Humanitarian Programs

On February 27, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started accepting re-parole applications for eligible Ukrainians and their immediate family members who were previously paroled into the United States in UHP or DT status. Re-parole is only for people who are inside the United States, so they can continue to temporarily remain in the U.S. Applications will be considered on a discretionary, case-by-case basis. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members may apply for re-parole by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the supporting documentation and the required filing fee. People who cannot pay the filing fee will be able to submit a fee waiver request. The application can be submitted online or by mail. USCIS recommends submitting online.

Who Is Eligible for Re-Parole?

To be eligible for re-parole under this process, you must satisfy the following conditions: 

• You are a Ukrainian citizen or immediate family member who was paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022
• There are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for a new period of parole, as well as any additional factors
• You warrant a favorable exercise of discretion
• You are physically present in the United States
• You have complied with the conditions of the initial parole, and
• You clear biographic and biometric background checks.

You can find your date of parole on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Required Supporting Documents

Together with your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, you must submit the supporting documents to confirm your identity (including your name, date of birth, and photo) and your initial period of parole. Here are some of the documents that you may want to submit:

• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. You can find this form at the website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• A copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if you received any from USCIS
• A copy of both sides of your government-issued driver’s license or ID, and
• A copy of the biographical page of your passport, with copies of all admission and parole stamps in your passport for entries into the United States.  

As always, if you submit to USCIS any document containing foreign language, you must add an English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, as well as the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. 

When applying for re-parole under this process, each person will need to apply individually, as a self-petitioner, including children under the age of 18. A parent or legal guardian may submit this application on behalf of the minor child. If a parent or guardian is not available, an attorney, among other individuals, may assist a child with an application for re-parole. When a parent or legal guardian signs the application on behalf of a minor child, they also need to provide a document evidencing the legal relationship, such as a birth certificate.

Employment Authorization

If you want to apply for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or renew your expiring EAD, you should wait until after you receive an approval of your re-parole application. After your Form I-131 has been approved by USCIS, you can then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and request an EAD in category (c)(11). You will need to pay the required filing fee and submit all necessary supporting documents. If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you can request a waiver of the fee.

Do not file your Form I-765 before you receive a notice of approval of re-parole. Otherwise, USCIS may deny your Form I-765 and keep the fees.

Timing for Filing for Re-Parole

Ukrainian parolees and their immediate family members should file for re-parole at least 60 days before their initial parole period expires, unless they have already changed or adjusted their immigration status. If your initial parole expires while your re-parole application is pending, you will no longer be in a period of authorized stay unless you have been granted an immigration status, such as asylum or TPS, or otherwise in a period of authorized stay.

Estimated Processing Time for Ukrainian Re-Parole Applications

As of early March 2024, it’s unknown what the processing times will be. However, filing the application online should speed up its processing time. USCIS is expected to prioritize some applications based on parole expiration date.

New Form I-94 Upon Approval of Re-Parole

If USCIS approves Form I-131 re-parole application, your Form I-94 will be updated and attached to your I-131 Approval Notice. You then will be able to also print a copy of your updated Form I-94 from the CBP’s website.

More information about the re-parole process for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members can be found on the website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).    

To discuss your eligibility for re-parole or some other options, please contact our office.