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Frequently Asked Questions About Uniting for Ukraine

• Is Uniting for Ukraine limited to the first 100,000 applications? No. There are no numerical limits on requests for travel authorization or parole under Uniting for Ukraine. The U.S. government is committed to providing Ukrainians displaced as a result of Russia’s invasion a full range of legal pathways, including parole, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, in accordance with U.S. laws.
• Is Uniting for Ukraine limited to only Ukrainian citizens? Uniting for Ukraine is available to eligible Ukrainian citizens and their non-Ukrainian immediate family members with a valid passport. Non-Ukrainian immediate family members must be traveling to the United States with the Ukrainian citizen. For purposes of Uniting for Ukraine, immediate family members include:

The spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian citizen; and

The unmarried children under age 21 of a Ukrainian citizen.

NOTE: If a child is under 18, they must travel with a parent or legal guardian to seek parole through the Uniting for Ukraine process.

• Is Uniting for Ukraine available to Ukrainian citizens who are currently in the United State s? No. Ukrainian citizens who are present in the United States are not eligible for parole under Uniting for Ukraine. However, Ukrainian citizens who have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022, and who have been continuously physically present in the United States since April 19, 2022, may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). For more information about TPS, visit our  Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine  page. Individuals who are physically present in the United States also may be eligible to apply for asylum. USCIS considers each request for asylum on a case-by-case basis according to the circumstances of the applicant. Visit  uscis.gov/asylum  for more information.
• What is the length of parole for Ukrainians entering the United States at a port of entry after traveling under Uniting for Ukraine? Generally, Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members granted travel authorization under Uniting for Ukraine will be paroled into the United States for up to two years.
• If a Ukrainian citizen’s request for travel authorization under Uniting for Ukraine is denied overseas, will this count against them if they later come to the United States and apply for asylum? USCIS considers request for asylum on a case-by-case basis according to the particular circumstances of the applicant. The Uniting for Ukraine process involves different eligibility criteria than asylum and does not, on its own, impact an individual’s eligibility for asylum. It is possible, however, that we may consider the reasons a travel authorization was denied under Uniting for Ukraine as part of our assessment of whether someone is eligible for asylum. Visit  uscis.gov/asylum  for more information.

Ukrainian nationals who present themselves for inspection at a land port of entry along the Southwest border without a valid visa or without preauthorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine may be denied entry.

• Please explain what ‘legal guardian’ means. A legal guardian is an individual who:

Has been granted legal custody of an individual or minor, by a court of law or competent jurisdiction, or by the state or recognized governmental entity; and

Can lawfully exercise and assume legal obligations on an individual’s or minor’s behalf.

If the document is provided in a foreign language, an accompanying certified translation into English is required.

A family member or other person who has written authorization from a parent to travel with a minor child is not a legal guardian for Uniting for Ukraine purposes.

• Can you provide more information about the fees associated with Uniting for Ukraine? There is no fee for a supporter to file Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, and no fee for the beneficiary to request travel authorization. However, the beneficiary must pay for any required pretravel vaccinations. Additionally, if the beneficiary’s travel authorization request is approved, the beneficiary will need to arrange and fund their own travel to the United States and pay any applicable fees for any required medical screenings and vaccinations after arrival in the United States.
• Do supporters have to be U.S. citizens? No. Supporters must hold lawful status in the United States or be a parolee or recipient of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of the date they file Form I-134A. Individuals who may serve as supporters include:

U.S. citizens and nationals;

Lawful permanent residents, lawful temporary residents, and conditional permanent residents;

Nonimmigrants in lawful status (that is, individuals who have maintained their nonimmigrant status and have not violated any of the terms or conditions of such status);

Asylees, refugees, and parolees;

Temporary Protected Status holders; and

Recipients of deferred action (including DACA) or DED.

Note: Individuals who have a pending application or request, such as a pending asylum application or pending initial TPS application, but who do not otherwise hold a lawful status in the United States or have not been granted parole, deferred action, or DED, are not eligible to be supporters.

• Can a nongovernmental organization (NGO) file a Form I-134A as a supporter? An NGO may not serve as the named supporter on a Form I-134A. However, if an organization or other entity is providing financial or other services to the beneficiary for the purpose of facilitating support, the supporter should provide this information as part of the evidence they submit with Form I-134A. We will consider this information when determining the supporter’s ability to support the named beneficiary.
• Does USCIS conduct background vetting on supporters? Yes. In addition to determining a potential supporter’s financial ability to support their beneficiary during the duration of the parole period, we also conduct security and background vetting on supporters, including for serious public safety or national security concerns or red flags for exploitation or human trafficking risks.
• Does the supporter have to state that they will provide general support, or do they have to provide specific information about their support and contributions? When they file Form I-134A, supporters must provide evidence that they have sufficient income or immediate access to sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary listed on Form I-134A for the duration of the beneficiary’s anticipated period of parole.

Supporters may provide evidence including, but not limited to:

Statements from the officer of a U.S. bank or other financial institution;

A letter of employment; and

Copies of U.S. federal tax returns.

Multiple supporters may join together to support a beneficiary. In this case, a supporter should file Form I-134A and include the following documents:

Supplementary evidence demonstrating the identity of, and the resources to be provided by, the additional supporters who will provide support to the beneficiary; and

A statement explaining the intent of the additional supporters to share financial responsibility to support the beneficiary. We will assess the supporters’ ability to support the beneficiary collectively.

The Form I-134A requires a named individual to sign the form; organizations may not serve as the named supporter on a Form I-134A. However, if an organization or other entity is providing financial or other services to the beneficiary for the purpose of facilitating support, a supporter should provide this information as part of the evidence submitted with their Form I-134A, and we will consider it when determining the supporter’s ability to support the named beneficiary.

• Does USCIS consider the beneficiary’s income and financial resources in determining whether their Form I-134A is sufficient? No. When we are determining whether a Form I-134A is sufficient, we do not consider information about the beneficiary’s income or financial resources.
• Is a bank officer’s statement required, or are monthly bank statements sufficient? Every supporter’s circumstances are different. We review information provided by the supporter on Form I-134A about all assets and financial resources to demonstrate their ability to support the beneficiary.
• How much money should a supporter have to ensure they are able to financially support a beneficiary? Every potential supporter’s circumstances are different. We review financial information provided by the supporter on Form I-134A about all assets and resources. We use the Federal  Poverty Guidelines , as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services, as a general guide in determining the supporter’s ability to support the beneficiary for the duration of the beneficiary’s anticipated period of parole. When we use the Federal poverty guidelines, we consider a supporter’s household size to include the beneficiary listed on the supporter’s Form I-134A, even if they do not intend to live with the supporter.
• What types of support should supporters expect to provide to a beneficiary they agree to support? Supporters agree to provide financial support and other resources to the beneficiary for the duration of the parole period. Before committing to be a supporter, supporters should keep the following types of support in mind when deciding whether to support a beneficiary. Support for beneficiaries includes:

Receiving the beneficiary when they arrive in the United States and transporting them to initial housing;

Ensuring that the beneficiary has safe and appropriate housing for the duration of their parole, as well as initial basic necessities;

As appropriate, helping the beneficiary complete necessary paperwork such as for employment authorization, a Social Security card, and other services for which they may be eligible;

Ensuring that the beneficiary’s health care and medical needs are met for the duration of the parole; and

As appropriate, assisting the beneficiary with accessing education, learning English, securing employment, and enrolling children in school.

• Is there any mandatory training or orientation required for supporters to make sure they are aware that they are agreeing to support the beneficiary listed on Form I-134A for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States? No. There is no mandatory training required by the government. However, the Department of State has collaborated with  Welcome.us  to ensure that both newcomers and receiving communities have helpful information to support beneficiaries after they are paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine.
• Will there be a way to match supporters who do not personally know a Ukrainian with displaced Ukrainians who do not personally have someone to support them? No. The U.S. government will not match potential supporters with beneficiaries. The Department of State has collaborated with  Welcome.us  to provide information to potential beneficiaries and supporters about Uniting for Ukraine. Please check Welcome.us for updates on their efforts to support Uniting for Ukraine.
• Will a beneficiary be eligible for consideration under Uniting for Ukraine if they are Ukrainian and have a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visitor visa but are currently outside the United States for work? Yes.  A Ukrainian citizen outside the United States who still has a valid, unexpired U.S. visitor visa may still seek parole into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine if we have confirmed the Form I-134A filed on their behalf is sufficient, and if they meet other requirements. Being paroled into the United States does not automatically terminate the validity of a U.S. nonimmigrant visitor visa.
• Are Ukrainian children seeking to come to the United States without their parent or legal guardian eligible for Uniting for Ukraine? No. Children under age 18 who are traveling without their parent or legal guardian are not eligible for Uniting for Ukraine. Children who are not traveling with a parent or legal guardian but are coming to the United States to meet a parent or legal guardian may instead seek parole through the standard  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , parole process. Some parents or legal guardians may be able to leave the United States and reenter with their child. (See question 4.)
• If I am residing outside of the United States, do I have to be in the same country as my child to participate in Uniting for Ukraine? No. Parents and children do not need to be in the same country to participate in this process. However, children under the age of 18 must be traveling to a U.S. port of entry in the care and custody of their parent or legal guardian with the consent of all parents or legal guardians.
• Can a parent or legal guardian currently residing in the United States travel out of the United States to accompany their Ukrainian child under age 18 to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine? A child’s parents or legal guardians may be eligible to leave the United States to accompany their child under age 18 to the United States if the child is otherwise eligible for parole under Uniting for Ukraine and the parent or legal guardian:

Has lawful status in the United States, is a parolee (including a parolee under Uniting for Ukraine), or is a beneficiary of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED); and

Has documentation or authorization to reenter the United States, which may include proof of U.S. citizenship, a Green Card, or advance parole for parolees (Application for Travel Document, Form I-131).

For a child under age 18 to be considered for parole under this process, a supporter must file Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support , for the child who seeks to reunite with their parent or legal guardian in the United States. The parent or legal guardian may serve as a supporter and file Form I-134A on behalf of their child if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, the U.S.-based supporter does not need to be related to the beneficiary they have filed Form I-134A for.

After USCIS has confirmed the Form I-134A, the supporter should follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to their online account.

Step 2: From the top of the webpage, select the My Account drop-down menu and select Inbox.

Step 3: Click on the New Message button.

Step 4: For the subject, select “Other” from the drop-down menu, and for the case receipt number, select the receipt number for Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support.

Step 5: In the message field, write “U4U Child Reunification” and state that they are contacting USCIS on behalf of a child under age 18 who is eligible for the Uniting for Ukraine process, and who has a parent or legal guardian who can depart and reenter the United States to accompany their child to use the Uniting for Ukraine process.

In addition, the supporter should upload the following supporting documentation in their online account:

Evidence that the parent or legal guardian has documentation or authorization to reenter the United States. This documentation may include proof of U.S. citizenship, a Green Card, or an Advance Parole Document (Application for Travel Document, Form I-131).

Evidence of the parental relationship or legal guardianship of the child. (Evidence may include a birth certificate for the child and identity documents for the parent or legal guardian. Generally, evidence of legal guardianship requires a legal or administrative process involving the courts or other recognized government entity. A power of attorney or written or notarized statement is not a formally recognized arrangement.)

A signed statement affirming that the parent or legal guardian will accompany the child to the United States and provide care and physical custody of that child in the United States.

• Can prospective adoptive parents use the standard parole process to seek travel authorization for a Ukrainian child whose adoption is not yet complete? Prospective adoptive parents may not use this process to circumvent any adoption processes. For information about adoption from Ukraine, visit the Department of State’s  Ukraine Adoption Information Page .
• Will beneficiaries who have been paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine be able to obtain an advance parole document? Yes. If a beneficiary who has been paroled into the United States wants to apply for an advance parole document, which will allow them to seek parole into the United States at a port of entry when they return from a trip outside the United States, they should file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . For more information about advance parole documents, including about fees and fee waivers, visit  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document .

Please note that having an advance parole document does not guarantee an individual will be paroled into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will make a separate discretionary decision on your request for parole when you arrive at a port of entry.

• Are beneficiaries vetted before obtaining travel documentation? All Uniting for Ukraine beneficiaries are subject to biographic and biometric security checks conducted by CBP before they are granted travel authorization or paroled into the United States.
• How long will it take between the time a supporter submits Form I-134A and when a beneficiary is granted travel authorization under Uniting for Ukraine ? USCIS’ goal is to review and provide responses to the supporter’s Form I-134A as efficiently as possible. Once the Form I-134A review is complete and the Form I-134A is confirmed, USCIS will contact and invite the beneficiary to set up a USCIS online account to verify their biographic information, attest to their vaccination status and, if applicable, attest to the relationships between family members traveling together. This will also allow USCIS and CBP to communicate with the beneficiary through their account. Once the beneficiary has verified their information, USCIS will submit the beneficiary’s biographic information to CBP for review and processing for travel authorization. CBP will then send the travel authorization determination back to USCIS to be posted to the beneficiary’s USCIS account. It is up to the beneficiary to make appropriate travel arrangements and decide the timing of their departure for the United States. The CBP travel authorization remains valid for 90 days.
• Can a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, be filed online with Form I-134A or will this be an anticipated add on to the process? No. There is no option at this time to submit a Form G-28 with the online filing of a Form I-134A or for an attorney or legal representative to use an online representative account to file a Form I-13A on behalf of a supporter or submit travel authorization information on behalf of a beneficiary after confirmation of the Form I-134A.

The Uniting for Ukraine process is a newly developed electronic process. Our priority focus is ensuring that U.S.-based supporters and beneficiaries can access and use the USCIS online account.

• Supporters have not been able to select ‘self’ in the dropdown menu. Is there a glitch in the system? The “self” option has been disabled for the online filing of Form I-134A, as there is no option for an individual to represent that they are financially capable of supporting themselves or to submit a Form I-134A as a supporter on their own behalf for the purposes of Uniting for Ukraine . While beneficiaries for benefits other than Uniting for Ukraine may file a Form I-134A on their own behalf, this is not available under Uniting for Ukraine , which requires a U.S.-based individual (not the beneficiary) to act as a supporter and file the Form I-134A on behalf of a beneficiary.
• 1. My travel authorization will expire soon, and I have been unable to arrange travel to the United States. Can I request an extension? CBP approves travel authorization for beneficiaries of Uniting for Ukraine. The travel authorization is valid for 90 days. However, if a beneficiary is unable to travel within the 90-day time frame, they will need to receive an extension of their travel authorization.

If, for reasons beyond their control, a beneficiary cannot travel within the 90-day time frame, the supporter may submit a one-time request for a travel authorization extension that will give their beneficiary an additional 90 days to arrange travel to the United States. Only supporters who have filed Form I-134A on behalf of a Ukrainian may request an extension of a previously approved travel authorization. Beneficiaries may not request an extension of their travel authorization.   

Supporters must submit the extension request no more than 30 days before the original approved travel authorization period expires and no more than 30 days after the original approved travel authorization period expires. Supporters must request a separate extension for each beneficiary by submitting a secure message to USCIS through their online account .

To submit the request:

Step 1: Log in to your online account .

Step 4: For the subject, select A case already filed online from the drop-down menu, and for your case receipt number, select your receipt number for Form I-134A (Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support).

Step 5: In the message field, state your continued interest in supporting your named beneficiary who has not yet traveled to the United States and that you are requesting an extension of the beneficiary’s travel authorization, then click Send.

USCIS will review the supporter’s request for a travel authorization extension and submit it, along with the named beneficiary’s information, to CBP to conduct additional vetting. If CBP approves your request, your beneficiary will receive an email notification when the extended travel authorization notice has been posted to their account. Please note that for privacy reasons, only the beneficiary will be able to view their extended travel authorization notice in their online account. The beneficiary should notify you when they receive their extended travel authorization notice.

If the beneficiary's original approved travel authorization expired more than 30 days before the submission of the extension request, or if the beneficiary cannot travel to the United States during the one-time 90-day extension, the supporter must submit a new Form I-134A on their behalf to obtain a new travel authorization.

• Does a child under the age of 18 traveling with a parent need a travel authorization notice? Yes. Every individual must have a Form I-134A filed on their behalf and every individual must have their own travel authorization to travel. This includes children. Once the Form I-134A is confirmed for an individual, each beneficiary, regardless of age, is assigned an A-Number and receives an online access code.
• Is it possible to appeal a denied travel authorization notice? No. At this time, there is no administrative appeal process for the Uniting for Ukraine process. If a supporter believes they were mistakenly non-confirmed by USCIS or that CBP mistakenly denied their beneficiary’s travel authorization, they should refile Form I-134A and submit additional information.
• Do beneficiaries need to submit vaccination records and other medical documentation to USCIS once they arrive in the United States? Beneficiaries must complete the required vaccination attestations but will not need to upload documentation.
• Do they have to use USCIS-designated civil surgeons, or can they use any doctor? Beneficiaries may receive the required vaccinations from any licensed physician or public health department. The medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) test, may be conducted by a qualified laboratory or state public health department.

The International Organization for Migration’s UA Health Access webpage has information about access to immunizations and vaccines in Europe.

• Will beneficiaries under Uniting for Ukraine need to receive a full immigration medical examination as a condition of parole? No. When they are paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine, beneficiaries will need to attest that they received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an IGRA test, within 90 days of arrival. This attestation is a condition of parole, and the beneficiary must complete it in their USCIS online account . Beneficiaries are responsible for arranging their own vaccinations and medical screening for tuberculosis, including an IGRA blood test. Beneficiaries must also complete the tuberculosis screening attestation for their minor children within 90 days of arrival to the United States, even if the child is under two years old and qualifies for an exception to the tuberculosis test screening.
• How can a beneficiary under Uniting for Ukraine obtain their vaccination record if those records were destroyed or currently unobtainable due to ongoing military actions? We cannot advise beneficiaries how they may obtain their vaccination records. Individuals seeking parole under Uniting for Ukraine will need to confirm prior vaccination against measles, polio, and COVID-19. Individuals provide this confirmation by attesting that they have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized by the FDA or a WHO Emergency Use Listed COVID-19 vaccine .

Upon arrival to the United States, the beneficiary will need to attest that they received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an IGRA test, within 90 days. Find more information on vaccine requirements on the preview of the vaccine attestation page .

• When a child is listed on their parent's passport, how exactly should that information be entered into the Form I-134A filed on behalf of the child under Uniting for Ukraine? Supporters should provide the relevant information from the parent’s passport (passport number, expiration date, country of issuance) on Form I-134A; there is no need to specifically note that the child is listed on their parent’s passport.

1.  Are parolees under Uniting for Ukraine allowed to work before USCIS approves their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization ? Yes. Individuals paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine are employment authorized incident to parole. This means that if you are paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine, we do not need to approve your application for employment authorization before you can work in the United States. Your unexpired Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record is an acceptable List A receipt that shows your identity and work authorization for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, if your unexpired class of admission contains:

A class of admission code of “UHP,” or

A class of admission code of “DT” issued between Feb. 24, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, and indicates Ukraine as the country of citizenship.

Within 90 days of hire (or in the case of reverification, the date employment authorization expires), you must provide your employer either:

Your unexpired Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD); or

Your unrestricted Social Security card and a List B identity document from the Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents. (Note: A Social Security card that contains no employment restrictions is not available to individuals who are paroled and not admitted to the United States on a permanent basis. See the Social Security Administration’s Types of Social Security Cards webpage.)

Individuals who received their Form I-94 when they entered the United States should visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP)  Form I-94 website to view and print a copy of their Form I-94.

For more information, please see Employee Rights and Resources .

2. Can parolees under Uniting for Ukraine still apply for an EAD? Yes. Effective Nov. 21, 2022, USCIS is exempting the Form I-765 filing fee for initial EADs for individuals paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine who file by mail. Effective Dec. 5, 2022, this fee exemption will also be available for online filings of Form I-765. To apply for an EAD, submit  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , using the (c)(11) category code

To obtain the fee exemption when filing Form I-765 online to request an EAD:

In the basis of eligibility section, provide your “eligibility category”;

For the category under which you are applying, select “c(11) Ukraine Parole” from the drop-down;

Select your reason for applying as “Initial permission to accept employment”; and

Review and submit application to receive $0 fee.

To obtain the fee exemption when mailing a paper Form I-765 to USCIS to request an initial EAD:

Select “Initial permission to accept employment” (Part 1, Item 1.a.);

Enter “Ukraine” in:

Country of Citizenship (Part 2, Items 18.a. and 18.b.), and/or

Country of Birth (Part 2, Item 19.c.);

Enter “C11” in the Eligibility Category (Part 2, Item 27); and

Submit no payment.

Note: For the fee exemption to apply, applications must be postmarked on or after Nov. 21, 2022, or submitted online on or after Dec. 5, 2022.

3. After a parolee files Form I-765, how long will it take to receive their EAD? Generally, we process applications for employment authorization in the order we receive them. For more information on Form I-765 processing times, visit our  Check Case Processing Times  page.

If a beneficiary of Uniting for Ukraine needs to submit an inquiry on their case or has a general question about their account, how can they contact USCIS?

The best way to contact us depends on the type of inquiry.

Technical Assistance with Online Account Access or a Password Reset If you have an issue with account access or need a password reset, use our  online need help form .

Case Status Inquiries You can monitor the status of your Form I-134A in your  USCIS online account  or check your most recent status in  Case Status Online . Please note that the USCIS Contact Center cannot provide any additional information on the status of your case.

USCIS will only accept a case status inquiry if the Form I-134A filed on your behalf has been pending more than six months. This includes inquiries submitted through the secure mailbox in your USCIS online account. Please note this is a default timeframe for inquiring and you should not necessarily expect a decision on your Form I-134A in that timeframe.

If a supporter entered an incorrect email address for the beneficiary on Form I-134A, what is the fastest way to submit the correction and get USCIS to resend the Account Access email to the beneficiary? The supporter should log in to their USCIS online account, go to the Notices tab, and use the Unsolicited Evidence feature to upload a letter they have signed by hand (not electronically). The letter should:

Explain that the email address for the beneficiary they entered on Form I-134A was incorrect; and

Request that USCIS update the beneficiary’s email address and send the USCIS Account Notice to the beneficiary’s correct email address.

Note: The supporter’s letter should list both the original, incorrect email address provided on the Form I-134A and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary. The supporter also must keep the original signed letter in case we ask for it later.

The supporter should then send a secure message from their USCIS online account:

• Log in to your online account, select the MyAccount dropdown, then select Inbox;
• Select “New message,” then “A case already filed online”;
• Select your receipt number for Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support from the drop-down menu; and
• State in your message that the beneficiary’s email address needs to be changed and that you have uploaded unsolicited evidence. Your message should include both the original, incorrect email address and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary.

We will review the request, make appropriate updates, and issue the beneficiary a copy of the USCIS Account Notice using the updated, correct email address. We will also notify the supporter by email that the issue has been resolved.

• All Forms I-134A I submitted are showing as confirmed in my account. However, the head of the household did not receive confirmation instructions for opening their online portal from USCIS, even though their spouse and children did. To ensure you have not missed a notification from USCIS, please check your spam and junk mail folders. While we cannot address case-specific questions, in general, in situations where the beneficiary has not received their Account Notice, call the USCIS Contact Center . The number for those outside the United States is 212-620-3418. Alternatively, the beneficiary’s supporter can send USCIS a secure message regarding the issue through their own USCIS online account, and after we complete the verification process, we can email the Account Notice to the beneficiary's email that we have on file.

How can I correct my passport information on Form I-134A? If the Form I-134A submitted by your supporter has already been confirmed and your passport information is incorrect, you will need to use your online account to:

Upload a copy of your valid, unexpired passport as Unsolicited Evidence in your Notices tab; and

Send USCIS a message from your Inbox . In the message, you must indicate that you have submitted evidence to correct passport information.

You will receive a response in your inbox. Do not submit your attestations to CBP until we respond to the request to update your passport information. Submitting the attestations before you receive a response from USCIS could affect the travel authorization and request for parole.

My Form I-134A has been confirmed, but you have not contacted my beneficiary yet. What should I do?

If your beneficiary has not received the emailed notices, you should review the Form I-134A and ensure you provided the correct email address. If the email address is incorrect, log in to your USCIS online account, go to the Notices tab, and use the Unsolicited Evidence feature to upload a letter you have signed by hand (not electronically). The letter should:

Explain that the email address for the beneficiary you entered on Form I-134A was incorrect; and

Note: Your letter should list both the original, incorrect email address provided on the Form I-134A and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary. You must also keep the original signed letter in case we ask for it later.

If a beneficiary still cannot find the notices, they should call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. The number for those outside the United States is 212-620-3418.

• Are parolees who came to the U.S. through Uniting for Ukraine eligible for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards?

Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members paroled into the U.S. through Uniting for Ukraine are not eligible for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card because parole is not included in the  REAL ID Act (PDF)  as a category authorized to receive a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. This does not apply to Afghan parolees who fall within the scope of section 2502(b)(3) of the  Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act . However, parolees with another eligible category covered under the REAL ID Act, such as an approved or pending application for Temporary Protected Status or asylum, can potentially qualify for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. In addition, many driver license issuing authorities allow parolees to apply for a driver’s license or ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. For more information, please see  REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions  and guidance from the Department of Motor Vehicles for the jurisdiction where you live.

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Ukrainians trying to get to the U.S. are having trouble getting visas

More than 3 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since the Russian invasion began. The U.S. has pledged to help — but Ukrainian-Americans are finding it difficult to bring their relatives over.

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Home » Find Help: All Services » Emigres » Ukraine Response Resources » Frequently Asked Questions: U.S. Immigration Options for Ukrainians

• Uniting for Ukraine Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions: U.S. Immigration Options for Ukrainians

Jfcs’ legal services is providing immigration services to local families with relatives in ukraine or recent arrivals from ukraine. read below for answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding legal options and immigration status..

Based on present information made available on 03/21/2023 by the Department of Homeland Security, subject to change.

What is the Uniting for Ukraine Program, and how can my loved ones and I apply?

The Uniting for Ukraine process allows for Ukrainians who are abroad to be sponsored for authorized travel to the U.S. in order to be granted humanitarian parole. This is accomplished using a USCIS online portal and the wait time has historically been shorter than the normal process of applying for humanitarian parole. Once paroled into the U.S., Uniting for Ukraine beneficiaries will be given 2 years of temporary parole status to remain in the U.S., the ability to work immediately upon arriving to the US, no fee for applying for an employment authorization document (EAD) and they may be eligible for many mainstream benefits , including medical insurance, food assistance, and cash aid.

This process was officially launched on 04/25/2022, and there is currently no end date to the program. Changes to the program have already occurred since its launch, so please go to www.dhs.gov/ukraine for the most updated information.

Read more about eligibility and process for Uniting for Ukraine here >

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian grant of temporary lawful status available to foreign nationals or habitual residents of listed countries, including Ukraine, where ongoing armed conflict or other emergency conditions make return unsafe. TPS protects against deportation from the United States for a temporary period, typically eighteen months and is subject to discretionary renewal.

Benefits:   TPS recipients are eligible to work in the United States after being granted an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) . TPS recipients may be granted permission to travel from and lawfully return to the United States under either Advanced Parole while their TPS application is pending or by requesting Authorization to Travel after TPS is established, by submitting a Travel Application (Form I-131) .

Eligibility: Ukrainians living continuously in the United States who arrived before August 16, 2023.

*TPS UPDATE : On August 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of TPS for Ukraine until April 19, 2025.

• First time applicants who arrived before August 16, 2023 may apply for TPS from August 21, 2023 until April 19, 2025.
• Existing TPS recipients MUST RE-APPLY for TPS before OCTOBER 20, 2023 in order to extend status to April 20, 2025.
• Existing TPS recipients with Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will have card automatically extended to October 19, 2024, but must re-register TPS and renew EAD to remain in lawful status.

How do I Apply or Renew? Submit first time applications or renewal of TPS by submitting Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) , requested documentation, and listed fees to USCIS through mail or online.

I just arrived in the U.S. from Ukraine, can I apply for  Temporary Protected Status (TPS) ?

In order to be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as a Ukrainian national, you must have  continuously resided in the U.S. since August 16, 2023 . Individuals who attempt to travel to the U.S. after August 16, 2023 will not be eligible for TPS.

I arrived in the U.S. from Ukraine before August 16, 2023. What are the benefits of applying for TPS?

TPS recipients can remain lawfully in the U.S. so long as their TPS is valid. They can also apply for work authorization to work legally in the U.S. There is a possibility of being granted travel authorization while on TPS, but it is subject to the discretion of the government. More information about TPS can be found on USCIS’ website .

If I apply for TPS, can I leave the U.S. and come back?

Once granted TPS, if you leave the U.S. without travel authorization, you may automatically lose TPS status and will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. If you wish to apply for travel authorization, you can request advance parole when filing for TPS status. However, regardless of whether you have been authorized to travel, if you have overstayed a visa or stayed in the U.S. without authorization, you should consult an attorney before leaving the U.S.

If I’m granted TPS, can I eventually apply for a green card?

TPS alone does not give a direct path to applying for lawful permanent residence (green card). However, having TPS does not prevent you from applying for other immigration benefits or protections that you might be eligible for.

I’m currently in the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-2). How long can I stay in the U.S.?

When entering the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1 or B-2), CBP officers will stamp your passport with a date indicating how long you can remain in the U.S. using this visa. Generally this is for 6 months (180 days) from the date of your entry. You can also request your I-94 record to see an electronic record of your last entry and how long you are able to stay. If you wish to extend your stay past the amount of time granted, you will need to file an extension of status application before your stay expires.

My loved ones are currently in Ukraine and I want to know how I can get them to the U.S. Are there options other than Uniting for Ukraine?

There are a number of different immigration options that may be available to loved ones abroad. Immigrant visas  can allow immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to come to the U.S. to live permanently. Some fleeing persecution in their home countries may be able to apply to travel to the U.S. as refugees . Others may be able to travel to the U.S. temporarily on tourist visas, student visas, work visas, or other nonimmigrant visas. Citizens of certain countries may be able to travel temporarily to the US without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program . To find what options may be available to your loved ones, please consult an attorney .

What about asylum? Can I apply for asylum in the U.S. if I’m from Ukraine?

Individuals who are afraid to return to their home countries due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion may apply for asylum . In order to claim asylum, you must typically be either at a U.S. border, U.S. airport, or inside the U.S. In general, applications for asylum must be made within 1 year (365 days) of an applicant’s last entry to the U.S. Not all individuals affected by the war in Ukraine will be eligible for asylum. Consult with an attorney to see if applying for asylum is a good option for you.

If I’m here in the U.S. temporarily, will I have access to public benefits like health insurance?

Federal benefits for health insurance vary depending on your immigration status. Presently, all Ukrainian parolees are eligible for mainstream public benefits like Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), food assistance, and cash aid. In contrast, very few benefits are available for those here on tourist visas or other non-immigrant visas. However, certain states have different rules governing who are eligible for their benefits. For example, California residents may be able qualify for emergency or pregnancy-related Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status (for adults age 50 and older and children under 26, full scope Medi-Cal may be available ). Depending on your immigration status, you may also be able to purchase private insurance through the Healthcare.gov marketplace.  If you are interested in learning more about Medi-Cal eligibility, please contact your local county office for more information.

Where can I find legal assistance for myself or a family member?

JFCS’ Legal Services assists with immigrant visa petitions, expedited requests, and Uniting for Ukraine applications for those with family members overseas. Our trained staff can also assess the available immigration options for those Ukrainians who are already in the U.S., including TPS, extension/adjustment of status, or asylum. For more information, complete our  Legal Consultation Request Form .

The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Transmission and/or receipt of these materials does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between the you, the reader, and/or Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Readers of this information should not act upon any information contained on this website without seeking professional counsel.

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Ukraine Visa Requirements: All You Need to Know

Ukraine has a very lenient visa policy. A lot of countries around the globe are visa-exempt, which means that the citizens of those countries do not require a visa when they visit. Keep in mind that the list of nationalities that can enter Ukraine without a visa indefinitely is short, but the list of nationalities that can stay up to 90 days is relatively long. The remaining nationalities who want to go to Ukraine are required to apply for a visa .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do i need a visa to ukraine.

You do not need a visa to Ukraine if your country is visa exempt by Ukraine. For countries that require a visa, Ukraine offers the Tourist eVisa to applicable nations. Be sure to check the Visa Checker tool to see if your country requires a visa.

Is there a Ukraine visa for US Citizens?

No, US citizens do not require a Ukraine visa for tourism as long as the stay is less than 90 days. US citizens that wish to stay in Ukraine for reasons other than tourism or longer than 90 days will need to apply for the appropriate visa type.

Which Countries do not need a visa for Ukraine?

The following countries do not need a visa for Ukraine: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Macau, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vatican City.

For more up-to-date information be sure to check the Visa Checker tool. For the information and requirements to be displayed, you need to select your country of origin and Ukraine as your destination.

What is a Ukraine Tourist eVisa?

The Ukrainian Tourist eVisa is the official travel document needed by foreigners to visit Ukraine for tourism purposes.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: All visits are strictly limited to tourism, so you can NOT seek paid work or employment.

What are the documents required to apply?

To complete our online application, we will require the following documents and information:

• Valid Passport.
• Health insurance (up to 30,000 euro coverage) .
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay.
• Return airline/transit ticket.
• Accommodation Information (hotel booking) .
• Agreement for tourist services (voucher) .

For more information click here .

How long should my passport be valid for if I want to apply for a Ukraine Tourist eVisa?

Applicant’s passports should have at least 6-months validity from the time you enter into Ukraine and at least one blank page.

Click here to start your application.

How does the Ukraine Tourist eVisa work?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Ukraine Government issues electronically all Ukraine eVisas.

Travelers around the world can use the Ukraine Tourist eVisa system to process an eVisa . In iVisa.com, we use it too to process our applicant's visas. We enter the information provided into Ukraine's eVisa system and after they review it, we are notified of the outcome of the Ukraine eVisa application.

How long does it take to apply for a Ukraine Tourist eVisa?

Less than 10 minutes. That's all you will need to send your application for Ukraine with iVisa.com. We will take care of the rest and shortly after we will let you know the status of the application by email.

How can I apply for a Ukraine Tourist eVisa?

The application form is really easy and consists of three simple steps:

The first step will ask you to fill in your general information. You also need to choose the processing time from the options mentioned above.

The second step will ask you to revise step one and make the payment. You can use a credit/debit card or a Paypal account for the payment.

The last step consists of a questionnaire. Other documents may be required as well, but it depends on individual circumstances.

Click here to start. After you are done, you submit your form and wait for your visa to arrive. In case you need assistance to fill your application, iVisa.com has a fantastic support service that you can call 24/7.

What happens after I have applied?

Once you submit your application, you just need to wait for your visa to arrive by email in the timeframe you chose no need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time. Next, present a printed version of your Ukraine Tourist eVisa along with your passport once you enter Ukraine.

How do I know if my visa is approved?

We will notify you by email as soon as the Ukraine government approves your visa.

Does the eVisa guarantee me entry into Ukraine?

A visa (eVisa or otherwise) only grants you permission to travel to an entry point (airport). The final decision on granting entry will be at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the point of entry.

I made a mistake on my application. Can I modify the eVisa after it’s issued?

No, we can not change or modify any details on the e-Visa once it's issued. If you do, however, realize you made a mistake before your visa has been issued, please contact us ASAP via online chat or by sending an email to [email protected] .

Is it safe to use iVisa.com to get my Ukraine Tourist eVisa?

Many people think that online information leaks and that their personal info is at risk of getting into the wrong hands. However, that is not the case with our services. We provide maximum safety for your personal data, confidentiality, and we invest a lot in the security of our database. Your personal information could not be safer. You can check what hundreds of happy customers say about us here .

I have more unresolved questions, where can I find more info?

For a faster resolution click here and start chatting with one of our customer service representatives. Alternatively, you can find more info and FAQs here .

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• Fact Sheets

Fact Sheet: Presidential Proclamation to Suspend and Limit Entry and Joint DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule to Restrict Asylum During High Encounters at the Southern Border

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration took decisive new action to strengthen border security, announcing a series of measures that restrict asylum eligibility, and significantly increase the consequences for those who enter without authorization across the southern border. These extraordinary steps, which will be in effect during times when high levels of encounters exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, will make noncitizens who enter across the southern border ineligible for asylum with certain exceptions, raise the standard that is used to screen for certain protection claims, and speed up our ability to quickly remove those who do not qualify for protection.

These actions follow a series of steps that the Administration has taken over the past three years as it prepared for the end of the Title 42 public health Order, and since it was lifted last year, including surging personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the border, issuing the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule, and referring record numbers of noncitizens into expedited removal. Over the past year, we have removed or returned more than three quarters of a million people, more than in any fiscal year since 2010. Despite these efforts, our outdated and broken immigration and asylum system, coupled with a lack of sufficient funding, make it impossible to quickly impose consequences on all noncitizens who cross irregularly and without a legal basis to remain in the United States.

The Administration has repeatedly called on Congress to provide the resources and legal authorities needed to secure our border. The measures announced today will better enable the Department to quickly remove individuals without a legal basis to remain in the United States, strengthening enforcement and change the calculus for those considering crossing our border irregularly. However, they are no substitute for Congressional action. We continue to call on Congress to provide the new tools and resources we have asked for to support the men and women on the frontlines.

President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of noncitizens across the southern border. The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General also jointly issued an interim final rule that, consistent with the Proclamation, generally restricts asylum eligibility for those who irregularly enter across the southern border – including the Southwest land and the southern coastal borders. The rule also limits fear screenings to those who manifest a fear or express a desire to file for protection and heightens the screening standard for statutory withholding and claims under the Convention Against Torture. Taken together, these measures will significantly increase the speed and scope of consequences for those who cross our borders irregularly or who attempt to present themselves at Ports of Entry without authorization, allowing the Departments to more quickly remove individuals who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States. The restriction on asylum eligibility will be discontinued when encounters fall below certain levels but will come back into effect if encounters rise again.

The rule makes three key changes to current processing under Title 8 immigration authorities during periods of high border encounters:

• First, noncitizens who cross the southern border unlawfully or without authorization will generally be ineligible for asylum, absent exceptionally compelling circumstances and unless they are excepted by the Proclamation.
• Second, noncitizens who cross the southern border and are processed for expedited removal while the limitation is in effect will only be referred for a credible fear screening with an Asylum Officer if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum.  
• Third, the U.S. will continue to adhere to its international obligations and commitments by screening individuals who manifest a fear as noted above and do not qualify for an exception to the Rule for withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protections at a reasonable probability of persecution or torture standard – a new, substantially higher standard than is currently applied under the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule.  

Like the Proclamation, the rule provides for an end to these enhanced measures following a sustained reduction in southern border encounters. Specifically, these measures are in effect until 14 calendar days after there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of less than 1,500 encounters between the ports of entry. The measures would again go into effect, or continue, as appropriate, when there has been a 7-consecutive-calendar-day average of 2,500 encounters or more.

During periods of high encounters, the Proclamation will apply across the southern border. Lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied children, victims of a severe form of trafficking, and other noncitizens with a valid visa or other lawful permission to enter the United States are excepted from the Proclamation.

In addition, the suspension and limitation on entry and rule will not apply to noncitizens who use a Secretary-approved process—such as the CBP One mobile app—to enter the United States at a port of entry in a safe and orderly manner or pursue another lawful pathway.

Noncitizens who cross the southern border and who are not excepted from the Proclamation will be ineligible for asylum unless exceptionally compelling circumstances exist, including if the noncitizen demonstrates that they or a member of their family with whom they are traveling:

• faced an acute medical emergency;
• faced an imminent and extreme threat to life or safety, such as an imminent threat of rape, kidnapping, torture, or murder; or
• satisfied the definition of “victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons” currently provided in 8 CFR 214.11.

Consequences

Noncitizens who are subject to the rule’s limitation on asylum eligibility and who manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, express a fear of persecution or torture or an intention to apply for asylum, but do not establish a reasonable probability of persecution or torture in the country of removal will be promptly removed.

Those ordered removed will be subject to at least a five-year bar to reentry and potential criminal prosecution.

The Proclamation and rule will significantly enhance the security of our border by increasing the Departments’ ability to impose swift consequences for individuals who cross the southern border irregularly and do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.  Together, the Proclamation and rule make critical changes to how the Departments operate during times when encounters are at historically high levels—levels that, in the absence of these changes, undermine the government’s ability to process individuals through the expedited removal process. These changes will enable the Departments to quickly return those without a lawful basis to stay in the United States and thereby free up the asylum system for those with legitimate claims.

These extraordinary measures are a stop gap. Even with these measures in place, the Departments continue to lack the authorities and resources needed to adequately support the men and women on the frontlines. The Administration again calls on Congress to take up and pass the bipartisan reforms proposed in the Senate, which provide the new authorities, personnel, and resources that are needed to address the historic global migration that is impacting countries throughout the world, including our own. Until Congress does its part, we will continue to take any actions needed under current law and within existing resources to secure the border.

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Secure the   Border

New actions will bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum Biden taking action as Congressional Republicans put partisan politics ahead of national security, twice voting against toughest reforms in decades

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. Over the past three years, while Congress has failed to act, the President has acted to secure our border. His Administration has deployed the most agents and officers ever to address the situation at the Southern border, seized record levels of illicit fentanyl at our ports of entry, and brought together world leaders on a framework to deal with changing migration patterns that are impacting the entire Western Hemisphere.  Earlier this year, the President and his team reached a historic bipartisan agreement with Senate Democrats and Republicans to deliver the most consequential reforms of America’s immigration laws in decades. This agreement would have added critical border and immigration personnel, invested in technology to catch illegal fentanyl, delivered sweeping reforms to the asylum system, and provided emergency authority for the President to shut down the border when the system is overwhelmed. But Republicans in Congress chose to put partisan politics ahead of our national security, twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades. President Biden believes we must secure our border. That is why today, he announced executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum. These actions will be in effect when high levels of encounters at the Southern Border exceed our ability to deliver timely consequences, as is the case today. They will make it easier for immigration officers to remove those without a lawful basis to remain and reduce the burden on our Border Patrol agents. But we must be clear: this cannot achieve the same results as Congressional action, and it does not provide the critical personnel and funding needed to further secure our Southern border. Congress still must act. The Biden-Harris Administration’s executive actions will:   Bar Migrants Who Cross the Southern Border Unlawfully From Receiving Asylum

• President Biden issued a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of noncitizens who cross the Southern border into the United States unlawfully. This proclamation is accompanied by an interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that restricts asylum for those noncitizens.
• These actions will be in effect when the Southern border is overwhelmed, and they will make it easier for immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.
• These actions are not permanent. They will be discontinued when the number of migrants who cross the border between ports of entry is low enough for America’s system to safely and effectively manage border operations. These actions also include similar humanitarian exceptions to those included in the bipartisan border agreement announced in the Senate, including those for unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.

Recent Actions to secure our border and address our broken immigration system: Strengthening the Asylum Screening Process

• The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule to ensure that migrants who pose a public safety or national security risk are removed as quickly in the process as possible rather than remaining in prolonged, costly detention prior to removal. This proposed rule will enhance security and deliver more timely consequences for those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.

Announced new actions to more quickly resolve immigration cases

• The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security launched a Recent Arrivals docket to more quickly resolve a portion of immigration cases for migrants who attempt to cross between ports of entry at the Southern border in violation of our immigration laws.
• Through this process, the Department of Justice will be able to hear these cases more quickly and the Department of Homeland Security will be able to more quickly remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States and grant protection to those with valid claims.
• The bipartisan border agreement would have created and supported an even more efficient framework for issuing final decisions to all asylum seekers. This new process to reform our overwhelmed immigration system can only be created and funded by Congress.

Revoked visas of CEOs and government officials who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully

• The Department of State imposed visa restrictions on executives of several Colombian transportation companies who profit from smuggling migrants by sea. This action cracks down on companies that help facilitate unlawful entry into the United States, and sends a clear message that no one should profit from the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
• The State Department also imposed visa restrictions on over 250 members of the Nicaraguan government, non-governmental actors, and their immediate family members for their roles in supporting the Ortega-Murillo regime, which is selling transit visas to migrants from within and beyond the Western Hemisphere who ultimately make their way to the Southern border.
• Previously, the State Department revoked visas of executives of charter airlines for similar actions.

Expanded Efforts to Dismantle Human Smuggling and Support Immigration Prosecutions

• The Departments of State and Justice launched an “Anti-Smuggling Rewards” initiative designed to dismantle the leadership of human smuggling organizations that bring migrants through Central America and across the Southern U.S. border. The initiative will offer financial rewards for information leading to the identification, location, arrest, or conviction of those most responsible for significant human smuggling activities in the region.
• The Department of Justice will seek new and increased penalties against human smugglers to properly account for the severity of their criminal conduct and the human misery that it causes.
• The Department of Justice is also partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to direct additional prosecutors and support staff to increase immigration-related prosecutions in crucial border U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Efforts include deploying additional DHS Special Assistant United States Attorneys to different U.S. Attorneys’ offices, assigning support staff to critical U.S. Attorneys’ offices, including DOJ Attorneys to serve details in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in several border districts, and partnering with federal agencies to identify additional resources to target these crimes.

Enhancing Immigration Enforcement

• The Department of Homeland Security has surged agents to the Southern border and is referring a record number of people into expedited removal.
• The Department of Homeland Security is operating more repatriation flights per week than ever before. Over the past year, DHS has removed or returned more than 750,000 people, more than in every fiscal year since 2010.
• Working closely with partners throughout the region, the Biden-Harris Administration is identifying and collaborating on enforcement efforts designed to stop irregular migration before migrants reach our Southern border, expand investment and integration opportunities in the region to support those who may otherwise seek to migrate, and increase lawful pathways for migrants as an alternative to irregular migration.

Seizing Fentanyl at our Border

• Border officials have seized more fentanyl at ports of entry in the last two years than the past five years combined, and the President has added 40 drug detection machines across points of entry to disrupt the fentanyl smuggling into the Homeland. The bipartisan border agreement would fund the installation of 100 additional cutting-edge inspection machines to help detect fentanyl at our Southern border ports of entry.
• In close partnership with the Government of Mexico, the Department of Justice has extradited Nestor Isidro Perez Salaz, known as “El Nini,” from Mexico to the United States to face prosecution for his role in illicit fentanyl trafficking and human rights abuses. This is one of many examples of joint efforts with Mexico to tackle the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our countries and globally, and to hold the drug trafficking organizations to account.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

Original civil documents (called in general certificates of state registration of the acts of civil status) issued or re-issued on the territory of Ukraine are accepted regardless of the country (USSR, Poland, or Ukraine) or date of issuance. 

Re-issuance of a certificate of state registration of the act of civil status is done on the basis of the records of civil status.  Re-issuance applies to the cases when the original certificate was stolen, lost, damaged or destroyed or in case of changes to the record of civil status or its renewal.  The application must be submitted by the person, for whom the record was made, or parents, adoptive parents, guardians, a representative of health, education or other child care facility where the child permanently resides, or a guardian authority.  It is possible for a third party to request the re-issuance if that person has a proper power of attorney.  Certificate of state registration of act of civil status is issued to representatives of the education or other child care facility where the child permanently resides, or a guardian authority upon presentation of a proxy issued by the institution and documents proving the person’s identity.

Persons 16 years of age may apply for the re-issuance of a certificate upon presentation of a passport (a passport document).

Persons who have applied to the Department of state registration of acts of civil status (at the location of the birth record) personally may receive the re-issued certificates of state registration of acts of civil status the same day upon presentation of their passport or a passport document.  If the application for re-issuance of the certificate has been received by mail (by the department at the location of the birth record), the certificate is issued in 15-day period and sent to the department of state registration of acts of civil status at the place of residence of the applicant.

The documents intended for use abroad in all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention on the Abolition of Legalization of Documents need to be apostilled. Documents which have been certified by RAGS or a local notary office can be affixed with an apostille by the Ministry of Justice. Documents that bear an apostille need not be authenticated by an American consular officer for use in the United States. Documents issued in Ukraine are apostilled by the Ministry of Justice , located at: 73 Artema St. in Kyiv at these phone numbers: +38-044-486-4216 (civil registry documents, i.e., death, birth, marriage, divorce certificates, etc.) in Room 155; and +38-044-486-4988 (notarized documents) in Room 118. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. A regular apostille takes one day. However, in certain cases the process may take up to 20 business days if the Ministry does not have a copy of the seal and/or signature on file.

An e-Register of Apostilles was introduced in Ukraine in October 2015. The e-Register of Apostilles is a single database of apostilles put on documents issued by judicial and court agencies, as well as documents executed by notaries of Ukraine and on all other kinds of documents. The e-Register of Apostilles can be accessed here .

Some civil records were destroyed during World War II. Local authorities generally will issue a certificate to that effect; the process may easily take several months. In other cases, records of persons in what used to be Ukraine were transferred to neighboring countries when borders shifted.

Marriages and divorces in occupied Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (the “Donetsk People’s Republic” [DPR] and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” [LPR]) are not legally recognized in Ukraine and therefore do not establish a valid legal relationship for U.S. immigration purposes.  Only marriages and divorces performed by Ukrainian authorities and evidenced by official documents issued by the Ukrainian authorities are valid. 

Ukrainian authorities do not issue birth or death certificates based solely off certificates issued by Russian authorities in Crimea or by the so-called “DPR” and “LPR.”  Individuals with birth or death certificates issued in these regions may seek a Ukrainian court decree ordering the issuance of a Ukrainian birth or death certificate.

As marriages and divorces performed in Crimea or in the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts are not legally recognized, individuals will need to legally marry outside Crimea or the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to create a legal relationship.   

Notarized/certified copies of civil documents are not accepted and therefore not created in Ukraine.

General Issuing Authority Information:

Civil documents are generally available in Ukraine through local or oblast (district or regional) departments of state registration of acts of civil status (DRATsS).   Diplomatic missions and Consular sections of Ukraine abroad, and also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine can also accept requests for civil documents.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Fees:  <   USD 1

Document Name: Svidotstvo pro narodzhennya

Issuing Authority: District or regional State registration of civil status offices

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All kinds of birth certificates issued on the territory of current Ukraine are accepted. All of them bear a wet seal and a signature of the executive officer of the issuing authority.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department Head of the State registration of civil status office

Registration Criteria: Defined by Family Code of Ukraine

Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant must request birth certificates from one of the two locations: 1) district DRATsS (Civil Registry Office of the Department of Justice) either at the place of residence or at the place where the registration of document took place; 2) Ukrainian consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for residents of other countries).

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Death Certificates

Fees: None for original issuance;  < USD 1 for re-issuance

Document Name: Svidotstvo pro smert

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All kinds of death certificates issued on the territory of current Ukraine are accepted.  All of them bear a wet seal and a signature of the executive officer of the issuing authority

Procedure for Obtaining: Similar to that of obtaining the birth certificate.  Close relatives such as grandchildren may apply for the document

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Fees: < USD 1 for original issuance; < USD 1 for re-issuance

Document Name: Svidotstvo pro shlyub

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All kinds of marriage certificates issued on the territory of current Ukraine are accepted.  All of them bear a wet seal and a signature of the executive officer of the issuing authority

Procedure for Obtaining: Issued to the married couple on the day of the civil marriage registration. The procedure of obtaining a re-issued document is the same as for the birth certificate.  Re-issuance of the marriage certificate is not possible if the marriage has been terminated. In such case, the extract from the state registry can confirm the dates of marriage and divorce and the surnames prior to marriage registration and after divorce.

Alternate Documents: Extract from the State registry of civil status of citizens about the marriage to confirm the premarital surnames (in case the marriage has been terminated)

Comments: According to the Family Code of Ukraine, religious marriage ceremonies are not recognized as a legal marriage.  A marriage is only considered legal after its registration with the civil registry office and it is only legal from the date it is registered in the registry office.

Same-sex marriages are not possible in Ukraine. According to Article 21 of Ukrainian Family code, marriage is defined as a registered union between male and female partners.

Divorce Certificates

Document Name: Svidotstvo pro rozirvannya shlyubu

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All kinds of divorce certificates issued on the territory of current Ukraine are accepted.  All of them bear a wet seal and a signature of the executive officer of the issuing authority

Registration Criteria: Defined by Family Code of Ukraine; after July 27, 2010 the certificate is issued only to the couples without minor children or in case one of the couple is duly qualified as missing or incompetent

Procedure for Obtaining: Depends on the article of Family Code under which the marriage is terminated but in general the procedure is similar to that of obtaining the birth certificate

Alternate Documents: Court decree about the marriage termination if it came into effect after July 27, 2010

Exceptions:   None

Comments: Marriage is considered legally terminated in all cases when the applicant produces a divorce certificate and in cases when the applicant produces a court decree which came into effect on or after July 27, 2010, in lieu of the divorce certificate.

Adoption Certificates

Unavailable

Alternate Documents: Adoption court decree or Record from the State Registry.

Comments: These are the optional documents. Adoption court decree and the new birth certificate are sufficient documents for an adoption.

Identity Card

National ID Cards

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Passport of citizen of Ukraine – ID card

Issuing Authority: State migration service of Ukraine

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Plastic card in ID-1 format with dimensions of 54 x 85.6 (+/-0.75) mm. The ID card is made of multilayer polymer material (polycarbonate) with laser data engraving technology. The front side of the ID card has the state flag of Ukraine, the small state coat of arms of Ukraine and the text of national anthem of Ukraine. The back side of the card has an optically variable image of the digitized picture of the passport holder’s face and holder’s year of birth separated by a space in the middle.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: ID cards are issued to Ukrainian citizens who have reached the age of 16.

Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant needs to contact the local department of State Migration services based on the place of registration in Ukraine. The applicant needs to provide his or her Ukrainian birth certificate and internal passports of his or her parents.  Average processing time is 30 days.

Alternate Documents: Beginning in 2016, the Passport of Citizen of Ukraine is being replaced by a new format ID card for all those applying for the first time. Holders of Passports of Citizen of Ukraine needing a new document will receive a replacement Passport of Citizen of Ukraine rather than the new format ID card. 

Comments: There are two versions of the ID card available – with electronic chip and without electronic chip.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police certificates.

Fees: None for regular processing

Document Name:  “Vytiah”

Issuing Authority: Departments of Information and Analysis of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, central and local

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Effective April 23, 2022, all police certificates are issued online and are printed on a regular office paper of A4 format, with a serial number, QR code and digital stamp and seal. It must all be a “FULL”/POVNA version and list all current and previous names of an applicant.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Department

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  As of April 23, 2022 Ukrainian citizens can request their criminal certificates if they have no criminal record at this link:  vytiah.mvs.gov.ua . Alternatively, they can request it from the nearest Center for Administrative Services in Ukraine (TSNAP)

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions  None

Comments: For immigrant and K visa processing the police certificates must include all previously used names and surnames. In order for a police certificate to include all the previously used names and surnames, the requestor must specifically state so. The applicants then must make sure all these names appear on the police certificate.

Court Records

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name: Sudove rishennya

Issuing Authority: Courts of Ukraine or Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Conviction court decrees must carry a wet seal, date they came into effect, signature of the judge(s) and the court's secretary

Registration Criteria:  There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: The courts issue these documents. Third parties and parties not present in the court are sent copies via mail

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Prison Records

Unavailable - Convicted applicants need to provide original of Court Record with copy and translation.

Military Records

Document Name: Prypysne svidotstvo, Viyskovyy kvytok, Posvidchennya ofitsera (for  officers and generals currently in service)

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defense (Military Enlistment Office)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Military books issued during the Soviet times have red cover; Ukrainian-issued ones have gray or green cover.  The first page features a photograph, wet seal and a signature of the Military Commissioner

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Military Commissioner

Procedure for Obtaining: All males who turn 17 receive a registration certificate which shows which Military Enlistment Office this person is attached to.  Later the person receives either a military book or a temporary military book (because of the lack of military books).  Officers and generals in active service receive officer’s books.

Exceptions: Although military books never expire, some elderly males may have turned in their military books to their Military Enlistment Office.  Similarly, a person may turn in his military book when he works for certain state organizations (i.e. Secret Service).  In such cases, a certificate may be issued by the Office or the Ministry of Defense to that effect

Comments: Ukraine is a country with universal conscription.  All males aged 18 years old or older, and some females (those who contracted for a military service and those having special occupations: medical; communications; computing; optical and audio measurement tools and metrology; cartography and topogeodesy etc) have military records of some sort.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Travel Documents

Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Official, Travel document of a child.

Fees: Depend on the urgency of issuance; from $45 to $100

Document Name: Pasport gromadyanyna Ukrayiny dlya vyizdu za kordon

Issuing Government Authority: State Migration Service (since 01/01/2013), Embassies/Consulates of Ukraine

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue cover. Issued for 10 years without a possibility to prolong.  Bio page: map of Ukraine changes color from bronze red to bronze green; last and first name are in Ukrainian and transliterated in English; all symbols are laser-engraved; visa pages contain ornaments and heraldic symbols of different regions of Ukraine.

Procedure for Obtaining: Citizens of Ukraine may apply at any department of State Migration Service; the procedures may be different at different departments

Comments:  As of April 2015, Ukraine discontinued printing the child travel document. Children are now issued a biometric passport valid for four years.  However, passport issuing offices may use the stock of child travel document blanks they have until it is exhausted.

Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available

Other Records

Not applicable. 

• Visa Issuing Posts

Post Contact Information

Post Title: U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine  - Services currently limited

Address: 4 Igor Sikorsky St, Kyiv 04112 Ukraine

Visa Services: As of April 1, 2024   Ukrainian immigrant visas (IVs), other than diversity visas and fiancé visas will be processed at Embassy Kyiv. Consulate General Frankfurt is processing all diversity visas and fiancé visas. 

Post Title:  U.S. Consulate General in  Frankfurt, Germany

Street Address: Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main

Tel:  +49-(0)69-7535-0

E-mail:    [email protected]  (Please use code C22 + your full name and case number in the subject line of your e-mail)

Embassy Warsaw is processing all IR-3 and IR-4 adoption cases.

Warsaw, Poland  (Embassy)

Street Address: American Embassy Warsaw Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 Warsaw 00-540 Poland

Mailing Address: U.S. Embassy-Warsaw Department of State Washington, DC 20510-5010

Consular Section: Piękna 12 Warsaw 00-540 Poland

All times listed herein is local time in Poland (Central European Time).

Telephone: + 48 22 504 2000 Switchboard/After-hours emergencies for U.S. citizens

U.S. Citizen Services: +48 22 504 2784 (8:30 am – 5 pm).  Email:  [email protected]

Consular telephone recorded information system is available for public inquiries 24 hours a day at +48 22 625 1401. Recordings in English and Polish provide information about the entire range of consular services.

General Visa Information +48 22 307 1361 or, in the United States at (703) 988 7101 between 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Public inquiries:

E-mail: [email protected]

Website:   pl.usembassy

Nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications may be processed wherever the applicant is physically located and appointments are available.

Visa Services

Visa Services:

Ukrainian immigrant visas (IVs), other than diversity visas, fiancé visas, and adoption cases, are processed at Embassy Kyiv. 

Consulate General Frankfurt is processing all diversity and fiancé visas. Embassy Warsaw is processing all IR-3 and IR-4 adoption cases. 

Nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications may be processed wherever the applicant is physically located and appointments are available. 

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

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Travel Ban for Men Holding Ukrainian and US Citizenship

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According to the US Embassy in Ukraine, as of June 4, 2024, men who possess both Ukrainian and American citizenship and are aged between 18 and 60 will face restrictions preventing them from leaving Ukraine.

The Ukrainian authorities have abolished the “residence abroad” clause on June 1, which formerly allowed some men within this age bracket to exit the nation. The US Embassy has therefore advised dual citizens against attempting to depart from Ukraine.

April saw Ukraine legislate a contentious mobilization bill aimed at strengthening the nation’s military forces amidst a significant troop shortfall, with stringent penalties in place for draft evasion.

Men in Ukraine aged 18 to 60 are, with few exceptions, barred from exiting the country while martial law stands during wartime conditions.

The dual citizenship of the US and Ukraine is not recognized by the Kyiv government, and as such, men with dual citizenship are compelled to adhere to the same conscription laws as other Ukrainian nationals.

The Embassy’s proclamation specified that “the exemption that allowed American-Ukrainian dual citizens within this demographic to leave Ukraine after cancelling their Ukrainian residence and affirming their American residency has been rescinded as of the first of June.”

Following the mobilization law enactment, Western nations hosting substantial Ukrainian refugee communities pledged support to Ukraine in combatting draft dodging issues.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz voiced dissatisfaction on the 24th of April about young Ukrainian men seen in Poland’s hospitality venues while their home country is in need. Poland has volunteered aid toward identifying military-obliged Ukrainian refugees within its borders. In a report by the BBC in November 2023, an estimated 650,000 Ukrainian men eligible for military service had migrated to the EU since the large-scale conflict commenced.

Who is affected by the new travel restrictions in Ukraine?

Ukrainian-American men aged between 18 and 60 are affected by the new travel restrictions, which prevent them from leaving the country.

What was the ‘residence abroad’ exception?

The ‘residence abroad’ exception allowed Ukrainian men with dual citizenship, who had deregistered their Ukrainian residency and registered their US residency, to leave Ukraine. This has been eliminated as of June 1, 2024.

Does Ukraine recognize dual citizenship?

No, Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship. As such, all citizens, regardless of holding another country’s citizenship, are subject to Ukraine’s laws and obligations.

What measures has Ukraine taken to address its military manpower shortage?

Ukraine has passed a mobilization law and is taking punitive measures against draft evasion.

Are any other countries assisting Ukraine with draft avoidance issues?

Yes, countries like Poland have expressed willingness to help identify Ukrainian refugees who may have military obligations.

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Biden OKs Ukraine's use of US weapons inside Russia in major shift

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S. weapons to strike targets inside Russia, a major shift in American policy that comes with the risk of further escalation in the war that has raged for more than two years.

The Biden administration had held targets inside Russia off limits to U.S.-supplied weapons. The fear had been that Russian President Vladimir Putin would then seek to widen the war to Ukraine's neighbors. Or, an even more grim possibility: Russia unleashing tactical nuclear weapons in combat.

But Russian battlefield gains in recent weeks near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, seem to have changed the adminstration's approach.

The new policy will allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to return fire against  Russian forces attacking them near Kharkiv region, said the official who was not authorized to speak publicly. The policy of restricting the use of long-range ATACMS missiles  inside Russia remains in effect, the official said.

US Close to Completing Ukraine Bilateral Security Deal Talks, US Official Says

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is close to completing negotiations on a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine that President Joe Biden announced last year at a G7 meeting, a U.S. official said on Thursday.

G7 nations, led by the U.S., unveiled a framework in July for the long-term security of Ukraine to boost its defenses against Russia.

The U.S. official's comment came after the Financial Times reported on Thursday that the U.S. and Ukraine were close to signing a bilateral security pact.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; writing by Paul Grant; editing by Rami Ayyub)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin warns Russia could provide long-range weapons to attack West - and issues new nuclear threat

Vladimir Putin has warned he could supply weapons to other nations to strike Western countries in a meeting with international journalists. The Russian president also reaffirmed the country's position on using nuclear weapons. Follow live updates below.

Thursday 6 June 2024 16:51, UK

• Putin warns Russia could provide long-range weapons to attack West
• Lavrov: French military instructors in Ukraine would be 'legitimate target'
• Ivor Bennett:  Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Ukraine peace summit 'opens door to limited talks with Russia'
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?

That's it for our live coverage of the war in Ukraine for today.

You can scroll through the blog below to catch up on the day's developments.

By Nicole Johnston, Asia correspondent in Beijing

Putin's St Petersburg summit comes right out of the same playbook as China's President Xi Jinping.

So how do you get a read on China's geo-political thinking? One way is by wading through the dry and detailed pronouncements of its president, that's where the nuggets are.

In 2022, Xi said: "The world today is undergoing major changes, unseen in a century.

"The most important characteristic of the world is chaos and the trend is likely to continue."

In the world according to Xi, the time is right to reorder global governance with China at its pinnacle, where it belongs. His view is that the US anchored world order is breaking down.

Many countries in the global south are on board with China, chaffing at the dominance of the US led international system and ready to countenance a shake-up.

Russia is in lock step with China. 

Both countries need each other. Though Russia needs China more, for trade and diplomatic cover.

In this great power rivalry, the China-Russian axis could draw in other regional disrupters like Iran and North Korea.

If that happens it will be a formidable alliance based on hostility towards the US, sympathy for Russia, a deep fear of subversion and in the case of China, a relentless goal to unify with Taiwan.

Ukraine's main hydropower company says it has initiated proceedings to secure damages for Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka dam and power station a year ago today.

State-run Ukrhydroenergo said it estimates the damage to be around €2.5bn (£2.12bn).

The explosion of the dam on 6 June 2023 - which sent huge amounts of water across swathes of southern Ukraine and left thousands of people without drinking water - was met with global outcry and accusations of a war crime.

"The company's actions aim to compensate for the losses caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant," Ukrhydroenergo said in a statement. 

"The company believes that initiating international arbitration process is the most promising way to compensate for the losses." 

The firm said Vladimir Putin, his government and other authorised bodies had been informed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska have arrived in Normandy for an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

French President Emmanuel Macron greeted the Ukrainian leader with a hug as he arrived, and the president was applauded as he went to take his place inside the event.

Several other political figures including UK defence minister Grant Shapps embraced Mr Zelenskyy as they greeted him.

Earlier, the Ukrainian president said he was "honoured" to participate in the anniversary event and said he would also take part in "important events and meetings aimed at strengthening our country".

"This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy," he said.

"Allies defended Europe's freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today."

Earlier today we reported claims by Russian officials that Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery and fuel depot in Russian border regions.

Rostov regional governor Vasily Golubev said an overnight drone attack struck the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, causing a fire to erupt. 

Meanwhile the governor for Belgorod, a Russian border region which has come under frequent Ukrainian fire during the war, said a drone hit an oil depot and caused an explosion.

No casualties were reported in either attack.

The trial of a US soldier accused of stealing is under way in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok.

Staff Sergeant Gordon Black flew to the city to see his girlfriend last month but was arrested after she accused him of stealing from her, US and Russian officials said.

The 34-year-old, who was on leave at the time, faces up to five years in prison if found guilty.

The US army said the soldier had not been given official clearance to travel to Russia's far east.

According to Russian news agency RIA, Sgt Black will give evidence during the trial and respond to the allegations against him.

He has been cooperating with authorities, the report said.

Following today's court session, Sgt Black's girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, told reporters "it was a simple domestic dispute" during which the soldier "became aggressive and attacked" her.

"He then stole money from my wallet and I didn't give him permission to do it," she said.

Joe Biden has just addressed the crowds at the US national D-Day commemoration in Normandy, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron.

The US president began with a retelling of the devastation and evil unleashed on the world by Hitler and told the stories of some veterans in the audience.

"Every one of them knew the probability of dying was real, but they did it anyway," he said.

Mr Biden prayed that America never forgets the importance of alliances, noting NATO as the "greatest military alliance in the history of the world".

"Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago, and it is not the answer today," he said.

"We know the dark forces that these heroes fought against 80 years ago, they never fade." 

He added: "The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is unending. Here in Europe we see one stark example. Ukraine has been invaded by a tyrant bent on domination."

Mr Biden continued: "Make no mistake, the autocrats of the world are watching closely.

"To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable. Were we to do that, it means we would be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches.

"History tells us that freedom is not free: If you want to know the price of freedom, come here to Normandy and look."

Russia has detained a French national on suspicion of collecting information on Russian military activity, investigators have said.

The man had visited the country repeatedly over several years, Russia's Investigative Committee said.

He's also said to have held meetings with Russian citizens.

The man has not been named.

The outcome of the US election this November is unlikely to have any impact on Washington's policy towards Russia, Vladimir Putin has said.

In comments cited by the Russian embassy in the UK, the Russian president said the Kremlin does "not think there will be any serious changes".

"You know perfectly well that the current developments in the US are political infighting; they are burning themselves out, their state and their political system," he said.

Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump are their parties' presumptive nominees for the looming election.

Several polls are putting Trump ahead of Mr Biden, despite his recent criminal conviction.

Earlier this year, Mr Putin said he would prefer to see Mr Biden re-elected to the White House as he is "more experienced". 

But he has also enjoyed a previous good relationship with Trump, who has often praised his leadership. 

Hungary will attend a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next week despite Budapest strengthening its ties with Moscow.

Foreign minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed at an economic forum in St Petersburg that his country would be represented at the summit on 15 June.

The summit is aimed at building support among dozens of countries for a 10-point peace proposal from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which includes Russian troops fully withdrawing from Ukrainian territory.

Russia has not been invited, and has branded it a waste of time.

Hungary, an EU and NATO member, has often pushed back against sending Western aid to Ukraine and has been critical of sanctions on Russia.

Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral ties during a meeting in October.

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