How can a Ukrainian get humanitarian parole in the USA under the new Uniting for Ukraine program?

Posted by Avisa:   07.05.2022

At the end of April 2022, the US government announced a simplified program called "Uniting for Ukraine". This program allows   citizens of Ukraine who suffered from the Russian invasion to receive a humanitarian parole. The new US program for Ukrainians will provide an opportunity to receive humanitarian parole, which will allow them to stay in the country for 2 years.

What does humanitarian parole mean?

Humanitarian parole is a special permit for temporary stay in the United States. Every foreigner will be able to enter the United States with a humanitarian parole if in the country of residence, for example if there's a war going on. Humanitarian parole will be relevant for persons who do not have a visa to the United States.

You have the right to use the "Uniting for Ukraine" program if:

• You lived on the territory of Ukraine until February 11, 2022.
• You are citizen of Ukraine with a valid foreign passport.
• You are a close family member of a citizen of Ukraine (husband/wife, civil partner, or unmarried child under 21).
• You have a sponsor in the US who is committed to taking full financial responsibility for you.
• Have proof of vaccines required by the US government.

You must prove that you have been vaccinated against measles, polio, and Covid-19. An exception is allergic reactions to a component of the vaccine. If you cannot confirm your vaccination or you have not had one, you will be allowed to be vaccinated in the United States within 14 days of your arrival in the country.

Under this program, children under 18 must travel to the United States only with their parents or legal guardians.

What are the requirements for a sponsor?

• Sponsor must have legal status in the United States.
• Sponsor must prove a financial ability to accept people from Ukraine under this program.
• Sponsor must commit to help the person or family from Ukraine they are sponsoring for 2 years, for example providing safe place to live and necessities, assisting with paperwork such as obtaining a work permit, facilitating medical care, etc.

How should a sponsor calculate the income required according to all USCIS requirements?

Before filling out the application form, the sponsor needs to calculate the required  income on this site: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines.

If the sponsor does not meet the financial criteria, he/she may use an additional person who will act as an additional sponsor.

How to request a US humanitarian parole:

1. Your sponsor must complete Form I-134. Attach the financial documents. This can be a certificate from work, a tax return, a bank statement for the last 12 months, property. This form will be reviewed, the sponsor will be checked and, if USCIS has no questions, approved. Sponsor can complete the form on this site: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/
2. After Form I-134 is approved, the participant will receive an approval letter and instructions on how to verify his or her biographic data. The participant will be required to fill out an application form and confirm vaccination data.
3. After the participant fills out the form, his case will be considered further. Once approved, you will receive an electronic travel authorization. You will have 90 days to enter the country with humanitarian parole. Also, upon arrival in the United States, you must be tested for tuberculosis within 14 days and vaccinated with those vaccines that you do not have.

The following is the list of required documents for participants in “Uniting for Ukraine”:

• A foreign passport for adults, children can have their own passport or be inscribed in the passport of one of the parents.
• Certificate of birth of children, marriage certificate.
• Evidence that you were on the territory of Ukraine before 11/02/2022.
• Confirmation of vaccinations.

What does humanitarian parole in the USA allow?

• Legal residence in the US up to 2 years.
• Opportunity to apply for a work or study permit.
• Get help, primarily from a sponsor, in the form of free place for living, essentials, etc.

The approved humanitarian parole will be valid for 2 years. At the end of the parole, you must leave the country. Also, the humanitarian parole will be canceled if you leave the United States without prior travel authorization.

Our company, Avisa, will be able to help you in the process of registration for this program at the second stage. When USCIS approves your sponsor, we will be able to provide qualified assistance to further the process. Our company, unfortunately, does not search for sponsors! If you need help at the second stage of the process, please contact us for information by mail: [email protected] or send a request to telegram/viber/whatsapp: +380975772727.