The US expects to protect almost 60,000 Ukrainians already residing in the US and admit up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.

There are currently two US programs supporting Ukrainians. First, Ukrainians already residing in the US have been offered Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Second, President Biden has authorized a program called Uniting for Ukraine by which US-based supporters can sponsor Ukrainians in the US for up to two years.

1) Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainian Citizens

Nearly 60,000 Ukrainians who have been residing in the US have been given Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the US. Candidates for TPS must have been residing in the US since on or before April 11, 2022. Under TPS, one also may apply for a work permit, called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

You must apply during the 18-month registration period that began April 19, 2022 and ends on October 19, 2023. This period may be extended, but USCIS encourages you to register as soon as possible.

Those eligible will need to file an I-821 Application for TPS. You can apply online at Ukraine’s TPS page under the “where to file” tab. Those eligible can request a work permit by filing an I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. These documents should be filed together.

If you are filing a paper application, see Ukraine’s TPS page and go to the “where to file” tab for information on where to send your application.

2) The “Uniting for Ukraine” program

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to stay in the United States for up to two years. Ukrainians participating in the program must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay.

The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a I-134 Declaration of Financial Support Form with USCIS. The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to ensure that they are able to financially support the individual and to protect against exploitation and abuse.

If approved, Ukrainian beneficiaries will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to set up an account with myUSCIS and other next steps.

Anyone Interested should contact us for more information.