and SIVs can express interest in receiving virtual services before arriving in the U.S. Global Refuge will then reach out to the U.S. Tie to assess their capacity to support their friend/family member.
- Resettlement and Support: Once the family has arrived and for up to 90 days, the virtual caseworker collaborates with the U.S. Tie to provide essential resettlement services to the family. These services include orientation to help the family navigate their new surroundings, social services and healthcare access, enrollment in school for school-aged children, and referrals to other supports like English classes and employment services. Services from the virtual caseworker are provided virtually via platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp. VR&P program services are tailored to empower clients and foster self-sufficiency, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence in their new home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The VR&P Program offers up to 90 days of online resettlement assistance to eligible clients. To help clients resettle into their new community, they receive case management services from a virtual caseworker through phone, email, text, and video calls.
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The VR&P program is offered to potential participants by Resettlement Support Center (RSC) offices through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Refugees and SIVs can be eligible if they choose to participate while still abroad and have a committed U.S. Tie (a close family member or friend residing in the U.S.) who will assist with their resettlement, which includes providing housing and addressing material needs. Enrollment in the program is not available once the refugee arrives in the U.S. Currently, the program is accessible to refugees and SIVs served by RSC Latin America and Afghans seeking resettlement through Operation Enduring Welcome (OEW).
In addition to having strong U.S. Tie support, cases must meet the following criteria to be considered for VR&P:
No complex medical needs;No children traveling without a parent or legal guardian;At least one member of the case can read and write in one language; At least one member of the case possesses the digital skills necessary to receive texts, emails, and participate in video calls.
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No, refugees and SIVs must opt into VR&P services while overseas and have a U.S. Tie who can provide substantial support during their resettlement. Global Refuge currently does not serve walk-in SIV clients, but organizations like International Rescue Committee offer VR&P services for walk-in SIVs.
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No. Once you begin receiving services from one program, you are ineligible to receive services from the other program.
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Yes. For more information on the traditional R&P program, please visit the Department of State website at https://www.state.gov/refugee-admissions/.
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Strong, committed support from a U.S. Tie is crucial for a case to participate in the VR&P program. To ensure the case can arrive from overseas into the VR&P program, the U.S. Tie must commit to the following responsibilities throughout the case’s arrival and for the first 90 days in the U.S.:
Provide housing for the case for a minimum of 90 days; Offer reliable transportation to pick up the case from the airport; Supply all food, clothing, and other material needs until the case begins receiving Direct Assistance and SNAP benefits (food stamps); Assist with transportation to and from community appointments; Help the case access local services to support their integration; and Provide this support without expecting financial assistance from Global Refuge or the case.
If the U.S. Tie is unable to meet any of these requirements before the case arrives, they must immediately inform Global Refuge to arrange alternative support for the case.
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U.S. Ties are designated by refugees and SIVs when overseas. Your family member/friend may list you as their U.S. Tie while overseas, and if they opt in to being assessed for the VR&P program, you may be contacted. Clients eligible for VR&P should have a close and personal relationship with a U.S. Tie who is able to support in their resettlement.
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Yes. Refugees and SIVs who are eligible for VR&P remain eligible for traditional R&P. For more information on the traditional R&P program, please visit the Department of State website at https://www.state.gov/refugee-admissions/.
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Housing and other material goods are not provided by Global Refuge under the VR&P Program. VR&P does not offer in-person case management or support.
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Participants in the VR&P program receive a modest amount of direct assistance similar to what is provided to in-person cases. This assistance is disbursed as a one-time payment to prepaid VISA card and is exclusively for the case members. U.S. Ties do not receive any financial support or compensation through this program.
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No. The VR&P program provides semi-independent case management. In this sense, your caseworker will aid in the access of some services, but will not obtain housing, furnishings, or provide transportation. Clients must be ready and willing to navigate their new community with the guidance from their U.S. Tie and virtual caseworker.
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Refugees/SIVs will be notified that their case has been selected for VR&P while overseas, prior to being booked for travel. U.S. Ties will receive an official approval via email from Global Refuge.
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Global Refuge will initially reach out to U.S. Ties via email. We will not ask you to click on any links or reveal sensitive information, as we already have information about the case on file. Additionally, any phone calls will come from a number registered to Global Refuge.
Global Refuge does not communicate directly with clients while still overseas. If you have any questions or concerns about an email or phone call received, please contact vrp@globalrefuge.org.
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If you have completed VR&P services and still need assistance, we are here for you. Feel free to reach out to the VR&P team at vrp@globalrefuge.org with any questions or requests.