The Uniting for Ukraine initiative will provide a paired and expedited route for Ukrainian nationals with wiling US sponsors to obtain Humanitarian Parole and work authorization. This new avenue for applying will streamline and centralize the processing of Humanitarian Paroles for Ukrainians. This will provide an ability for approved applicants to enter the United States and obtain work authorization. Eligible applicants and US based sponsors are encouraged to seek advice immediately to start the application process.
Ukrainians must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
Ukrainians approved via this process will be authorized to travel to the United States and 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 for work authorization.
The Uniting for Ukraine process will go live on April 25, 2022 via a new online portal. The DHS has described the process as follows:
Beginning on April 25, 2022, U.S.-based individuals and entities can apply to DHS to sponsor Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s aggression through the Uniting for Ukraine process, which will go live that day on the DHS website. Any U.S. citizen or individual, including representatives of non-government organizations, can sponsor Ukrainian applicants. Individuals and organizations seeking to sponsor Ukrainian citizens in the United States will be required to declare their financial support and pass security background checks to protect against exploitation and abuse. Eligibility requirements will include required vaccinations and other public health requirements, as well as biographic and biometric screening, vetting, and security checks.
Since the start of the crisis in Ukraine, Tully Rinckey’s immigration law attorneys have been providing commentary to news and media outlets across the country. Please see the news stories and articles below featuring our attorneys:
Our immigration law team is ready and waiting to assist you — at your convenience and on your schedule. If you or someone you know is facing an immigration matter, contact Tully Rinckey today.