IRAP designed a chatbot that refugees and their families can use to find legal information and request legal help related to refugee resettlement, family reunification and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). These are frequently asked questions we receive about the tool:
What is a chatbot?
A chatbot is a computer program designed to interact with users and provide useful information or services.
What does IRAP’s chatbot do?
IRAP designed this chatbot to provide you with legal information related to refugee resettlement, family reunification and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). It also determines whether IRAP might be able to help you.
Why does IRAP use a chatbot?
IRAP receives many requests for help. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for us to respond to everyone. Our chatbot can distribute legal information and screen cases for IRAP's help in a more efficient way.
Can I request assistance from IRAP through the chatbot?
If you are in the Middle East, you can use the chatbot to request help from IRAP. However, the chatbot will only allow you to submit a request for assistance if you are in a situation that IRAP can help with and if IRAP is taking new cases.
What can I get help with?
Please read this article for more information about our services.
Why isn’t IRAP taking new resettlement cases in my location?
IRAP can only take a limited number of cases at a time. IRAP also cannot help with every kind of application in every country. This guide explains more about the help that IRAP provides.
If the chatbot tells you that we are not taking requests from your country, follow our Facebook page and website. We will post updates there if there are changes made that affect who can submit a request to IRAP.
How long does it take for you to respond to my request?
It normally takes the IRAP team about two to four weeks to respond to a request for help submitted through the chatbot.
Should I submit another request for help if you haven’t responded?
Please do not submit multiple requests for help. We are a small team, and submitting multiple requests makes it more difficult for us to review everyone’s submissions.
How do I talk to the chatbot?
To talk to the chatbot, add @irapchatbot on Telegram or message us on Facebook. Then, type “hello” as your first message. The chatbot will respond to you and ask you a series of questions about your situation.
If you are using Telegram, click the window button next to the text box to view which options are available to respond to a message. These options automatically appear on Facebook.
What should I do if I make a mistake when talking to the chatbot?
You won’t be able to change the answers that you submit to the chatbot after you start a conversation. If you make a mistake, restart the conversation by writing “hello”. You can also end the conversation by writing “end” at any time.
How do I report an error in the chatbot?
If you encounter an issue while using the chatbot, type “000” in the chat. This will end the conversation. You will be asked for information about the problem you are having. IRAP cannot respond to these messages directly, but we monitor feedback and update our chatbot as needed.
You or your relative may want to ask an immigration attorney for help with this process. Here are a few resources:
- Information about asking for help from IRAP is here.
- If you are in Jordan, you can ask for IRAP Jordan’s help using this form. If the form is closed, you can check back at a later date.
- A list of free immigration legal service providers in the United States is available here.
- A list of private immigration attorneys in the United States is available here.