Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR)
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is operating PIR as a component of the broader Preferred Communities (PC) program, including PC Gap services, which help vulnerable ORR-eligible individuals successfully resettle and assimilate into life in the United States. PIR is designed to serve newly arriving refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including SIV’s who travel independently (known as ‘walk-in’) to the U.S. and request PIR services. Services are provided for a minimum of 30 days and may continue for up to 90 days following the client's arrival at their final destination in the U.S., or upon approval for SIV walk-in cases.
Services of Initial Resettlement
- Pre-arrival planning
- Needs assessment and service planning
- Assistance with housing
- Furnishings
- Food and other basic necessities
- Clothing, and
- Transportation to job interviews and job training
- Assistance in applying for social security cards
- Registering children for school
- Assistance with accessing health care
- Using public transportation, facilities, and services
Community and cultural orientation