COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Uniting for Ukraine Parolees.

DHS Updates COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has updated its
 COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Uniting for Ukraine parolees. All beneficiaries ages 6 months and older must have proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccinations both before traveling to the U.S. and after arrival in the U.S., unless eligible under an exception.
Before traveling to the U.S. under Uniting for Ukraine,
All beneficiaries 6 months and older must submit proof that they have received at least 1 dose of the vaccine. After being paroled into the U.S.
Through this program, beneficiaries must submit documentation of their completed COVID-19 vaccination series within 90 days of arrival or within 90 days of reaching the eligible age.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Uniting for Ukraine Parolees

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) parolees — what changed and what to do

DHS updated the vaccination rules for beneficiaries paroled under Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): effective August 2022, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must attest that they received COVID-19 vaccinations before travel and again after arrival in the United States, unless they qualify for a recognized exception.

Who this affects

• Ukrainian beneficiaries and their qualifying family members approved for parole through U4U (anyone age 6 months+). Beneficiaries must also confirm other required vaccines (measles and polio) as part of the U4U medical requirements.

What vaccines and health steps are required

• COVID-19: at least one pre-travel dose is required prior to boarding/arrival and beneficiaries must attest to completing the recommended series per CDC guidance after arrival unless an exception applies.
• Measles & polio: beneficiaries must confirm vaccination or receive required doses as part of the public-health requirements for travel authorization.
• TB screening: after arrival, beneficiaries aged 2 and older must complete TB screening (IGRA blood test) and attest to it within the U4U medical attestation timeframe (commonly within 90 days).

How to attest (practical steps)

1. Log into your myUSCIS account and complete the U4U vaccine pre-travel attestation to confirm required pre-travel vaccines so travel authorization proceeds.
2. If you took only a single dose before travel, arrange to complete the CDC-recommended primary series after arrival and then submit the post-arrival attestation in myUSCIS within the required window.
3. Keep vaccination records (cards, clinic notes, official immunization records, or WHO-EUL documentation) to upload or show to providers; obtain certified translations when needed.

Exceptions & waivers

• Limited exceptions exist (for example, a documented medical contraindication or other narrowly drawn exemptions). Claiming an exception requires supporting medical documentation and, in some cases, a plan to begin/complete the vaccine series within a stated period after arrival. Seek counsel if you intend to claim an exception.

Timing & compliance tips

• Complete the pre-travel attestation before you travel — you will not receive travel authorization without satisfying the attestation step.
• Complete any post-arrival vaccinations and the TB (IGRA) screening promptly — many jurisdictions ask beneficiaries to attest within 90 days of arrival.
• Keep digital and paper copies of all vaccine and screening records; these documents may be required by USCIS, health departments, or sponsors.

FAQs

Q: What proof is acceptable for COVID-19 vaccines?
A: Official vaccination records, clinic notes showing vaccine brand/date, or WHO-EUL documentation for non-FDA vaccines. Keep originals and translated copies.

Q: What happens if I don’t submit the attestation?
A: Failure to comply with the U4U medical attestation requirements may jeopardize your parole authorization or future benefits; comply quickly and get legal help if there are problems.

How we help

We review your U4U file, confirm which attestations you must submit, help gather and translate vaccine and medical records, and prepare medical-attestation language or exception documentation (medical waivers). If DHS or USCIS requests follow-up, we prepare responses and coordinate with health providers to meet attestation windows.