If you want to immigrate to the USA from Ukraine, you can apply for various types of visas. However, the most important thing to consider is that based on the visa you select, the application procedure will also be completed through US embassies and consulates in Europe, not only the one in Kyiv.
Below, our US immigration lawyers explain your options if you plan to move to the USA from Ukraine or as a Ukrainian citizen from another country. Also, before starting the relocating procedure we encourage you to ask for support from our lawyers.
What to consider if you want to relocate to the USA from Ukraine
Compared to moving to the US from other European countries, Ukrainians have several specific aspects they need to consider. Among these, we mention the following:
- even if the US Embassy in Kyiv was reopened, only certain immigrant visas would be processed through it;
- K-1 (fiancé) and DV (diversity) visas are processed with the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany;
- it is possible to have an immigrant visa application request transferred to Ukraine, however, the procedure may be delayed;
- Ukrainian citizens who will immigrate to the United States will also need to undergo a medical examination.
Our immigration lawyers in Miami can help you with updated information on relocation procedures if you decide to move to the USA from Ukraine.
The main ways through which you can immigrate to the USA from Ukraine
Relocation for Ukrainian citizens is possible in the same way as for people from all over the world. This way, you can apply for a US Green Card through the usual pathways that include employment and family reunion. However, the easiest way is reuniting with a close relative. Those married to American nationals can apply for a US spouse visa, for example.
The Government also advises Ukrainian citizens to use the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). This is a resettlement procedure that enables refugees to immigrate to the United States permanently.
If you consider this the option that suits you best, you can get in touch with our immigration lawyer in the USA for details about the USRAP.
How to move to the USA from Ukraine through the USRAP
In order to use the Refugee Admissions Program to immigrate to the USA from Ukraine, you must first obtain a referral. The good news is that the US State Department accepts recommendations from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), other organizations, as well as from natural persons who can be US citizens or permanent residents.
The procedure to immigrate to the USA this way implies several steps, among which:
- pre-screening to see if the candidate fits the program’s requirements;
- an interview with the Homeland Department or the Immigration Services;
- verification of the candidate’s situation in the home country;
- a medical examination;
- designation to the nearest resettlement agency;
- documentation drafting;
- organization of the travel to the USA.
Our Miami-based immigration law firm can offer more information on the steps to be completed through the USRAP if you want to immigrate to the USA from Ukraine.
The Temporary Protected Status Designated Country for Ukraine
The United States has several programs for refugees from different countries. Ukrainian citizens can benefit from the Temporary Protected Status (TSP) Designated Country scheme to relocate to the United States. There are several options through which one can move here, out of which the following are available until 2026:
- the TSP designated status, which is valid until October 19th, 2026;
- the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Auto-Extended status, which is valid until April 19th, 2026.
The first option is available for people who move to the USA from Ukraine for the first time, while the other one is an extension of an employment-based residence permit. Considering the validity of these statuses is not that lengthy, we invite you to ask for updated information from our immigration lawyers in Miami if you want to apply in the near future.
The Uniting for Ukraine program
Ukrainian citizens who live in the USA based on non-immigrant visas can benefit from the provisions of the Uniting for Ukraine program. The initial scheme allowed for:
- Ukrainian citizens and immediate relatives to stay in the United States for 2 years;
- people to apply for Employment Authorization Documents, just like in the case of TSP program;
- applicants to obtain sponsorship from a US resident to move here.
After resuming the program, those who have relocated to the USA under it can obtain:
- an extension of the visa obtained during the scheme;
- a change of the first status;
- US work permits.
Additional benefits are also available, however, we recommend you discuss more on this option further with our US immigration attorneys.
What is the simplest way to move to the USA from Ukraine?
While special programs may seem the easiest to access, in fact, choosing a regular US immigration pathway may bring better benefits. For example, work and family reunification are great options for those interested in long-term or even indefinite relocation. Entrepreneurship, such as the EB-5 investor visa for the USA, is a suitable variant for Ukrainian businesspeople interested in launching a business here.
You can rely on our immigration lawyers in the USA for assistance if choosing any of these pathways.
How many Ukrainian citizens live in the USA?
According to the Department of State, most of the Ukrainian citizens who live in the USA moved here through refugee programs.
In 2024, most of the Ukrainian citizens moving to the USA did so as refugees. The months with the highest migration rates were:
- 223 immigrants in April;
- 191 persons in June;
- 100 applicants in February;
- the month with the lowest number of refugees entering the country was August, with 34 people.
If you hold dual citizenship, it is also possible to use your second passport to apply for regular immigration through the US investor visa, for example.
If you want to immigrate to the USA from Ukraine, contact us for assistance.