Should I come to the US?
While Svitlo focuses on welcoming Ukrainians to the US, we realize that the United States is not the best option for everyone. To help you make an informed decision, we recommend you use information collected by our partner organization — Rubikus.
What is Uniting for Ukraine Program
Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) allows Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by the Russian invasion to apply and stay temporarily in the United States. It is a streamlined process run by the U.S. government. U4U grants “humanitarian parole” — a temporary permission to stay in the U.S. for a period of 2 years.
How to find a U4U sponsor
In order to apply for the U4U program one must first find a sponsor.
Life in the US without a sponsor
If you’ve decided to come to America without asking for financial help from a sponsor, please, do your research! Prices in most American cities are very different from what you are used to in Ukraine. Be realistic about what you can and cannot afford.
Choice of location
As you plan your move to the U.S., you should spend time considering your destination. The U.S. is a large and diverse country and your experience will be different depending on the area you choose. Two main considerations should be whether the area has a Ukrainian community and whether you will choose to reside in an urban, suburban, or rural area.
How to fill out U4U paperwork
Step-by-step instructions on form I-134A that the sponsor and supporter need to fill out. We explain every question in detail. There are also videos with instructions one can watch.
FAQs on Uniting for Ukraine program
FAQs on the U4U program including mixed passport families, vaccination records and requirements, U4U eligibility, and paperwork questions.
Animal transportation
You are allowed to bring certain animals to the United States if monitored by the USDA APHIS, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Buying flight tickets
In this article, we provide guidelines on how to buy airline tickets to fly to the U.S. on the Uniting for Ukraine program. This will be particularly useful if you do not have much experience buying airline tickets online.
What to bring to the US
Instructions on what to bring to the US including: vaccination records, medications, and official documents.
US admission record (Form I-94)
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.
TB Testing and COVID-19 Vaccination
Under the rules of the U4U program, you are required to take the tuberculosis test within 90 days of your arrival.
Social Security Number (SSN)
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 Application (Form I-765)
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.
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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.
Applying for 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.
Health Insurance – General Info
Learn about getting healthcare in the US, health insurance options, the documents you’ll need, and how to apply.
Health Insurance – Medicaid
Learn about the main healthcare benefit available to you in the US.
Health Insurance – Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Learn about Refugee Medical Assistance and why it’s relevant if you live in certain states.
Health Insurance – Emergency Medicaid
How to get medical services covered in urgent situations under Emergency Medicaid.