This is general information for Ukrainians who have entered the U.S. after the russian invasion.

THOSE WHO ENTERED WITH PAROLE:

Information for Ukrainians that enter with parole:

✔ Children can attend school

✔ Children or pregnant women may be eligible for state-funded benefits, like health insurance (state-funded Medicaid) – they can inquire at their local office or online

✔ They are not authorized to work

✔ But they can apply for work authorization by filing an application with USCIS. The work permit will expire with their parole status. These work permits have been taking around 8 months to adjudicate, but it could be possible to request expedited processing based on the invasion.

✔ It’s important that they not mark on any form that they are U.S. citizens.

✔ They should not use fake documents in order to work

✔ They cannot leave the United States

✔ They can travel within the contiguous 48 states while their parole is valid.

✔ They should not travel to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or any other U.S. territory

✔ Those with close relatives, who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, may be eligible to adjust status (apply for a green card). They can apply immediately if they qualify. They should consult with an immigration attorney to see if this is an option for them.

TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS)

✔ If they were in the U.S. on March 1, 2022, they may be eligible for TPS and can consult with us if you qualify. TPS has not started yet, but soon will.

✔ Those who were present in US on March 1, 2022, will receive temporary status for 18 months, with a Work Permit and a Social Security number.

✔ For some TPS holders – they can apply for and receive Advance Parole travel documents to travel.

✔ It will take approx. 11 months to receive status and work permit.

✔ This TPS program will probably be extended at least once for another 18 months based on our experience with other TPS programs for other designated countries.

ASYLUM

✔ You could be eligible, but please consult with an immigration attorney. We can help!

Information for people who enter on B2 tourist visas:
✔ If they enroll their children in K-12 school in the U.S. (public or private), it will be a violation of their tourist visa status, which means they won’t be able to apply for an extension of their tourist visa or reuse their tourist visa in the future.

✔ B2 visa is for a temporary period of time, not meant for the visa holder to LIVE in United States.

✔ B2 holders cannot work. They cannot apply for work authorization.

✔ They can travel within the contiguous 48 states while their in valid B2 status.

✔ They should not travel to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or any other U.S. territory

✔ Those with close relatives, who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, may be eligible to adjust status (apply for a green card). Generally, they should wait 90 days before filing, and they should consult with an immigration attorney to see if this is an option for them.

✔ If they were in the U.S. on March 1, 2022, they may be eligible for TPS and can consult with an immigration attorney to see if they qualify.

✔ If they are considering applying for asylum, please call us for a consultation.

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Shepelsky Law Group
Immigration Lawyers for all 50 states
Tel: (718)769-6352