First Steps in the US
Welcome to America — you’ve made it! You’ve found a safe place to stay, and hopefully have started to unpack and unwind. Now what? Give yourself some time to adjust to the local time zone (you’ll likely need about a week), and be ready to start filling out a lot of paperwork after a day or two of rest.
You’ll be able to access many helpful benefits once you fill out some essential paperwork, and this page will guide you through both the paperwork and benefits process. Click on the links below to learn more.
Paperwork
Form I-94 shows the date of your admission to the U.S., your class of admission, and how long you are allowed to stay in the country.
Under the rules of the U4U program, you are required to take the tuberculosis test within 90 days of your arrival.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number assigned to every U.S. resident for life. Your identity and financial history in the U.S. are tied to this number. Government agencies, landlords, and financial institutions will ask you to provide this number when they need to check your background, credit score, and financial reliability. The sooner you receive an SSN, the easier your resettlement will be. You can and should receive an SSN for each family member, even for newborn children.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called Form I-765, is a plastic card issued to you by USCIS. It allows you to work legally in the US during an authorized period.
As of November 21, 2022, you may work for 90 days without an EAD, but you still need to apply for it after three months. Your employer will be required to check that you have it.
Your comprehensive guide to the Diversity Visa for Ukrainians. Navigate the green card lottery process, clear up confusion, and discover your path to permanent residency in the United States.
Benefits
Discover available benefits for Ukrainian humanitarian parolees in the US. This guide explains health insurance, cash assistance, food assistance, and more. Learn how to navigate and apply.
Learn about getting healthcare in the US, health insurance options, the documents you’ll need, and how to apply.
Learn about Refugee Medical Assistance and why it’s relevant if you live in certain states.
How to get medical services covered in urgent situations under Emergency Medicaid.
Certain clinics offer free or low-cost medical services regardless of insurance status.
Once you start working, you may not qualify for Medicaid/RMA based on your income - learn about private health insurance plans.
Discover cash assistance options for Ukrainian humanitarian parolees in the US, including TANF, RCA, and Matching Grant programs.
Explore the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for Ukrainian humanitarian parolees in the US. Learn about eligibility, application process, and financial aid for older adults and disabled individuals.
Discover food assistance options for Ukrainian humanitarian parolees in the US. Explore SNAP and WIC programs to access nutritious food. Learn about eligibility and the application process.
Guides
Learn how to open a bank account in the US as a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee. Find out the required documents, bank options, and benefits of having a bank account.
Learn how to open a credit card account in the US as a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee. Discover the importance of credit history, building credit, secured credit cards, and recommended first credit cards.
Discover tips for selecting the best cell phone plan as a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee in the US. Explore the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program, affordable providers, and considerations.