Find information about what it means to sponsor, training and resources, and steps to proceed. Please contact us with any questions or concerns – we want to make this the best resource possible.

IMPORTANT: Please verify all information with USCIS and your state representative (for Alabama: Inspiritus). We are not legally responsible for any information, this page is only meant to help guide you.

1. What is Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)?

Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a 2 year period of parole. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States

Uniting for Ukraine. (2023, January 25). USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/ukraine

NOTE: you do not need to personally know or be related to a Ukrainian to sponsor them.

2. What does ‘Sponsor’ mean?

A Sponsor is one or many American Citizens, who agree to support a Ukrainian/Ukrainian family for duration of their stay (currently 2-years).

3. What does “support” mean?

Once you make the decision to Sponsor, you are required to submit a form on USCIS called “I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support”

  1. This form does not make you legally responsible for all issues that your newcomer gets into. (See resource for details)
  2. the purpose of this form is to ensure everyone receives a proper background check and that as a beneficiary, you can meet the following conditions
    • Receiving the beneficiary upon arrival 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 and initial basic necessities;
    • As appropriate, helping the beneficiary complete necessary paperwork such as for employment authorization, for a Social Security card, and for 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.
  3. Completing this form does not mean you are 100% reliable for every need. In fact, many beneficiaries can provide for themselves – but are unable to come to the United States without a sponsor.
  4. There is a section on the USCIS form where you can specifically state what help you are willing and capable of providing. I recommend putting exactly what you will do and NOT do in this section.

4. Where can I learn more about being a Sponsor?

5. Where do I find a Ukrainian to Sponsor?

If you do not have a Ukrainian(s) identified yet:

  • Register for welcome.us, create a profile, complete your training – and begin communicating with Ukrainians.
  • You can also contact us – we know many Ukrainians waiting for a sponsor.
  • Contact us about a new website we are working on, similar to welcome.us, that will help connect Sponsors with Ukrainians.

6. I am ready to Sponsor – what now?

If you know who you want to sponsor, complete this form for EACH person (regardless of age).

  • IMPORTANT: Make sure you enter all data exactly right. If you mistype an email address, name or birthday – it will be very difficult and time consuming to fit.
  • Click FILE ONLINE! (Do not print / mail)
    Submit 1 for EACH person, even children
    https://www.uscis.gov/i-134a