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Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Services

Connect with a qualified VRI interpreter in an average of just 26 seconds. On-demand video interpreting for healthcare, business, education, and legal settings—no app downloads or special equipment required.

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26-Second Average Connect Time
HIPAA-trained
No App Required
ASL + 60 Languages

What is Video Remote Interpreting?

Video remote interpreting (VRI) is an on-demand interpreting service that connects you with a qualified interpreter through live video. Unlike scheduled in-person interpreting, VRI provides immediate access to professional interpreters whenever you need them—often within seconds.

VRI is ideal for situations where you need an interpreter quickly but don’t have one scheduled. A VRI interpreter appears on a screen (tablet, computer, or smartphone) and facilitates communication between a Deaf or limited English proficient individual and hearing/English-speaking participants.

  • ✓ On-demand access 24/7—no advance scheduling required
  • ✓ Works on any device with a camera and internet connection
  • ✓ Certified ASL and spoken language interpreters
  • ✓ HIPAA-trained for healthcare settings
  • ✓ Cost-effective alternative to on-site interpreters for short interactions
Doctor and patient using video remote interpreting with an ASL interpreter on a tablet stand

How Video Remote Interpreting Works

Getting connected with a VRI interpreter is fast and simple—no technical expertise required.

1

Open the Platform

Access our VRI service through any web browser on a tablet, computer, or smartphone. No app download needed.

2

Select Your Language

Choose ASL or your preferred spoken language from our list of 60+ supported languages.

3

Connect with Interpreter

A qualified interpreter appears on your screen within seconds, ready to facilitate communication.

4

Start Communicating

Position the screen so all parties can see the interpreter, and begin your conversation with confidence.

Benefits of VRI for Your Organization

Video remote interpreting offers unique advantages over traditional interpreting methods.

Immediate Access

Connect with interpreters in an average of 26 seconds—no waiting for an interpreter to arrive on-site or scheduling days in advance.

Cost-Effective

No travel fees, mileage charges, or 2-hour minimums. Pay only for the time you use, making VRI ideal for short interactions.

HIPAA-trained

Our interpreters are HIPAA-trained and video connections are encrypted, making VRI safe for patient communication in healthcare settings.

No Special Equipment

Works on tablets, computers, and smartphones you already have. No app downloads, special software, or proprietary hardware required.

Language Coverage

Access to ASL interpreters and spoken language interpreters in 60+ languages through a single platform.

ADA Compliance

Meet your legal obligation to provide effective communication access for Deaf and LEP individuals under the ADA.

VRI for Your Industry

Video remote interpreting is used across healthcare, business, education, and legal settings.

Healthcare & Hospitals

Emergency departments, urgent care, unscheduled patient arrivals, pharmacy consultations, and bedside communication.

Business & Corporate

Walk-in customers, HR conversations, quick employee communications, and customer service interactions.

Education

Parent communications, administrative meetings, unexpected interpreter absences, and supplemental coverage.

Legal & Courts

Initial consultations, brief hearings, attorney-client communications, and arraignments where on-site isn’t available.

VRI vs OPI: Which Should You Choose?

Both video remote interpreting (VRI) and over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) provide on-demand access, but they serve different needs.

Feature VRI (Video) OPI (Phone)
Visual communication ✓Yes—see the interpreter ✗No—audio only
ASL interpreting ✓Yes—requires video ✗No—spoken languages only
Equipment needed Camera + internet + screen Phone only
Best for Deaf/HoH, complex conversations, visual context matters Quick calls, scheduling, simple communications
Connection speed 26-second average Under 1 minute
Typical use case Medical appointments, meetings, customer interactions Phone calls, appointment scheduling, brief inquiries

Not sure which is right for you? Contact us and we’ll help you decide.

See VRI in Action

Experience how easy it is to connect with a video remote interpreter. We’ll walk you through the platform, answer your questions, and help you determine if VRI is right for your organization.

  • ✓ Live demonstration of the VRI platform
  • ✓ Q&A with our team
  • ✓ Custom pricing for your usage needs
  • ✓ No obligation—just information
Request a Free Demo
Healthcare workers gathered around tablet during VRI training session

Frequently Asked Questions About VRI

What is VRI interpreting?
VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) is an on-demand interpreting service that connects you with a qualified interpreter through live video. The interpreter appears on a screen and facilitates real-time communication between parties who speak different languages or use sign language. VRI provides immediate access to interpreters without the need to schedule in advance or wait for someone to arrive on-site.
How quickly can I connect with a VRI interpreter?
Our average VRI connect time is just 26 seconds. For high-demand languages like ASL and Spanish, connections are often near-instant. Our platform is designed for situations where you need an interpreter immediately.
Is VRI safe for healthcare settings?
Yes. Our interpreters are HIPAA-trained and the platform is designed for healthcare settings. All video connections are encrypted, and our interpreters are trained in medical terminology and patient privacy requirements.
What equipment do I need for VRI?
You need a device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection—typically a tablet, laptop, or smartphone. No special equipment or app downloads are required. Our VRI platform works through any modern web browser.
When should I use VRI vs. on-site interpreting?
VRI is ideal for unscheduled or urgent needs, short interactions (under 1-2 hours), and situations where an on-site interpreter isn’t available. On-site interpreting is better for lengthy appointments, complex medical procedures, highly emotional situations, or settings where internet connectivity is unreliable.
What’s the difference between VRI and OPI?
VRI uses video, so you can see the interpreter—this is essential for ASL interpreting and helpful for complex spoken language conversations. OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpreting) is audio-only and works for spoken languages when video isn’t necessary, such as brief phone calls or scheduling appointments.
How does video remote interpreting work?
You open our VRI platform in any web browser, choose the language you need, and are connected to a live interpreter — on average in 26 seconds. The interpreter appears on screen and interprets in real time for everyone in the room or on the call. When the conversation ends, you simply close the session; nothing to install and nothing to schedule for on-demand needs.
How much does video remote interpreting cost?
VRI pricing depends on the language, your expected volume, and whether you need on-demand access or scheduled sessions. Because there is no interpreter travel and no on-site minimum, VRI is usually the most cost-effective option for short or unpredictable encounters such as check-ins, triage, and brief consultations. Request a free demo and we will send a rate sheet for your organization.
What is the difference between VRI and virtual interpreting?
VRI is on-demand: you connect to an interpreter through our platform within seconds, ideal for walk-ins and short encounters. Virtual interpreting is scheduled: an interpreter joins your own Zoom, Teams, or WebEx meeting at a set time, ideal for appointments, classes, and meetings you plan in advance. Many clients use both.
Do I need a VRI app?
No. FIA's VRI runs in the web browser on any tablet, computer, or smartphone with a camera and microphone. There are no downloads, no special software, and no proprietary hardware to buy.
Can VRI be combined with CART captioning?
Yes. For meetings or events where some participants prefer text, remote CART captioning can run alongside a VRI or virtual interpreting session, and we coordinate both services on a single request.

Ready to Get Started with VRI?

Request a free demo to see how video remote interpreting can work for your organization, or contact us with questions.

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