Welcoming Refugees from Ukraine

Context & Who This Guide Is For

Since early 2022, many Ukrainians have entered or remained in the U.S. through Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), visitor visas, or by seeking asylum. Each path has different eligibility rules, timelines, and documents—and choosing the right one affects work permission, travel, and what you can do next. This guide is for Ukrainians and their U.S. sponsors who want a practical overview of U4U, TPS, and asylum, how they interact, and how to plan renewals and longer-term options.

Eligibility. Beneficiaries must be Ukrainian nationals (or non-Ukrainian immediate family members) outside the U.S. with valid travel documents. A U.S.-based supporter files Form I-134A online and passes background and financial checks.
Sponsor proof. Provide status/ID (U.S. passport, green card, EAD), financial capacity (recent pay stubs, W-2/1099, tax return, bank statements, employment letter), and a short plan for housing/transport/support. If income is borderline, use co-supporters and include liquid assets.
Common denials/holds. Name/date mismatches with passports, thin financial evidence, missing household size details, unclear support plans, or inconsistent addresses. Fix by uploading clearer ID, full pay/tax history, and a precise support statement.
What U4U grants. Parole (temporary), eligibility for an EAD under (c)(11), ability to apply for Social Security and certain benefits where allowed. Parole is discretionary and does not by itself lead to a green card.

TPS for Ukraine: Residence/Physical Presence Windows, Evidence, Travel

Basics. TPS protects from removal during the designation period and allows an EAD. You must meet continuous residence and continuous physical presence dates published for Ukraine, be admissible, and not have disqualifying convictions.
Evidence. Identity/nationality (passport, birth certificate + photo ID), U.S. residence/physical presence proofs (leases, utility bills, pay stubs, school/medical records, bank statements, dated mail). Include certified translations where needed.
Filing. Form I-821 (TPS), Form I-765 for work (category (a)(12); (c)(19) while initial TPS is pending), filing fees or I-912 fee waiver, two passport photos, and biometrics.
Travel. TPS holders who need to travel should request advance travel authorization; leaving without it can affect TPS and reentry.
Re-registration. Watch DHS announcements for re-registration windows and automatic EAD extensions.

Asylum vs. TPS vs. Parole: Which Path When

U4U Parole is fastest to enter and work, but temporary. Best when you have a strong U.S. sponsor and need immediate, short-term protection. Plan your next step early (TPS and/or asylum).

TPS provides protection and EAD during the designation; it’s great for those already in the U.S. who meet the residence/CPP dates. It doesn’t by itself lead to residence, but it can stabilize status while you pursue a permanent path.

Asylum is the only option here that can lead to a green card (after a grant and one year), but it’s evidence-heavy and subject to the one-year filing deadline from last arrival unless you qualify for exceptions.
Common strategy. Many people combine these: enter with U4U → file TPS if eligible → consider asylum if a persecutory claim exists. Sequence depends on your facts, deadlines, and risk tolerance.

Work Authorization: Categories and Timelines

U4U Parole: file Form I-765 under category (c)(11) after arrival.

TPS: file I-765 under (a)(12); while initial TPS is pending, you may request under (c)(19). Watch for automatic extensions listed in Federal Register notices.

Asylum: after 150 days from a properly filed I-589 with no applicant-caused delays, apply for an EAD under (c)(8); USCIS can issue after 180 days.
Tips. File renewals 6 months early, keep your address updated (AR-11), and bring receipt notices to DMV/HR as needed.

Maintaining Status & Next Steps: Renewals, Travel, Adjustment Possibilities

Renewals. Track parole end dates and TPS re-registration windows. Calendar these.

Travel. Parolees generally need new advance authorization to reenter; TPS applicants/holders should obtain advance travel authorization before leaving.

Long-term options. Explore family-based (marriage to a U.S. citizen, certain relatives), employment-based (H-1B/PERM), or, after a grant of asylum, adjustment of status after one year. Some may qualify for special programs (e.g., certain student or exchange options).

Court/ICE issues. If you have a prior removal order, NTA, or ankle-monitor/ISAP issues, get case-specific advice—deadlines and venue (USCIS vs. EOIR) matter.

Keep records. Save every I-94, notice, EAD, and re-registration approval; scan and back them up.

FAQs

1) Can I have U4U and TPS at the same time?
Yes. If you meet TPS dates, you can hold TPS while on parole. Many use TPS to maintain work eligibility if parole ends.

2) Do I lose parole if I apply for asylum?
No—filing asylum doesn’t cancel parole. But parole is still temporary; track its end date and consider TPS if eligible.

3) How long until I can work?
U4U: file EAD under (c)(11) soon after arrival. TPS: file (a)(12) with the TPS application. Asylum: EAD after the asylum clock reaches 150/180 days.

4) Can I travel outside the U.S.?
Only with the correct authorization. Parolees usually need new authorization; TPS requires advance travel authorization; asylum applicants should consult counsel before any travel.

5) Does TPS or U4U lead to a green card?
Not by themselves. Asylum can lead to a green card after a grant; otherwise most permanent paths are family- or employment-based.

6) What if my sponsor’s income is too low?
Use co-supporters and show assets. Provide clearer pay/tax/bank evidence and a detailed support plan.