Uniting for Ukraine

On April 21, 2022, the United States introduced “Uniting for Ukraine.” This program is indicative of the Biden administration’s dedication to welcoming Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. Uniting for Ukraine offers a means for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to come to the U.S. on a temporary two-year parole period.

All participants in the program must have a supporter in the U.S. who agrees to provide them with financial support throughout their stay. During their period of temporary parole, beneficiaries of Uniting for Ukraine can

Supporters of Uniting for Ukraine

A U.S.-based supporter must initiate the Uniting for Ukraine process by filing Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There is no application fee. These supporters must:

• Hold lawful status in the U.S. or be a parolee or beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED),
• Pass security and background vetting,
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to receive, maintain, and support the individuals whom they commit to support for their entire stay

Beneficiaries of Uniting for Ukraine

Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members, whether they are Ukrainian or not, may utilize the Uniting for Ukraine process to come to the U.S. Eligible immediate family members include spouses and common-law partners of Ukrainian citizens, along with unmarried children under the age of 21. Children under 18 must be traveling with a parent or legal guardian to use this process.

Beneficiaries also must meet specific eligibility requirements, as follows:

• They must have lived in Ukraine immediately before the Russian invasion on February 11, 2022, and were displaced due to the invasion,
• They are Ukrainian citizens who possess valid Ukrainian passports, are listed as children on their parent’s passport, or are immediate family members of Ukrainian citizens with valid passports,
• A supporter has filed a Form I-134 on their behalf whom the USCIS has vetted and found to be financially sufficient, and
• They can clear biographic and biometric security checks.

Ukrainians already present in the U.S. may not participate in the Uniting for Ukraine program. However, they may qualify for Temporary Protected Status.

The Uniting for Ukraine Process

Once USCIS has reviewed Form I-134 and deemed it sufficient, it will email the Ukrainian beneficiary with instructions about setting up an account with myUSCIS. This email also will explain the next steps in the process, which include:

• Confirming biographic information on my USCIS
• Attesting to understanding the family requirements for children under the age of 18 in the program
• Attesting to the completion of vaccine requirements or an exception to the vaccine requirements
• Attesting to the completion of the first dose of an FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine or WHO-Emergency use listed (EUL) COVID-19 vaccine

Furthermore, upon arriving in the U.S., the beneficiary will need to attest to having received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test, within 14 days.

Once all these steps are complete, the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive authorization to travel, which remains valid for 90 days. The beneficiary must arrange and fund travel to the U.S.

If USCIS determines Form I-134 is insufficient, that decision is final, and the Ukrainian beneficiary will receive a notice via email. However, another supporter may file a Form I-134 on their behalf, or the same supporter can file a new Form I-134 on their behalf.

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