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Resources for Ukrainian Refugees

Immigration Information for Ukrainian Refugees

This information is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Consulate an immigration attorney you trust about your situation before you take any action.

Temporary Protected Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS.

Questions about TPS? I’ve created a video Q&A on TPS for Ukrainians.

Information on how to apply is available on the USCIS TPS website.

During a designated period, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or who are found preliminarily eligible for TPS upon initial review of their cases (prima facie eligible):

  • Are not removable from the United States

  • Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)

  • May be granted travel authorization

Once granted TPS, an individual also cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States.

TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for TPS does not prevent you from:

  • Applying for nonimmigrant status

  • Filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition

  • Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which you may be eligible

Visas to the United States

United States citizens can sponsor their Ukrainian spouses, children, parents and siblings for immigrant visas. However, visas are only immediately available for spouses, minor children and parents. United States citizens can also seek visas for Ukrainian fiancees.

If you have an I-130 petition approved by USCIS pending processing at the National Visa Center and want to transfer it to U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may request expedition and transfer from the National Visa Center: Public Inquiry Form. If you have not yet filed a petition but wish to do so at U.S. Embassy Warsaw, you may email ImmigrantVisasWarsaw@state.gov to inquire regarding possible local filing.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian spouse or child seeking to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, you may send a request to Support-Poland@ustraveldocs.comto ask for transfer of your “profile” to Warsaw, after which you should be able to continue the process for a Warsaw appointment.

If you already have an appointment at U.S. Embassy Warsaw but wish to expedite it, you may request expedition via https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/expedited-appointment.

If you are seeking but do not already have an appointment for a Nonimmigrant Visa:

If you will apply in Warsaw: Visit ttps://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/step-4 and sign up for a "C1/D" (crew) appointment, even though you are not a crew member. When you come to the Embassy they will convert your appointment to the proper type.

If you will apply in Krakow: Visit ttps://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/step-4 and sign up for an "F" (student) appointment, even though you are not a student. When you come to the Consulate they will convert your appointment to the proper type.

Refugee Resettlement through UNCHR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.

For Ukrainians traveling to or present in other countries, please see the below for more information about asylum procedures and where to go for help:

• In the Czech Republic: Please see the UNHCR HELP page: https://help.unhcr.org/czech/ and the government webpage page : https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/informace-pro-obcany-ukrajiny.aspx (hotline number +420 974 801 802).

• In Hungary: Please see the UNHCR HELP page for Hungary: https://help.unhcr.org/hungary/ and the page of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee: https://helsinki.hu/Ukraine_Guide_2022_02_25_EN.pdf.

• In Moldova: Please see the page of the asylum authorities: http://bma.gov.md/ro/content/%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE and this partner page for available services: https://dopomoga.life/. You can contact UNHCR at: hunbu@unhcr.org.

• In Poland: Please see the UNHCR HELP page for Poland: https://help.unhcr.org/poland/ and the Polish government website for Ukrainians: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc/ukraina-en (scroll down for additional languages and note their hotline at: +48477217575).

• In Romania: Please see the UNHCR HELP page for Romania: https://help.unhcr.org/romania/ and the website of our partner, the National Council for Refugees: https://www.cnrr.ro/index.php/ro/

• In Slovakia: Please see the UNHCR HELP page for Slovakia here: https://help.unhcr.org/slovakia/ and the Slovak government website for Ukrainians at: https://ua.gov.sk/en.html.

In all other countries: Please see the UNHCR HELP page https://help.unhcr.org/ and select the relevant country.

Please note that UNHCR Ukraine is not involved in exit procedures or evacuations of any person from Ukraine.