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How to Apply

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for up to two years. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States.

The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support , with USCIS. The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to protect against exploitation and abuse, and ensure that they are able to financially support the individual(s) whom they agree to support.

Ukrainians who present at U.S. land ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine may be denied entry and referred to apply through this program.

Process Overview

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily, with a period of parole up to two years. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States. The process begins when the supporter files Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to include information both on the supporter and the Ukrainian beneficiary. Ukrainians who meet the requirements receive authorization to travel directly to the United States and seek parole at a port of entry.

Eligibility

Beneficiaries are eligible for the process if they:

• Resided in Ukraine immediately prior to the Russian invasion (until February 11, 2022) and were displaced as a result of the invasion;
• Are a Ukrainian citizen and possess a valid Ukrainian passport (or are a child included on a parent’s passport), or are a non-Ukrainian immediate family member of a Ukrainian citizen who is applying through Uniting for Ukraine ;
• Have a supporter who filed a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, on their behalf that has been confirmed as sufficient by USCIS;
• Complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, and;
• Clear biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks.

Note: To be eligible for this process, children under the age of 18 must be traveling to the United States in the care and custody of their parent or legal guardian.

Step 1: Financial Support

Individuals participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have financial support in the United States. A U.S.-based supporter will file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS through the online myUSCIS web portal to initiate the Uniting for Ukraine process.

The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to protect against exploitation and abuse, and ensure that they are able to financially support the individual whom they agree to support. Financial supporters must be verified and found eligible by the U.S. government before the Ukrainian beneficiary moves forward in the process.

Step 2: Submit Biographic Information in myUSCIS

Once a supporter has demonstrated sufficient financial support and is approved, the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS on how to create an account with myUSCIS and instructions on next steps. The Ukrainian beneficiary will be required to confirm their biographic information in myUSCIS and attest to completing all eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Complete Vaccination Requirements

As part of confirming eligibility requirements in their myUSCIS account, individuals who seek authorization to travel to the United States via the Uniting for Ukraine process will need to confirm prior vaccination against measles, polio, and COVID-19. If not previously vaccinated, individuals will need to receive a first dose of required vaccines prior to obtaining travel authorization to come to the United States.

Step 4: Approval to Travel to the United States

After completing requirements, Ukrainians will receive a notice to their myUSCIS account confirming whether they are authorized to travel to the United States to seek parole. If approved, this authorization is valid for 90 days and Ukrainians are responsible to secure their own travel via air to the United States. Ukrainian citizens will need to meet other CDC travel requirements, including pre-departure testing for COVID-19.

Step 5: Seeking Parole at the Port of Entry

Upon their arrival at a port of entry, each individual will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and considered for parole for a period of up to two years, and may have conditions placed on their parole. All individuals two years of age or older will need to complete a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an IGRA test, within 90 days of arrival to the United States.

As part of the Uniting for Ukraine process, Ukrainians will undergo additional screening and vetting, to include biometric vetting. Anyone determined to pose a national security or public safety threat will be referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Step 6: Approved for Parole

If granted parole pursuant to this process, individuals will generally be paroled into the United States for a period of up to two years and are eligible to apply for employment authorization. Individuals may request authorization to work by filing a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is uniting for ukraine.

Uniting for Ukraine is an innovative approach to provide a safe and orderly process for displaced Ukrainians who have been impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainians who have a supporter in the United States may be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. Once granted parole, Ukrainians are eligible to apply for employment authorization in the United States.

Why is the United States creating a process for Ukrainians to come to the United States?

As a result of the Russian military’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine and ongoing aggression, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to welcoming 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression. To meet this commitment, the Administration intends to utilize the full range of legal pathways to the United States, including new processes such as Uniting for Ukraine and existing opportunities such as immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and refugee resettlement processing.

What is parole?

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides the Secretary of Homeland Security with discretionary authority to parole noncitizens into the United States temporarily, on a case-by-case basis, for “urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”

Individuals who are granted parole pursuant to the Uniting for Ukraine process will generally be paroled into the United States for a period of up to two years and are eligible to apply for employment authorization.

Am I eligible to participate in Uniting for Ukraine ?

To be eligible, Ukrainians must have been resident in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022, have a supporter in the United States, complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, and pass biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks. Ukrainians approved via this process will be authorized to travel to the United States to be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. Once paroled through this process, Ukrainians will be eligible to apply for work authorization.

How long can I stay in the United States under Uniting for Ukraine ?

Individuals granted parole under this process will generally be paroled for a period not exceeding two years.

How do I travel to the United States?

Individuals who clear initial screening, vetting, and security checks will receive authorization to travel to the United States valid for a period of 90 days. Once authorized, they will be responsible for arranging and funding their travel to the United States. With this authorization, individuals will be able to book their own commercial air travel directly from Europe to the United States. Individuals traveling to the United States must have a valid passport, or, if a child without their own passport, be included in a parent’s passport, and adhere to travel requirements as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including pre-departure testing for COVID-19.

What is the role of a financial supporter?

Ukrainians must have a financial supporter in the United States. Supporters initiate the Uniting for Ukraine process by filing the Form I-134 Declaration of Financial Support and providing information about themselves and the Ukrainian beneficiary. Supporters will be vetted by the U.S. government to ensure that they are able to support Ukrainians and to mitigate against potential exploitation.

Every Ukrainian seeking authorization to travel to the United States to seek parole must be supported by a U.S.-based individual, including representatives of non-governmental organizations. Each supporter must pass security and background vetting and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to “receive, maintain, and support” the Ukrainians they commit to support.

Will I be able to work once I arrive in the United States?

Yes, individuals paroled into the United States pursuant to this process may request authorization to work by filing a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

For more information on employment authorization in the United States, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 .

How do I apply to Uniting for Ukraine?

A supporter – a U.S.-based individual, including representatives of non-government organizations – must first file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the myUSCIS online portal. Supporters need to also include specific information on the Ukrainian beneficiary they intend to support. Once a supporter has been confirmed by USCIS, Ukrainian beneficiaries will receive notification from USCIS about next steps in the process to obtain authorization to travel to the United States and seek parole.

Will Ukrainians be vetted prior to arriving to the United States?

As part of the process, individuals will submit biographic and biometric information to the U.S. government for the purposes of security vetting. Individuals will be checked against a range of interagency intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism holdings. Anyone who does not pass security checks conducted overseas will not be authorized to travel the United States.

Upon their arrival at a port of entry, each individual will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and undergo additional screening and vetting, to include biometric vetting. Anyone determined to pose a national security or public safety threat will be referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Are vaccines required?

Individuals who seek authorization to travel to the United States via the Uniting for Ukraine process will need to confirm prior vaccination against measles, polio, and COVID-19. If not previously vaccinated, individuals will need to receive a first dose of required vaccines prior to obtaining authorization to travel to the United States. In addition, all individuals two years of age or older will need to complete a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) test, within 90 days of arrival to the United States. Ukrainian citizens will need to meet other travel requirements as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including pre-departure testing for COVID-19.

Do Ukrainians have to be in a certain location to apply for Uniting for Ukraine ?

This process is aimed to support Ukrainians who have been recently displaced by Russia’s invasion and who fled Ukraine after February 11, 2022. We anticipate that most eligible Ukrainians will be in neighboring countries or other EU states. However, Ukrainian citizens in other locations are also eligible for Uniting for Ukraine .

How many Ukrainians will be eligible for Uniting for Ukraine ?

The number of Ukrainians potentially eligible for Uniting for Ukraine will be driven by the breadth of welcome U.S.-based supporters are willing and able to provide. Therefore, we cannot estimate a specific number of potential Ukrainian beneficiaries.

In support of President Biden’s commitment to providing legal pathways to displaced Ukrainians as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government will welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression. We will deliver on this commitment through the full range of legal pathways, including humanitarian parole, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and new processes such as Uniting for Ukraine .

How long will the process take?

We anticipate that the process will be fairly quick, but DHS cannot say definitively how long the process will take.

Are Ukrainian children seeking to come to the United States without their parent or legal guardian eligible for Uniting for Ukraine ?

Not at this time. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), any child under the age of 18 who is not accompanied by their parent or legal guardian generally must be turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and vetted to protect against exploitation and abuse. Sponsors must be vetted before that child can be released and reunified. As a result, children traveling on their own, or with a non-parent or non-legal guardian adult, are not currently eligible for this process. We are working towards establishing other mechanisms to permit travel of vulnerable children and caregivers with appropriate safeguards.

What will happen to Ukrainians who arrive at the Southwest border?

From April 25, 2022, Ukrainian nationals who present at U.S. Southwest border land ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine may be denied entry and referred to apply through this process.

Can U.S.-based individuals support more than one individual beneficiary?

Yes. The supporter must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary (including each member of a family). Additionally, multiple supporters may join together to demonstrate the financial ability to support one or more Ukrainian beneficiaries. In this case, a primary supporter should file a Form I-134 and include in the filing supplementary evidence demonstrating the identity of, and resources to be provided by, the additional supporters and attach a statement explaining the intent to share responsibility. These supporters’ ability to support Ukrainian beneficiaries will be assessed collectively.

Can U.S.-based organizations support Ukrainian beneficiaries?

Yes, they may provide the financial or in-kind support, but the Form I-134 still requires an individual to sign the form. Organizations may not serve as the named supporter on a Form I-134. However, if an organization or other entity is providing financial or other services to the named individual for the purpose of facilitating support, this information should be provided as part of the evidence submitted with the Form I-134 and will be taken into account in determining the supporter’s ability to support the named beneficiary.

How much money do prospective supporters need to have in their bank accounts?

There is no specific threshold prospective supporters must meet. The prospective supporter must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient income or financial resources to support the beneficiary for the period of parole. Generally, individuals granted parole under the Uniting for Ukraine process will be paroled for a period of up to two years. USCIS will review the form and supporting evidence to ensure the supporter has sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary and any other dependents of the supporter.

How long does the travel authorization last?

Ukrainians who receive advance authorization to travel to the United States to seek parole at a port of entry will have a specified period of 90 days during which the authorization is valid.  Individuals who do not travel within the 90-day period will be required to begin the process again with their supporter filing Form I-134 with USCIS.

Will the U.S. Government stop accepting Uniting for Ukraine applications once 100,000 Ukrainians have been admitted through the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program or with a visa or have been paroled?

President Biden committed to providing refuge to 100,000 displaced Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression in the United States. This figure is not a cap. The design of Uniting for Ukraine relies on the generosity of supporters in the United States who primarily will drive demand for this pathway and whether we meet or exceed this goal. The U.S. Government will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine, the situation for Ukrainians in other host countries, and how Ukrainians access a variety of pathways to the United States.

Where can those interested go with additional questions?

Anyone interested in the Uniting for Ukraine process is strongly encouraged to first review the information provided on the DHS and USCIS websites, including the Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, and the form instructions at uscis.gov/i-134 . Additional information and new FAQs will continue to be posted to those platforms. If additional questions remain after reviewing this information, inquiries may be made through the USCIS live chat feature at https://www.uscis.gov/tools/meet-emma-our-virtual-assistant  or the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS is working to provide additional support at the USCIS Contact Center for those requesting assistance related to Uniting for Ukraine .

Press Releases and Statements

• February 27, 2024:  Eligible Ukrainians Can Now Apply for Re-Parole | USCIS.gov
• November 17, 2023: Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Announcing U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference | WhiteHouse.gov
• September 6, 2023:  DHS Supports Interior Cities by Educating Qualified Noncitizens on Work Permit Eligibility
• August 18, 2023:  Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine
• April 21, 2023:  Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on the Anniversary of the Establishment of Uniting for Ukraine
• March 1, 2023:  Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ukraine | WhiteHouse.gov
• February 21, 2023: Fact Sheet: One Year of Supporting Ukraine  | WhiteHouse.gov
• December 21, 2022: Remarks by President Biden and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Joint Press Conference  | WhiteHouse.gov
• April 28, 2022: Fact Sheet: White House Calls on Congress to Provide Additional Support for Ukraine | WhiteHouse.gov
• April 21, 2022: President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
• April 21, 2022: Remarks By President Biden Providing an Update on Russia and Ukraine | WhiteHouse.gov

Information for Ukrainians Paroled before Uniting for Ukraine

Extension for certain ukrainians paroled into the united states following russia’s invasion.

Certain Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members were paroled into the United States last year, on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons, during an approximate eight-week period after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and before the Uniting for Ukraine process was available. Such individuals were generally paroled for a period of one year, while participants in Uniting for Ukraine received a two-year period of parole.

With hostilities in Ukraine entering their second year, DHS assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians who arrived prior to Uniting for Ukraine . DHS will consider Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members who were paroled, on a case-by-case basis, before Uniting for Ukraine for an extension of the parole period and employment authorization, if applicable.

Specifically, individuals paroled into the United States at a port of entry between February 24, 2022 and April 25, 2022 will be considered for an extension. DHS is in the process of considering these individuals, on a case-by-case basis, for a one-year extension of their period of parole to align with the two-year parole period provided under Uniting for Ukraine . DHS estimates it will take approximately four weeks to consider and vet all the individuals in the group and will review cases based on the date of parole.

If an individual’s parole period is extended, DHS will proactively make available online an updated Form I-94 with the extended parole period. The period of parole will be extended from the current expiration date without a gap. Individuals can retrieve and download an updated Form I-94 as evidence of their extended parole period by visiting CBP’s  Form I-94 website .

Those who have their period of parole extended will also be eligible to receive employment authorization for the additional year. Individuals who have Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on their parole and whose parole period is extended for an additional year will receive a Form I-797C from USCIS that can be used to demonstrate continued employment authorization through the extended parole period.  The Form I-797C will be mailed to the address on file with USCIS.  If you need to change your address, please change your address online through your existing USCIS online account or using the Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, online using the Change of Address page.

• Please select Topic: Traveler Compliance then the subtopic: Ukrainians Paroled U.S. - Russia Invasion
• If you are part of this group and hold a valid EAD based on your parole but do not receive Form I-797C by the end of April, please reach out to [email protected] .
• If you do not currently have an EAD but would like to apply for one based on your parole, you may file a Form I-765 , Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. Ukrainian parolees are exempt from fees for first time applicants.

Ukrainian parolees may pursue multiple immigration pathways at the same time and this process does not impact other benefit requests including those who have applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), been granted TPS, or applied for asylum. However, parole will terminate automatically upon departure from the United States. Individuals with parole who plan to depart the United States and wish to return must first apply for advance parole in order to be considered for reentry into the United States.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• U.S. Department of State
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Benefits for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (HHS)
• Citizenship and Immigration Services
• International Engagement
• International
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis

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Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Application Approved

Successful U4U application and U4U travel authorization! We recently had a Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Application Approved on behalf of a US sponsor. The travel authorization issued to the Ukrainian national is valid for 90 days (3 months). The overall processing time for the Uniting for Ukraine application from the time it was submitted and until the travel authorization was successfully approved by DHS was approximately 1 week.

The U4U Uniting for Ukraine Program provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a 2-year period of parole.

After arriving to the United States under the U4U program, Ukrainian citizens and their family members can apply for employment authorization to work in the United States during their period of authorized stay in the United States. They can also obtain a travel document known as advanced parole to travel outside the U.S.

Steps to apply for Uniting for Ukraine – U4U – program

The steps to apply for Uniting for Ukraine program are:

• File Form I-134. US based sponsor files form I-134 Declaration of Financial Support and supporting documents with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must be located in the United States to file Form I-134 online. You must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary you are planning to support, including minor children.
• USCIS email to Ukrainian beneficiary. If form I-134 is approved, the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS to the email address listed on Form I-134 with instructions on how to set up an account with myUSCIS and other next steps. Please note that the US sponsor will not receive any emails from USCIS concerning the Uniting for Ukraine beneficiary once form I-134 is approved.
• Set up USCIS account and confirm information. The Ukrainian beneficiary must set up myUSCIS account and confirm the biographic information and attest to completion of vaccination requirements.
• Travel authorization approval. If approved, the beneficiary will get a travel authorization in the USCIS account. The travel authorization is valid for 90 days and has an expiration date. To travel to the US, you must show the travel authorization page to airline personnel along with your passport and other appropriate identification.

Who can be a Uniting for Ukraine sponsor?

To be a sponsor, you must meet the Uniting for Ukraine sponsor requirements including :

• Must be in lawful immigrant or nonimmigrant status in the United States or a US citizen or a TPS holder or a parolee or beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and willing and able to receive, maintain, and support the Ukrainian beneficiary. Examples of support include providing housing and transportation or basic necessities, or assist them with obtaining a work permit, Social Security Number (SSN) or securing employment etc.
• Must have the financial ability to support the Ukrainian beneficiary . The sponsor must have sufficient income or immediate access to sufficient financial resources. To determine if the sponsor has the financial ability to support the Ukrainian national, USCIS uses the federal  Poverty Guidelines and counts the Ukrainian national in the sponsor’s household size. The sponsor’s income and all assets and resources must be above the poverty line for the household size in order to sponsor the Ukrainian beneficiary. To show that you have the adequate financial means to sponsor the Ukrainian beneficiary you can include the following evidence with form I-134: copies of U.S. federal tax returns, monthly bank statements, letter of employment or letter from a US bank or other financial institution.

Who can be a beneficiary under Uniting for Ukraine?

You can qualify as a beneficiary under the Uniting for Ukraine program if you are:

• a Ukrainian citizen (or their non-Ukrainian immediate family member) who is outside the United States
• the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian citizen; or
• the unmarried children under the age of 21 of a Ukrainian citizen. Please note: if a child is under 18, they must be traveling with a parent or legal guardian in order to use this process.

You are eligible for Uniting for Ukraine if you:

• Resided in Ukraine immediately before the Russian invasion (through February 11, 2022) and were displaced as a result of the invasion;
• If you are not a Ukrainian citizen, you must be an immediate family member (discussed above) of a Ukrainian citizen beneficiary of Uniting for Ukraine with a valid passport;
• Have a supporter who filed a Form I-134 on your behalf that USCIS has vetted and confirmed as sufficient; and
• Clear biographic and biometric security checks;

Beneficiary of Uniting for Uk raine has not received USCIS email

If form I-134 was approved and the Ukrainian beneficiary did not receive an email from USCIS to set up the account, then you can contact USCIS to inquire about the case or follow the steps to provide a new email address for the beneficiary by using the instructions for updating an incorrect email address .

Contact us , your experienced immigration lawyers in Miami, Florida USA to schedule an appointment   for your Uniting for Ukraine immigration case and find out more about other visa options.

Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers

About Anda Malescu

Anda Malescu is a US immigration lawyer and Florida Bar Board Certified Expert in International Law. A member of the elite category of Florida Bar lawyers recognized for her exceptional knowledge, skill and professionalism, she advises US and international clients, including investors and entrepreneurs, on business immigration and corporate law matters. She holds a JD degree from University of Miami School of Law and a Master's degree in Economics and Business from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She is a member of the Florida Bar.

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USCIS I-131A Application for Travel Document Fee

Before you start the payment process, eligibility.

Anyone can pay the I-131A filing fee from anywhere in the world. Whoever pays the fee must use a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account.

The current filing fee is $575.00

You must submit your filing fee before going to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A. You must bring evidence of payment with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

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USCIS does not refund fees, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition or request, or how long USCIS takes to reach a decision.

By continuing this transaction, you acknowledge that you must submit fees in the exact amount and that you are paying the fees for a government service.

Please refer to the instructions for the form(s) you are filing for additional information or you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) 800-767-1833.

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To pay the fee, you will need the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A-Number as they appear on the lawful permanent resident's (LPR's) Green Card or Reentry Permit.

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Award Management Requirements Circular

Description:

5010.1E (Applicable until 11-01-2024)

C 5010.1F (Applicable on or after 11-01-2024) 09-27-2024

This circular (FTA Circular 5010.1F) assists recipients in administering FTA-funded projects and in meeting award responsibilities and reporting requirements. Recipients have a responsibility to comply with regulatory requirements and to be aware of all pertinent material to assist in the management of FTA federally assisted awards. 

If there is a conflict between the Award Management Requirements Circular (FTA Circular 5010.1F) and program-specific circulars , the program-specific circulars prevail.

In conjunction with publication of this circular, a Federal Register notice was published on September 27, 2024, addressing comments received during the development of the circular.

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Remaining in the United States after Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): Options for Humanitarian Parolees

This article was updated in February 2024.

Many Ukrainians who entered the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine program are wondering how they might be able to remain in the United States after their humanitarian parole expires. 

Below is an overview of potential options that could allow certain Ukrainians on humanitarian parole to remain in the United States after their Uniting for Ukraine stay ends.

Photo by Sipa US, available at Alamy.com . This image is being used for editorial purposes only.

Short-Term Humanitarian Protections for Humanitarian Parolees 

In the  short term , there are 2 temporary humanitarian options available between the end of 2023 and 2025.

1.Temporary Protected Status (TPS)  

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration protection that is provided to nationals of certain countries who cannot return to their home countries due to an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other dangerous conditions defined by the U.S. State Department. In August 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a redesignation of TPS for Ukraine for a second term. This opens new eligibility to Ukrainian nationals who arrived in the U.S. on or before August 16, 2023 and remain physically present in the U.S. continuously through October 20, 2023. Applicants must be physically present in the U.S. when applying for TPS. Ukrainians who entered the United States on or before April 11, 2022 and have been physically present continuously are also eligible to apply.

TPS is typically designated to a country for an 18-month term. However, each individual from Ukraine must apply separately, and application processing could take 6-8 months. Individuals who are granted TPS are protected from being removed from the United States through the end of the 18-month period (as defined by the official start and end date published in the Federal Register, not the date of the individual TPS grant). They are permitted to work if they receive employment authorization through TPS, and they may apply for travel authorization through TPS to leave the United States.

To learn more about TPS for Ukrainians, read our article here:  https://ukrainetaskforce.org/ukraine-s-temporary-protected-status-tps-is-redesignated-with-new-eligibility-dates-and-extended-for-current-tps-holders/

2. Re-Parole  

On February 27, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that certain Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were paroled into the United States may apply for re-parole, either online or by mail. USCIS will consider these applications on a discretionary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. If USCIS approves the application, a new period of humanitarian parole (also known as “re-parole”) will be granted for up to 2 years.

To be eligible for re-parole under this process, applicants must demonstrate all of the following:

• Paroled as a beneficiary through Uniting for Ukraine
• Initially paroled into the United States with a DT class of admission after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and before the Uniting for Ukraine process became available
• That there are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for you to be issued a new period of humanitarian parole. These include the urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit factors identified above, as well as any additional factors that may apply to you personally. USCIS has published guidance explaining some types of factors that might be considered in assessing whether humanitarian parole is “merited” for a particular applicant.
• That you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion (i.e. a new period of parole that would allow you to remain in the United States). It may be useful to provide some compelling facts about your unique circumstances that explain why you need to remain in the United States. Examples include but are not limited to remaining united with family members, receiving necessary medical treatment or health services, loss of a home or safe shelter in Ukraine, elevated risk of harm in Ukraine due to personal characteristics, and maintaining safety for children or disabled family members.
• That you are physically present in the United States.
• That you have complied with the conditions of your initial parole, including completing the health requirements for parolees , registering for the Selective Service System (males ages 18-25), and updating their address with USCIS each time they moved
• That you clear biographic and biometric background checks

Learn more about who is eligible, when to apply, what documents are required, procedures for adults and minors, how to renew employment authorization, and other important details in our article here:

https://ukrainetaskforce.org/uscis-announces-that-eligible-ukrainians-can-now-apply-online-for-re-parole/

Please note: In order to apply for re-parole under this process , applicants must be located inside the United States .

Uniting for Ukraine parolees outside of the United States may be able to apply for re-parole to USCIS by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document and following all the instructions. To learn how individuals outside of the United States may be able to apply for parole into the United States, visit the USCIS page on humanitarian parole .

Processing times for traditional Form I-131 applications (including other types of humanitarian parole, re-parole from outside of the United States, and advance travel documents for parolees) can take 10-14 months.

Long-Term Immigration Pathways for Humanitarian Parolees 

With respect to  longer-term options , there are 4 potential pathways to permanent residence for Ukrainians who are on humanitarian parole. Not everyone will qualify for each pathway, and there are specific criteria for eligibility through these channels.

1. Family Sponsored Immigration  

This requires a close relative who is a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) to sponsor the Ukrainian national. There are two types of family based pathways:  Immediate Relative  (U.S. Citizen) and  Family Preference  (U.S. Citizen/LPR) .

Immediate Relative .   Immediate Relative immigrant visas have no limit to the number of visas that can be issued annually. Processing time is faster than for Family Preference, but the eligible categories are narrow. Ukrainians may qualify if they have a:

– U.S. citizen spouse – U.S. citizen parent (only if the Ukrainian is under 21 years old and unmarried) – U.S. citizen child who is 21 years or older

Family Preference . Family Preference immigrant visas are issued in limited numbers each year. Processing takes much longer than for U.S. Citizen immediate relatives — it could take years. Family Preference categories are:

– First preference (F1) – Ukrainian unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens; – Second preference (F2A) – Ukrainian spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of U.S. lawful permanent residents; – Second preference (F2B) – Ukrainian unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. lawful permanent residents; – Third preference (F3) – Ukrainian married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; – Fourth preference (F4) – Ukrainian brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older).

To learn more about Adjustment of Status through Family-Based Immigrant Visas, read our article here:  https://ukrainetaskforce.org/family-based-adjustment-of-status-to-permanent-residence/

2. Employer Sponsored Immigration  

This requires a company, organization, or educational institution to sponsor the Ukrainian national (with a couple of exceptions). Note that humanitarian parolees are not be eligible to apply directly for most employment-based immigrant visas while they are on humanitarian parole in the United States.  This is because humanitarian parole is not a sufficient immigration status for purposes of employment-based immigrant visas.

Thus, humanitarian parolees who leave the United States may be eligible to apply for employment-based visas to a U.S. consulate abroad. Alternatively, humanitarian parolees who leave the U.S. then are later re-admitted on a different immigration status (ex. TPS, visitor visa, student visa, temporary worker) could potentially become eligible to apply for an adjustment of status to an employment-based immigrant visa. This is a highly complex and emerging area of the law, so it will be best to consult an experienced immigration attorney who is up-to-date on Ukrainian immigration matters.

3. Diversity Visas  

To obtain a Diversity Visa, an applicant must win one of a handful of immigrant visas issued each year by the Department of State through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program lottery. The application for Adjustment of Status must be made by an applicant who is legally residing in the U.S. after winning the diversity lottery. To learn more about Diversity Visas (one of the few non-family-based immigrant visas potentially available to Ukrainian parolees), visit the State Department website:  U.S.. Department of State Diversity Visa Program

Note that  Adjustment of Status  is not the same thing as  Change of Status .  Adjustment of Status  is for immigrant visas that lead to permanent residence.  Change of Status  is for non-immigrant visas (ex. student, tourist, temporary worker) that allow individuals to stay for a temporary period. Unfortunately, humanitarian parolees cannot apply for a  Change of Status  to a non-immigrant visa without leaving the U.S. and going through the consular application process abroad.

4. Asylum  

This protection requires the applicant to meet precise legal criteria and win their case in order to be granted asylum before applying for permanent residence. Individuals must apply for asylum within 1 year of their most recent entry into the United States. 

Ukrainian parolees may be eligible to apply for asylum if they can demonstrate to either USCIS or an immigration judge that they cannot return to their home country because they have been persecuted there in the past or have a well-founded fear of being persecuted in the future because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Applicants for asylum must prove that the persecution/harm is from their country’s government, or from a person or group that the government cannot protect them from. To be eligible for asylum, the persecution must also be significant, such as unlawful or political detention, torture, violation of human rights, physical violence, or some type of severe non-physical harm.

However, fleeing war or violence is not, by itself, a sufficient qualification for asylum unless the applicant meets the other eligibility requirements. Each asylum application is considered individually based on the applicant’s unique facts and circumstances. If an asylum application is approved, then the person with asylum can apply for a green card. If asylum is not approved, then the applicant will need to obtain a different lawful status in order to remain in the United States.

It is important to know that asylum applications can take 4-7 years to adjudicate due to the record-number of asylum applications already in the pipeline. There is also a major risk of being rejected — not only for Ukrainians but for applicants from other countries — so it could be beneficial to pursue multiple routes if an applicant seeks permanent residence in the U.S. To learn more about Asylum, read our article here:  https://ukrainetaskforce.org/can-ukrainians-seek-asylum-in-us/

Each individual’s and family’s situation is highly specific, so there could be other pathways not mentioned here. At the same time, not everyone will qualify for each of the above options. 

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This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. By reading this, you agree that this information is not a substitute for legal counsel and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please note that we are not able to offer direct filing assistance or personalized legal advice through this forum. Please consult a qualified attorney to discuss your own situation and to obtain assistance with specific matters. If you do not have an immigration attorney, you may try contacting an attorney listed on this page: https://ukrainetaskforce.org/legal-assistance-providers/

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