For thousands of Ukrainians who entered the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine (“U4U”) program, U4U re-parole has become an important immigration issue. Although the application itself may appear relatively straightforward, the supporting evidence can make the process considerably more complicated.
As an attorney originally from Ukraine who came to the United States through the U4U program, I have experienced and continue to experience this process firsthand. I understand both the uncertainty applicants face and the importance of presenting a well-supported application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). One of the most important aspects of applying for U4U re-parole is demonstrating why an additional period of parole is justified. Below, I discuss the evidence USCIS expects to see and several practical considerations that U4U re-parole applicants should keep in mind.
What Evidence Does USCIS Require for U4U Re-Parole?
USCIS requires applicants seeking re-parole to demonstrate that continued parole is warranted by urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
In practice, applicants have been faced with much more scrutiny of their supporting evidence, including Requests for Evidence (“RFE”s) asking them to explain why another period of parole is necessary.
The online Form I-131 application instructions specifically request:
- A detailed description of the urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit justifying another period of parole;
- An explanation of the length of parole requested and why the previously authorized period was insufficient;
- Supporting documentation establishing the basis for the request; and
- An explanation of why a U.S. visa or another immigration status cannot be obtained, including any relevant attempts to obtain one.
This means applicants should not assume that their Ukrainian citizenship, previous U4U approval, or the ongoing war will automatically establish eligibility for re-parole.
A detailed personal statement supported by documentary evidence beats submitting Form I-131 and waiting for USCIS to request additional information
1. Urgent Humanitarian Reasons: Explain How the War Affects You Personally
The ongoing war in Ukraine is widely known. However, an effective U4U re-parole application should go beyond a general description of Russia’s invasion and explain how the war affects you personally.
For example, if an applicant is originally from Dnipro, potentially focusing specifically on the security and humanitarian situation in Dnipro and the surrounding Dnipropetrovsk Oblast could work better than relying generally on reports concerning other regions of Ukraine.
Relevant evidence may include reports of recent missile and drone attacks, civilian casualties, damage to residential buildings, and attacks on infrastructure in an applicant’s hometown or region.
However, the humanitarian consequences of the war extend beyond the immediate danger of missile strikes.
Applicants should also consider documenting the effects of the war on everyday living conditions, including:
- Interruptions to electricity, heating, gas, and water supplies;
- Destruction of residential buildings and essential infrastructure;
- Limited access to medical services and necessary medications;
- Disruption of schools, transportation, and other public services;
- Damage to or loss of the applicant’s home or other property; and
- Injuries, deaths, displacement, or other hardships affecting the applicant’s family.
These circumstances may be particularly important for applicants with children, elderly relatives, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities.
Of course, applicants should be careful describe only circumstances that actually affect them and support those claims with available evidence. For instance, someone whose family home was damaged by a missile strike might consider including photographs, relevant reports, or other documentation confirming the damage.
Even where an applicant has not personally suffered physical injury or property damage, credible evidence of dangerous conditions in the area to which the applicant would return may still be relevant. The objective is to help USCIS understand not simply that Ukraine remains at war, but why returning to Ukraine would create particular humanitarian concerns for the applicant.
2. Use Official U.S. Government Warnings as Supporting Evidence
One particularly useful source of supporting documentation is the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Ukraine.
On August 28, 2026, the Department of State updated its Level 4 — “Do Not Travel” advisory, continuing to warn against travel to Ukraine because of the ongoing war.
The advisory expressly states that even regions away from the front lines remain vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks. This is important because applicants sometimes believe that living in a city relatively far from active ground combat weakens their humanitarian argument. However, the dangers of the war are not limited to front line communities.
For this reason, including Department of State advisory as supporting evidence, together with reliable reports concerning the applicant’s particular region could be helpful.
The advisory is useful because it demonstrates that the U.S. government itself recognizes the continuing security risks in Ukraine. Nevertheless, applicants should remember that a travel advisory is not a substitute for individualized evidence, nor does it guarantee approval of U4U re-parole.
3. Significant Public Benefit: Explain What You Contribute to the United States
Another important consideration is whether the applicant’s continued presence provides a significant public benefit to the United States.
Although USCIS permits applicants to establish either urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, addressing both whenever the applicant’s circumstances support doing so could help the U4U re-parole application.
Many Ukrainians who arrived through U4U have established themselves in American communities. They work, operate businesses, volunteer, assist others, and contribute their professional knowledge and experience.
These activities deserve careful consideration when preparing an application.
For example, an applicant may be able to demonstrate public benefit through:
- Employment providing valuable services to American businesses or communities;
- Operating a business that serves customers or creates jobs;
- Volunteering with charitable or community organizations;
- Assisting Ukrainian refugees or other immigrants with language barriers;
- Using specialized professional skills to benefit U.S. employers or clients; or
- Participating in educational, cultural, or community initiatives.
One aspect that applicants sometimes overlook is the value of their language skills. Many Ukrainians speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Depending on their employment or community involvement, these abilities may help American employers communicate with clients, assist individuals who do not speak English fluently, or provide services to under-served communities.
4. Letters of Support Can Strengthen Your Application
An additional supporting document that could be valuable is a letter (or multiple letters) of support from people who personally know the applicant and can describe their contributions.
These letters may come from employers, supervisors, colleagues, clients, community leaders, volunteer coordinators, or others familiar with the applicant’s activities.
For example, an employer’s letter might explain:
- How long the applicant has worked for the company;
- What responsibilities the applicant performs;
- Whether the applicant possesses specialized knowledge or language skills;
- How the applicant’s work benefits the company, its clients, or the community; and
- Why the applicant’s continued employment would be valuable.
Letters should be specific and based on firsthand knowledge.
A detailed letter explaining how an applicant helps American customers, supports coworkers, or contributes to community services will generally be more informative than a generic statement that the applicant is hardworking and responsible. Where possible, letters should identify the writer, explain their relationship to the applicant, and provide specific examples.
5. Explain Why You Need Another Period of Parole
An issue applicants should not overlook is USCIS’s request to explain why the previously authorized period of parole was insufficient and why the requested additional period is necessary.
For many Ukrainians, the explanation may involve the continued war, the lack of safe conditions for return, and the uncertainty surrounding when those conditions will improve.
However, the explanation should still address the applicant’s individual circumstances.
For example, an applicant requesting an additional two years of parole might explain that the humanitarian conditions preventing safe return remain unresolved, that the applicant has established meaningful ties and responsibilities in the United States, and that additional time is necessary in light of those circumstances.
Applicants should also address USCIS’s separate request for an explanation of why another immigration status or visa cannot be obtained. This may require discussing their immigration history, available options, and any applications already filed or pending. Importantly, re-parole is temporary and discretionary. It does not itself provide permanent immigration status or a green card.
6. Do Not Wait for a Request for Evidence
One of the most common mistakes applicants can make is assuming that USCIS will request whatever additional documents it needs.
Although USCIS may issue an RFE, applicants should not rely on receiving one. USCIS may decide an application based on the evidence already submitted.
For that reason, an applicant should try to prepare a comprehensive submission from the beginning, including a personal statement, relevant country-condition evidence, documentation of individual humanitarian circumstances, and evidence of public benefit where applicable.
Applicants should also follow the current Form I-131 instructions, submit the required identity and prior-parole documentation, provide certified English translations of foreign-language documents, and monitor their USCIS accounts for updates. An organized application makes it easier for the reviewing officer to understand the request and evaluate the supporting evidence.
Final Thoughts
For Ukrainians who have built their lives in the United States since arriving through U4U, the possibility of losing parole can create considerable uncertainty.
Having gone through the U4U process myself, I understand how important it is to approach U4U re-parole carefully and explain the circumstances behind the application.
The most important consideration is simple: do not treat your application as just another immigration form. Tell your story, explain your individual circumstances, and support your statements with credible evidence.
At Kaminsky Law, we assist Ukrainian applicants with immigration matters, including Form I-131 re-parole applications and related immigration issues. We have Russian and Ukrainian speaking staff that can help guide applicants through the U4U re-parole process.
If you have questions about your eligibility for re-parole or need assistance preparing supporting evidence, contact Kaminsky Law to discuss your circumstances.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules, filing procedures, and USCIS policies may change. Each application is evaluated based on its individual circumstances.
