Last checked: 24 October 2026
First 90 days
Who helps you
ORR coordinates placement and initial resettlement services up to 90 days through the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR). Refugees are typically assigned a local resettlement provider [source].
PIR is delivered by eight organisations: Catholic Charities USA, Church World Service, Ethiopian Community Development Council, Global Refuge, HIAS, International Rescue Committee, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and World Relief [source].
What the provider helps with
- Airport welcome
- Temporary or longer-term housing with food, necessities, furnishings and household items (hotels may be used where housing is limited)
- Personal case management and a resettlement plan
- Connections to cash and medical assistance
- Referrals for the domestic medical screening, jobs, social services and school enrolment
Do these early
- Sign up for benefits immediately: they are time-limited. See Benefits checklist [source].
- Get the ORR-funded domestic medical screening soon after arrival [source].
- Check your Social Security card arrives.
- Keep your I-94 safe; it proves refugee status and work authorisation [source, source].
Minimum service period of 30 days: not stated by the ACF page; it says services "up to 90 days" [source].