Ukrainian families in New York City seeking immigration guidance
U.S. relief options for Ukrainians
The war has displaced millions; however, several U.S. options can provide lawful stay and work permission. Our firm helps you compare each path and choose the one that best fits your facts.
TPS for Ukraine: Temporary Protected Status allows eligible Ukrainians to live and work in the U.S. for a designated period. In addition, applicants may request travel authorization.
Asylum (affirmative or defensive): If you fear persecution, you may apply for protection. For example, we prepare declarations, country reports, and evidence to support your claim.
Humanitarian parole / U4U: Uniting for Ukraine offers a streamlined parole process for beneficiaries with a U.S. sponsor. Moreover, many parolees can apply for work authorization soon after entry.
Family options: Some people also qualify through U.S. citizen or resident relatives. Therefore, we check for I-130 and adjustment/consular paths first.
Learn more: Asylum · TPS for Ukraine · Family petitions · Contact us
Who qualifies for TPS (Ukraine)
First, you must be a Ukrainian national (or stateless person last habitually resident in Ukraine). Next, you must meet the continuous residence and physical presence dates set by DHS. Finally, you must be admissible and pass security checks. We confirm current dates and filing windows during your consult.
Evidence checklist (quick guide)
Passport or national ID
Proof of entry and presence in the U.S.
Address and employment records (for example, leases or pay stubs)
Any prior immigration filings or court documents
As a result, your application is stronger and processing is smoother.
Asylum timelines and work cards
After filing asylum, you may apply for work authorization once you meet the waiting rules. In addition, we track interview scheduling and court notices so deadlines are not missed. Meanwhile, we update you at each milestone: receipt, biometrics, and interview.
Sponsorship questions (Uniting for Ukraine)
Sponsors must show they can support the beneficiary. For instance, we prepare the financial forms and evidence checklists and explain what happens after approval. Then we plan for next steps such as work permits and school enrollment.
Common pitfalls we help you avoid
Missing TPS or EAD deadlines
Filing the wrong form category
Inconsistent declarations and evidence
Travel without proper advance permission
Consequently, small mistakes do not become major delays.
How we can help
First, we map your options and risks. Next, we assemble evidence and prepare filings. Then, we submit applications and track case updates. Finally, we prepare you for interviews and, if needed, hearings.
Ready to talk? Request a consultation or call (562) 495-0554.
Why this matters & next steps
News about large numbers of Ukrainians arriving in New York City raises urgent questions about legal status, work, and long-term options. Depending on how someone entered the U.S., they may have very different paths. Many Ukrainians came through Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian parole; others entered on visitor visas or applied for asylum after arrival. Some may now be in removal proceedings and need case strategy quickly.
If you arrived under U4U: parole is temporary. Track your parole end date and EAD validity, renew when eligible, and explore a more durable path (family petition, employment, or asylum, if you qualify).
If you plan to seek asylum: you generally must file within one year of arrival unless an exception applies. Strong cases include a detailed personal declaration, country-conditions evidence, and corroborating documents. Work authorization may be available after the statutory wait once the application is pending.
If you were given court papers (Notice to Appear): do not miss hearings. Update your address with EOIR and keep every document. Relief can include asylum/withholding/CAT, cancellation, or adjustment if a family route opens.
Our firm helps with U4U EAD renewals, asylum filings, bond, court representation, and longer-term planning (family or employment-based options). We organize evidence, prepare declarations, and respond to RFEs/NOIDs when needed. For a tailored plan, contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner.
FAQs:
Can I work if I came through U4U?
Yes—apply for or renew an EAD based on parole if still eligible. Also consider asylum-pending EAD eligibility if you file for asylum.
Does U4U lead to a green card?
Not by itself. It’s temporary parole. Some people later adjust through marriage/family or employment, or pursue asylum if eligible.
What if my one-year asylum deadline is close?
File as soon as possible. Missing the deadline without a valid exception can bar asylum (other protections may still exist).
I received an NTA—what now?
Note the court date/time, keep all documents, and get counsel. You may request bond if detained and pursue relief in court.
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.
U4U Sponsorship (I-134A): Eligibility, Sponsor Proof, Common Denials
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.
