Once the biographic information has been confirmed by the beneficiary, and upon the completion of all other requirements, the case is processed. Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the United States. 7691), signed into law26 by President Biden on May 21, 2022, provides supplemental emergency appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to Federal agencies to respond to the situation in, and for assistance to, Ukraine.27 The bill provides $40.1 billion in FY 2022 emergency supplemental appropriations for activities (including economic assistance, humanitarian aid, diplomatic programs, military programs etc.) Additionally, USAIDs website has information for Ukrainian refugees: https://www.usaid.gov/usaid-response-ukraine/resources-refugees-asylum-seekers. The sub-office in Chisinau can arrange departures for approved Ukrainian Lautenberg applicants who have completed all U.S. Subscribe. Medical Attestations and Vaccine Requirements. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) processing requirements and are physically outside of Ukraine. Additional information is available from UNHCR : https://help.unhcr.org, including information about non-governmental organizations that may be able to provide additional assistance.
Under the program, beneficiaries need to present a pre-travel medical attestation showing they have completed vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose Covid-19 vaccine or that they are eligible for an exception to those vaccine requirements.24 Within 14 days following their arrival to the United States, beneficiaries need to attest to receiving a medical screening for tuberculosis. 2 Remarks by President Biden in Press Conference, White House website, March 24, 2022. Our European partners offer many resources for people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Get the latest news about the IRC's innovative programs, compelling stories about our clients and how you can make a difference. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-make-an-expedite-request. Appointment wait times are available at U.S. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html. Resided in Ukraine immediately before the Russian invasion (through 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 parents passport); If not a Ukrainian citizen, they must be an immediate family member of a Ukrainian citizen beneficiary of Uniting for Ukraine with a valid passport; Have a supporter who filed a Form I-134 on their behalf that USCIS has vetted and confirmed as sufficient; and. Center for Immigration Studies Twitter Account, Center for Immigration Studies Facebook Page, Center for Immigration Studies Linkedin Account, Center for Immigration Studies Youtube Channel, President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Remarks by President Biden in Press Conference, More than 45,000 Americans have applied to sponsor Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., Ukrainian Refugees in Europe and the U.S., H.R.7691 - Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Programs, The U.S. If the individuals case is accepted and he has been authorized to travel to the United States to seek parole under the program, he will have to arrange and fund his own travel. Asylees, refugees, parolees, TPS holders, and beneficiaries of deferred action (including DACA) or Deferred Enforced Departure can also act as supporters under this program. This resource addresses adoptions and intended adoptions at various stages of the process and provides guidance on whom to consult and clarifications on the Department's potential role and ability to assist. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, updated November 12, 2021. In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the individual by filing a petition with U.S. 18 I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, U.S. Ukrainian citizens, as well as their non-Ukrainian immediate family members, who are outside the United States may be considered for parole under this program. A U.S.-based supporter does not have to be a U.S. national or citizen, or even a green card holder. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, updated May 27, 2022. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/immigrant-visas-processing-general-faqs.html, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/national-visa-center/nvc-contact-information.html, Information for U.S. Citizens In the Process of Adopting in Ukraine, https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/humanitarian-parole, https://www.usaid.gov/usaid-response-ukraine/resources-refugees-asylum-seekers. Entry into the U.S. is granted as humanitarian parole - a legal mechanism whereby the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may grant entry to individuals who are otherwise not eligible for admission to the U.S. for a temporary period for urgent humanitarian need or to serve the public interest. 9 Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Programs, Congressional Research Service, updated June 21, 2021. 7691), Ukrainian parolees will receive refugee resettlement benefits, including cash and medical assistance (which were recently extended from eight to 12 months). On April 21, 2022, President Biden announced the launch of a new program called Uniting for Ukraine to offer Ukrainian nationals (and their non-Ukrainian immediate family members) who fled their country following the recent Russian invasion a chance to come to the United States via what has been portrayed as private sponsorship.1 This comes after Bidens commitment made in Brussels to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians with a focus on reuniting families.2. This lifeline for persecuted religious minority groups from the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine, to reunite with their family members in the United States long ago lost its raison dtre; but, like most federal programs, it continues on automatic pilot. 24 Uniting for Ukraine Vaccine Attestation, U.S.
USCIS processing times for Form I-131 humanitarian parole (filed directly by the individual seeking parole) are significantly longer than usual due to a surge of requests.25 Anyone can file an application for humanitarian parole and many have been doing just that lately (including Afghan and Ukrainian nationals), which is overwhelming the system. 7691 and H.R.7791, White House website, May 21, 2022. 1 President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release, April 21, 2022. Evidence of financial support could come from the beneficiaries own assets in Ukraine (such as documents showing that the beneficiary owns a home there).21. Supporters will be vetted by the U.S. government to protect against exploitation and abuse and ensure that they are able to financially support the Ukrainians they are agreeing to sponsor. 3 President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release, April 21, 2022. Have a sponsor in the U.S. whose Form I-134 Affidavit of Support has been approved by USCIS. A U.S.-based supporter for a beneficiary under Uniting for Ukraine need not be a U.S. national, citizen, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder); other individuals lawfully present in the United States can also sponsor Ukrainians under the program. Federal funds (i.e., taxpayer dollars) that go to resettlement agencies can in turn be used as added support in the Declaration of Financial Support form submitted to admit a Ukrainian beneficiary into the United States. 6 H.R.7691 - Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, Congress.Gov, May 19, 2022. Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to "receive, maintain, and support" the Ukrainians they commit to support for two years. Ukrainians who want to travel to the United States are encouraged to complete the Uniting for Ukraine process from Europe and not show up at U.S. land ports of entry without a valid visa or pre-authorization to travel here. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 5 Nayla Rush, Ukrainian Refugees in Europe and the U.S., Center for Immigration Studies Backgrounder, April 14, 2022. Changes to Vaccination Requirements for Immigrant Visa Applicants, Update on U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination, Safely Resuming Travel by Vaccine Requirement and Rescission of Travel Restrictions on Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Schengen Area, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, U.S. Embassy in Tunis Begins Processing Libyan Immigrant Visas, U.S. Embassy in Bogota Begins Processing Venezuelan Immigrant Visas, Routine Visa Services Suspended in Caracas, Rescission of Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983, Update on Visa Processing at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Waiver of Personal Appearance and Interview Requirements for Certain Immigrant Visa Applicants Issued Visas On or After August 4, 2019, Important Announcement on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas, Diversity Visa Reassignment Procedures for Kabul and Baghdad, Immigrant Visa Fee Exemption for Applicants Previously Refused under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983, Announcement of F/M/J Processing Posts for Applicants Resident in Russia, The Department of State Meeting with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement for Enrollees at the University of Northern New Jersey (UNNJ), Announcement of Processing Posts for Visa Applicants from Ukraine, Local Filing of Form I-130 Petitions Filed by U.S. Citizens on Behalf of Afghan, Ethiopian, and Ukrainian Immediate Relatives Fleeing Conflict, Limited Resumption of Immigrant Visa Processing in Havana, Announcement on Resumption of Processing of EB-5 Visas Associated with the Regional Center Program, National Visa Center Public Inquiry Telephone Line Suspension, Continued Expansion of Immigrant Visa Processing in Havana to Include All Immediate Relative Categories, Department of State/AILA Liaison Committee Meeting June 9, 2022, The Department of State is not offering visa services in Ukraine at this time. If you would like to transfer processing of an immigration case to another U.S. embassy or consulate, pleasecontactthereceiving U.S embassy or consulates Immigrant Visa Unitin that country to request a case transfer. Uniting for Ukraine was launched by the U.S. government on April 21, 2022 to provide a safe and orderly means for Ukrainians displaced by conflict in Ukraine to join supporters in the U.S., along with the U.S. The U.S. refugee resettlement program involves a number of processes, some overseas and others on the domestic front.10 Inside the United States, nine non-governmental organizations work with, and are funded by, the Department of State to resettle refugees.11 These religious or community-based organizations, referred to as resettlement agencies, help resettled refugees but also Afghan parolees, unaccompanied children, and now, as a result of H.R. The current security situation in Ukraine will not have an impact on your USCIS decision or overall case processing. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and normal immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing. https://www.uscis.gov/military/military-help-line. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. If work authorization had been granted, it will also expire at the end of the parole period. This private sponsorship seems more linked to federal money than to individual wealth. An organization may provide financial support for a Ukrainian seeking parole, but an individual must sign Form I-134 as the sponsor.
Citizenship and Immigration Services website, updated May 27, 2022. Instead, they should contact local authorities or UNHCR for refugee processing. 7691, Ukrainian parolees will receive federal assistance and refugee resettlement benefits (recently extended from eight to 12 months).12 But it doesnt end there. Ukrainian parolees, receiving federal assistance and resettlement benefits, can use those funds to sponsor additional Ukrainian parolees, who in turn will receive the same federal assistance upon arrival.
EIN number 13-5660870. Under Uniting for Ukraine, only one U.S.-based supporter can complete and file online Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) on behalf of one beneficiary. These nonprofits could very well include the nine refugee resettlement agencies the U.S. Department of State collaborates with and funds. The application process can be completed through the USCIS on-line portal: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine, U.S.-based sponsors begin the application process by completing their Form I-134 Affidavit of Support online: https://www.uscis.gov/i-134. 4 Camilo Montoya-Galvez, More than 45,000 Americans have applied to sponsor Ukrainian refugees in the U.S., CBS News, June 3, 2022. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may face extended visa interview wait times at some Embassies and Consulates. *Only Ukrainians who entered the U.S. on or prior to April 11, 2022 and have maintained continuous presences in the U.S. would be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Uniting for Ukraine allows for admission to the United States under humanitarian parole for an initial period of two years, and is renewable. Please see more information at Information for U.S. Citizens In the Process of Adopting in Ukraine. Thus, despite the fact that Uniting for Ukraine is presented as a private sponsorship program, it is not necessarily private since taxpayer money can be used. It is the nation's only think tank devoted exclusively to research and policy analysis of the economic, social, demographic, fiscal, and other impacts of immigration on the United States. Further information on immigrant visas can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html. 21 Julia Ainsley, Ukrainians fleeing war face onerous process to enter U.S., NBC News, May 5, 2022.
Those who do so anyway could be denied entry and referred to apply through this process. A supporter may agree to support more than one beneficiary (such as different member of a same family unit); he will still need to file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary. The Department is actively working with Adoption Service Providers (ASPs) to provide guidance and answer questions during this critical time. 19 Uniting for Ukraine, U.S. You can find those email addresses at each individual embassy or consulates website. Ukrainians already present in the U.S. cannot apply for humanitarian parole under this program, nor can children who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The new streamlined process under Uniting for Ukraine, which began on April 25, allows Ukrainians to come to the United States straight from Europe for an initial period of two years under humanitarian parole.3 Ukrainians need to be privately sponsored by U.S.-based supporters who commit to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay. Uniting for Ukraine allows for shorter processing times for those beneficiaries who want to receive temporary safe haven in the United States. Increased refugee resettlement processing under the Lautenberg Amendment and broadened access to visa processing at consular posts overseas have also been announced.14. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. It is not meant to replace a visa process. Transferring Immigrant Visa Cases from NVC: Immigrant visa applicants who have received an NVC case number and have supplied all supporting information to become documentarily qualified will receive notice of their Frankfurt appointment in the coming months (see also NVC expedite paragraph above). It is conveniently used today to resettle Ukrainians fleeing a war zone (and not religious persecution). That said, if an organization or any other entity is willing to provide financial or other services to the beneficiary to facilitate support, then this information is added as part of the evidence submitted with the Form I-134. Parolees are not entitled to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card) or any other form of immigration status. Transferring Immigrant Visa Cases from Embassy Kyiv: If you had an immigrant visa case pending with U.S. Embassy Kyiv that was not an adoption case, it has been transferred to Frankfurt. U.S.-based supporters can be U.S. citizens and nationals or green card holders; but they can also be individuals who hold other lawful status in the United States, such as asylees, refugees, parolees, people on temporary (nonimmigrant) visas, TPS holders, or those benefiting from deferred action (including DACA) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The bill also provides $900 million for additional Refugee and Entrant Assistance, to be used for grants or contracts with qualified organizations, including nonprofit entities. Refugee Admissions Program Access Categories, U.S. Department of State, 2017-2021 Archived Content. The International Organization for Migration (IOM)s Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Eurasia is continuing limited operations from Kyiv and from the sub-office in Chisinau, Moldova. So far, over 45,000 applications have been submitted under Uniting for Ukraine; 6,500 have arrived already and another 27,000 have been approved for travel.4, Uniting for Ukraine is one of the numerous measures by the U.S. government (both in Europe and in the U.S.) to respond to the Ukrainian crisis.5 Among those other measures is a new law, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. Beneficiaries are eligible for this process if they: Immediate family members in this process include the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian citizen; and their unmarried children under the age of 21. Children under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian.23. Ukrainians participating inUniting for Ukrainemust 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. Uniting for Ukraine is being presented as a private sponsorship arrangement, but is not necessarily private. 14 million people at risk of starvation in East Africa, Have a valid Ukrainian passport, or be included on a parent's passport, Complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, Submit to biometrics collection, biographic screening, and security vetting, and. If you apply for a nonimmigrant visa but are unable to demonstrate intent to leave the United States after a defined period in order to return to a residence abroad, a consular officer will refuse your application. We encourage Ukrainians to consult local government authorities in their current location to determine what might be available as you consider resettlement options. The beneficiary will receive an email instructing him to check his myUSCIS account for the status of his authorization to travel. 7691). If you had an active USRAP case with RSC Eurasia, your case remains active and case processing is continuing, to the extent possible. The program is a new streamlined process that provides a pathway to Ukrainians and their immediate family members to come to the United States under parole (for an initial period of two years, renewable) and apply for employment authorization, provided U.S.-based supporters (sponsors) agree to provide them with financial support during their stay here. 27 H.R.7691 - Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, Congress.gov, May 19, 2022. Ukrainian parolees wishing to remain in the U.S. beyond the parole period should contact a qualified legal practiioner to understand their options. Please email your nearest U.S. embassy or consulates Immigrant Visa Unit if you believe you may qualify to locally file an I-130 petition. 7 Humanitarian Parole, U.S. Meanwhile, actual refugee admissions under the U.S. refugee resettlement program remain low. Applicants that were being processed in Ukraine and have changed location and/or departed the country should write to RSC Eurasia and inform the RSC of their new location and contact information. All newly scheduled immigrant visa cases will be slated for appointments at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt. Newly Scheduled Immigrant Visa Appointments: U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt is the designated processing post for all Ukrainian immigrant visa applications except adoption cases. Parole is a program run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that allows an individual, who may be inadmissible or otherwise ineligible for admission into the United States, to be in the United States for a temporary period for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Even though one separate Form I-134 must be filed for each beneficiary, multiple supporters can agree to support one beneficiary. 14 President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release, April 21, 2022. This added support will be taken into account in determining the signatorys ability to support the beneficiary. 7691 gives Ukrainian parolees (current and future) access to resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits. They are not the appropriate tool to begin an immigrant, refugee, or resettlement process. All B1/B2 visa applicants are assumed to be intending immigrantsand therefore ineligible for a nonimmigrant visaunless they can establish otherwise. An organization or any other entity (such as a refugee resettlement agency) can offer to provide financial or other services to the beneficiary to facilitate support. The supporters ability to support one beneficiary will be assessed collectively. An organization can offer to provide financial or other services to the beneficiary to facilitate support and approval. Total: 886 Ukrainians (out of a total of 12,641 refugees admitted in FY 2022 through May 31, 2022, under a 125,000 ceiling). Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the beneficiary and include information about them and contact details, such as email address.18 There is no fee to apply. Only 12,641 refugees were resettled so far in FY 2022 under a 125,000 ceiling. 22 Uniting for Ukraine, U.S. Refugee Admissions Program Access Categories, I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, Ukrainians fleeing war face onerous process to enter U.S., Uniting for Ukraine Vaccine Attestation, Mark Krikorian on C-SPAN's Washington Journal, Todd Bensman Discusses Texas Border Policy, Steve Camarota Discusses Housing Afghans in Hotels, Map: Sanctuary Cities, Counties, and States, Estimating the Illegal Immigrant Population Using the Current Population Survey, The Jewish Stake in America's Changing Demography, Uniting for Ukraine: A New Privately Sponsored Pathway to the United States.