Uniting for Ukraine: DHS's New Parole
Program for Displaced Ukrainians
The DHS is now implementing a parole process for certain Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members. The immediate family members do not have to be Ukrainian citizens. This new program is for such citizens and immediate family members who (1) have recently been displaced, (2) pass biometric and biographic vetting, (3) have sufficient financial support in the United States, and (4) meet other eligibility requirements. If they meet these requirements, these Ukrainian citizens and immediate family members in Europe will be offered an opportunity to apply for and receive advance authorization to travel to the United States for the purpose of seeking a discretionary grant of humanitarian parole for up to 2 years. This process, named Uniting for Ukraine, became available on April 5, 2022.
If advance authorization is granted, the recipient will be permitted to board a flight to the United States to request parole. The travel authorization does not guarantee that the individual will be paroled.
PROCESSING STEPS
(1) filing and confirmation of financial support;
(2) Ukrainian beneficiary account registration;
(3) Vetting and clearance;
(4) Travel and public health-related requirements;
(5) Parole determination at a U.S. port of entry.
ELIGIBILITY
- Financial Support:
To be eligible, certain Ukrainian citizens and certain non-Ukrainian immediate family members who were physically present in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022, and have a US-based financial supporter are eligible for this process. This process starts when a supporter files a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS through the online myUSCIS portal. This form was previously known as the Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
The individual supporter who submits and signs the Form I-134 must be a US-based person in lawful status, a parolee, or a beneficiary of deferred action or DED. The form must be filed from within the United States. The individual can also represent an organization. If this organization is providing financial or other services on behalf of the Ukrainian beneficiary, the individual should include information about the organization in the Form I-134.
When submitting the Form I-134, the petitioner should include the following:
- A signed statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institution that states (1) when you opened an account, (2) the total amount deposited for the past year, and (3) the present balance of such account.
- A signed statement from your employer on business letterhead that states the date and nature of your (1) employment, (2) salary paid, and (3) whether the position is temporary or permanent.
- A copy of your last income federal tax return filed, or a report of commercial rating concern (if self-employed).
- A list containing the serial numbers and denominations of bonds and names of owners (if applicable).
This form will then be reviewed and vetted by USCIS. Once USCIS determines that there is sufficient evidence of financial support, the relevant Ukrainian beneficiary will be notified and prompted to submit any additional required information
- Possession of a Valid Ukrainian Passport
The Ukrainian beneficiary must possess a valid Ukrainian passport, or if a child without their own passport, be included in a parent's passport. Only children traveling with a parent or legal guardian will be eligible for this program.
- Biometric and Biographic Background
The Ukrainian beneficiary must clear biographic and biometric background checks, and will need to meet public health requirements, including, as appropriate, proof of required vaccinations as determined by DHS's Chief Medical Officer along with the CDC. In compliance with these requirements, Ukrainian beneficiaries must demonstrate proof of first doses of measles, polio, and COVID-19 vaccines and must complete a screening for tuberculosis for all individuals 2 years of age or older. These requirements may be adjusted as public health requires.
- Vetting and Clearance
Biographic and biometric information provided by the prospective Ukrainian beneficiary will be vetted against national security and law enforcement databases. The myUSCIS system will transmit the provided information directly to CBP’s Automated Targeting System (ATS) for vetting. Only beneficiaries who complete all requirements and clear the vetting of their biographic information will receive the necessary advanced authorization to travel to the US to seek parole.
Once vetting is complete and the beneficiary has been approved for advanced authorization to travel, the beneficiary will receive a notification in myUSCIS explaining that they are authorized to travel to the United States via commercial routes for a period of 90 days.
- Travel
Ukrainian beneficiaries who are approved are responsible for arranging and funding their travel to the United States. Furthermore, beneficiaries must comply with applicable CDC travel requirements, including obtaining negative COVID-19 testing, among other things. Please see the CDC website for more information.
- Parole Determination at a U.S. Port of Entry
Upon arrival to a U.S. port of entry, Ukrainian beneficiaries and their family members will be inspected by CBP officers. The officers will make case-by-case determinations to include consideration of parole. Individuals who are granted parole into the United States will be given a period of up to 2 years. In that time, paroled individuals may apply for employment authorization with USCIS.
NOT ELIGIBLE?
Individuals who are not eligible for Uniting for Ukraine may make an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate for additional information about available options.