Moving to the United States is a dream move for many people. However, the process of emigration is fraught with many pitfalls, which is why it is necessary to research all the nuances in advance. Read more about emigration to the USA in 2024, visa requirements and other important issues
The United States of America remains attractive to Ukrainians due to high salaries, great opportunities and comfortable living conditions.
However, it is important to understand that the emigration process is quite complicated. How Ukrainians can move to the US in 2024 and what you need to know is described below.
For more informationon how life in the US works and the key differences from Ukraine, please follow the link.
How to move to the US: opportunities for Ukrainians
Although the United States provides enormous assistance to Ukrainians, a visa is still required to move to the country.
Obtaining a visa to the United States is a complex process that requires careful preparation and compliance with certain rules. Different types of visas are available for Ukrainians in 2024, which can be divided into two main categories: immigrant and non-immigrant.
A non-immigrant visa allows you to temporarily stay in the United States for a specific purpose, such as study, tourism, or short-term work. Non-immigrant visas include tourist, student, temporary work and exchange visas.
An immigrant visa, on the other hand, allows you to move to the United States permanently and stay there.
How can a Ukrainian get to the USA for permanent residence in 2024?
● Family immigration
Suitable for spouses, fiancés, children, parents, or siblings of a U.S. citizen who is 21 years of age or older and for spouses or unmarried/unrelated children of a person who has permanent resident status.
The presence of close relatives greatly facilitates the immigration process. Relatives have the right to file a petition in favour of the Ukrainian applicant, which significantly speeds up the procedure.
● Work visa to the USA
Suitable for priority workers, specialists with an academic degree or certain qualifications, professionals and unskilled workers, as well as religious leaders.
Qualified specialists may consider obtaining a work visa. The key condition is the presence of an employer in the United States willing to sponsor a visa for a Ukrainian employee.
● Investment programme for entrepreneurs
The minimum investment threshold is $800,000.
Businessmen can obtain a green card through investment immigration. Options include starting a new business or investing in an existing one.
● Green Card lottery
Participation is free of charge.
The green card lottery continues to operate, providing an opportunity to participate in the drawing of a certain number of permits to move and reside in the United States each year.
Important! The 2026 Green Card lottery has started. You can find out how Ukrainians can apply and what you need to know here.
● Uniting For Ukraine (U4U)
The Uniting for Ukraine initiative remains a key mechanism for the temporary resettlement of Ukrainians to the United States. Under the programme, applicants receive a humanitarian permit that allows them to enter, reside and work in the country.
In our previous articles, we have described in detail how to move to the US under the Uniting for Ukraine programme. Follow the links:
– How to get to the US quickly and easily under the U4U programme;
– Rules for entering and living in the United States under the U4U programme;
– Tips to help you apply to the Uniting For Ukraine (U4U) programme in the USA;
– How to stay in the USA after Uniting for Ukraine (U4U);
– What assistance can refugees receive in the United States in 2024?;
– Who can be a sponsor under the U4U programme in 2024.
Immigrant visa for Ukrainians in the United States
An immigrant visa remains the only legal way to permanently reside in the country.
According to the rules, an immigrant visa to the United States provides the right to cross the border, long-term residence in the United States and the possibility of further legalisation of status, including citizenship.
It is important to note that the application for an immigrant visa is considered by the US authorities as a clear intention of the applicant to move to the United States for permanent residence. In most cases, a guarantee from a US citizen or a US employer is required to successfully apply for a visa.
The process of obtaining an immigrant visa in 2024 remains complex and requires careful preparation.
Immigration law experts emphasise that an immigrant visa is only the first step towards obtaining citizenship, so you should not expect a quick and easy process. For a better understanding of the emigration process, we recommend that you seek expert advice. The professional lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.
For more information on visa application, Ukrainians can contact the United States Embassy in Kyiv:
– address: 4 Sikorsky St., Kyiv;
– phone number: 044 521 50 00;
– website of the US Embassy in Ukraine;
– working hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00.
Moving to America: the process of obtaining an immigrant visa
To obtain a work visa or a visa based on family ties, the first step is to file a petition. This can be done by US citizens who, in turn, are relatives or employers of the potential applicant.
Once the petition has been approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and you have received instructions from the
National Visa Centre (NVC), it is time to collect documents and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Kyiv.
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Documents required
The application process requires careful preparation, especially for families planning to move as a family.
The documentation is divided into two categories: basic, which is required for all applicants, and additional, which depends on the specific purpose of immigration.
Important! If the whole family is planning to move, documents are collected for each family member.
The basic package of documents includes:
– confirmation of completion of the DS-260 application form for each applicant;
– a valid passport with a validity period of at least 8 months from the date of visa issuance and a copy of the photo page;
– two 50×50 mm colour matte photographs;
– birth certificate (copy and original);
– documents on marital status (copy and original of marriage or divorce certificate);
– a certificate of no criminal record with a statute of limitations of up to 1 year for persons over 16 years of age;
– a copy and original of the military ID card (if available);
– a certificate confirming that you have passed a medical examination;
– a receipt of payment of the visa fee.
For minor children, permission to leave is additionally required from the second parent, if he or she remains in Ukraine.
The Consular Service emphasises the importance of providing a complete set of documents and their compliance with the established requirements. Incomplete or inconsistent documents may result in a delay in the processing of the application or a refusal to issue a visa.
Applicants are advised to start collecting the necessary documents in advance, given that some of them, such as a certificate of no criminal record, have a limited validity period.
Please note! Foreigners, including Ukrainians, are required to comply with visa requirements and have appropriate insurance to enter the United States. In what cases insurance is required, what kind of policy is needed, and where it is best to obtain it, we tell you here.
Additional documents:
● For a family-based visa, proof of relationship. It may include not only a marriage certificate, but also family photos, correspondence, etc.
● For an employment visa, proof of the required qualifications and an invitation from the employer stating the future salary.
Medical examination
Obtaining an immigrant visa to the United States requires a medical examination for all applicants, regardless of their age.
To pass the medical examination, applicants must provide a number of documents:
– passport;
– 4 photographs 50×50 mm;
– military ID card;
– vaccination card with a stamp;
– confirmation of the visa application form (page DS-160 or DS-260)
– immigration case number;
– address of residence in Ukraine and the USA;
– e-mail address;
– information about the visa category.
All medical examinations are conducted at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM):
– address: 15 Tarasivska Street, Kyiv;
– telephone numbers: 044 584 36 67, 044 584 36 68 or 050 028 62 58;
– e-mail: [email protected].
Examinations are conducted on working days from 9:00 to 15:00, but only by appointment. Appointments are made from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00.
The cost of a medical examination varies depending on the age of the applicant. For infants under one year of age, it is $180, for children from 2 to 14 years of age – $275, for adolescents 15-17 years of age – $330. Adults 18 to 24 years old will pay $343, 25 to 44 years old – $336, and those over 45 years old – $330. It is important to note that the cost of vaccinations is not included in these amounts and is paid separately. Payment is made exclusively in hryvnias at the address where the examination is carried out.
Immigration law experts emphasise the importance of timely medical examination, as this can significantly affect the overall timeframe for processing a visa application.
Take care of your health when travelling abroad with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.
Interview
All persons intending to emigrate to the United States must attend an interview. The best option is to arrive 20-30 minutes before the appointment.
What happens during the interview?
The consular officer will carefully check all the documents you have provided. Make sure you have all the necessary originals and copies. You may also be fingerprinted. Next, you will be interviewed to make sure that the information provided in your application is true. You may also be asked questions to assess your language skills.
You should bring the entire package of documents, the results of your medical examination and a receipt for the application fee with you to the interview.
Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Study the information about your visa category, check all the documents and be ready to answer the consular officer’s questions. Try to relax and answer questions calmly, confidently and honestly. False information can lead to a visa refusal, so be careful.
The processing time for immigrant visa applications varies from 75 days to 5 months.
Important! Depending on the type of visa on which you were allowed to enter and reside in the United States of America, after arrival, you still need to comply with a certain list of rules to complete the process of legalising your stay in the country. In order to better understand all the nuances and rules, we recommend that you seek advice from qualified visa and migration lawyers.
Just to remind you! A work permit in the United States can be re-obtained after the humanitarian password has been renewed, but the procedure has its own nuances. For more information on how to apply for a work permit and what to consider, please follow the link.
Photo: Freepik
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Frequantly
asked questions
What is the Uniting for Ukraine programme and how to apply for it?
The Uniting for Ukraine programme provides an opportunity for Ukrainians affected by the war to enter the United States on the basis of a humanitarian password. To participate in the programme, you need to find a sponsor in the United States who is committed to supporting you financially during your stay. The sponsor submits an application through the USCIS online platform, and once it is approved, you can submit your application for entry.
Can Ukrainians work in the United States after arriving under the Uniting for Ukraine programme?
Yes, after arriving in the United States with a humanitarian password, Ukrainians are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD). To do this, you need to fill out Form I-765 and send it to the USCIS. Once your application is approved, you will be able to work legally in the United States for the duration of your status.
What is the cost of living in the US and what should I be prepared for?
The cost of living in the United States depends on the state and city. The most expensive cities are New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where rent and food prices are high. At the same time, in smaller cities or rural areas, the cost of living is lower.
How do I find a place to live in the USA after moving?
You can rent a house in the United States through specialised platforms such as Zillow, Craigslist or through local real estate agencies. Renting often requires a deposit (usually one month’s rent), as well as proof of income or credit history.
