* Specialty Services: Tri-lingual, Tactile, and any recorded or streamed assignments are billed an additional $15/hour to rates listed above.
* Conference Interpreting: An additional $10/hour per interpreter.
* Holiday Rates: All requests made on holidays will be billed $3.35/min with a one-hour minimum. These rates apply to New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving + Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
* Note: Rates listed here reflect general service pricing. Actual rates may vary based on assignment requirements, interpreter qualifications, or contract terms.
One Hour Minimum
In accordance with industry standards, our VRI services include a one-hour minimum charge for every request. This minimum covers the interpreter's time, scheduling coordination, and technical setup.
Each assignment is billed for at least one hour, and all services beyond the scheduled time are billed in 15-minute increments. Early dismissal of interpreter(s) will be billed at the full scheduled time or the one-hour minimum, whichever is greater.
Rate Breakdown
VRI rates vary based on time of day and advance notice:
| Service Type |
First Hour |
Additional Time |
Example (1 hour) |
Day Pre-Scheduled 7am-5pm, 8+ hrs notice |
$2.00/min |
$1.00/min |
$120 |
Night/Weekend Pre-Scheduled After 5pm & weekends, 8+ hrs notice |
$3.00/min |
$1.50/min |
$180 |
Same Day Request Less than 8 hrs notice |
$30 surcharge |
+$0.50/min |
varies |
Same-day requests incur a $30 surcharge. After the first hour, an additional $0.50/min surcharge applies on top of the applicable day ($1.00/min), night, or weekend ($1.50/min) rates. We cannot guarantee immediate coverage but usually can have an interpreter connect within minutes.
Requesting & Canceling VRI Services
Requesting VRI
Please submit all VRI requests using the 3 Bridges Interpreter Request Form, which can be found on the 3 Bridges website. Once we receive the request, it will be processed, and a confirmation email will be sent, verifying your request and confirming the details. The confirmation email includes a cancellation link. Please use this link if you need to make any changes to your request.
Confirmed Bookings
When we receive your VRI request, it is considered confirmed and we will immediately work on scheduling your interpreter.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made on the 3 Bridges Cancellation page or by clicking the "Cancel Interpreter" button in the email confirmation. An email confirmation will be sent shortly afterwards. Cancellations cannot be made by phone or email.
Any assignment canceled or changed with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged for the entire block of time requested per interpreter or the minimum of 1 hour, whichever is greater in the length of time.
Service Policies
Client No Show
If the client or any person(s) related to the assignment fails to appear, the 1-hour minimum or the full-time scheduled, whichever is greater, will apply and the client will be billed accordingly. Interpreters are expected to wait 30 minutes before it is considered a "no show" but can be requested to stay the entire duration if needed.
Team Interpreters
Some assignments require "team interpreting," which is two interpreters working in "shifts" between 15 and 30 minutes. Example scenarios include meetings, trainings, workshops, classroom settings or prolonged assignments. Due to the physical, logistical and/or mental demands of the work, any assignment greater than 1 hour may require two interpreters. That determination will be made at the time of booking.
Technical Requirements
Clients are responsible for ensuring stable internet connectivity and compatible devices for VRI sessions. We recommend testing connections prior to scheduled appointments. Technical difficulties on the client's end that prevent service delivery will still result in billing for scheduled time.
Same-Day Requests
All same-day requests made with less than 8 business hours notice will be charged a $30 surcharge. After the first hour, an additional $0.50/min surcharge applies on top of the standard day ($1.00/min), night, or weekend ($1.50/min) rates. We encourage clients to schedule in advance whenever possible, as we cannot always guarantee immediate coverage.
Billing
Invoice
You will receive an emailed invoice shortly after completion of the assignment. Invoices will be sent to the email contact listed on your billing information.
Payment Methods
Our preferred payment method is ACH bank transfer. We also accept mailed checks and credit card payments. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments.
Late Fees
Payment is due upon receipt. Invoices not paid within 15 days are considered past due. Balances unpaid after 30 days are subject to a late fee of $50 or 10% of the outstanding balance (whichever is greater) every 30 days.