The new U.S. immigration program Uniting for Ukraine

What many Ukrainians fleeing the war have been anticipating has happened – the “Uniting for Ukraine” program has been implemented. The main goal of the program is to allow Ukrainians residing in Ukraine as of 02/11/2022 to enter the United States through an expedited process. Under this program, the U.S. is ready to accept up to 100,000 individuals. To enter the country under the program, Ukrainians need potential sponsors who have the financial capability to sponsor them due to the situation in the country. U.S. citizens, such as close relatives or friends, can act as sponsors. Recently, non-governmental organizations have also become more active in seeking ways to be certified to accept Ukrainian citizens.

Please note. U.S. authorities recommend not traveling to the Mexican border to seek asylum. The process will be much more successful and faster for those citizens who are in Europe and utilize the “Uniting for Ukraine” program.

It all begins with the sponsor completing Form I-134 for financial support of the beneficiary and sending it via email. After a positive decision on the application, the applicant will receive an email, and the beneficiary will receive instructions on creating an account on the USCIS website www.uscis.gov and a list of required documents.

What to do if the beneficiary does not speak English or is elderly?

In this case, the sponsor creates an email account on the USCIS website and registers an account for the beneficiary. The access code for the account, which is included in the instruction email, is valid for 90 days. The sponsor enters all necessary information about the beneficiary into the beneficiary’s personal file. Next, there is a check for vaccinations and criminal history. An international Covid vaccination certificate must be brought to present to the visa officer at the border along with the passport and visa.

While previously checks could take years, under the “Uniting for Ukraine” program, U.S. authorities aim to simplify this procedure, but the checks are not being eliminated.

Remember – this is not an immigration program and it does not provide for obtaining U.S. residency or citizenship after two years. If you plan to pursue your immigration intentions in the future, you should take care of this now and explore all legal grounds.