Immigrants to the US from Ukraine most often TPS (temporary protected status), humanitarian parole, an H-1B visa (for specialty jobs), or an EB-3 visa. (For TPS there are certain date requirements, which you can review here.) Whatever your situation, if you need help immigrating to Massachusetts from Ukraine, contact me, Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. I help clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. I work with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact me today to discuss your case, or read on to find out more about achiveing the immigration status you need.
Why come to the US from Ukraine?
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine escalated in 2022, around 2,000 Ukrainian immigrants and refugees have arrived in Massachusetts. Many of these individuals entered the U.S. through the Biden Administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” program, which allowed an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees to be sponsored by any lawful resident of the U.S. who wishes to support them.
Massachusetts offers many benefits to qualifying Ukrainian immigrants who reside in the state. Qualifying immigrants are those who are in the U.S. through humanitarian parole, who have temporary protected status (TPS), who are here on the basis of family reunification, and those who have nonimmigrant visas. These groups are able to apply for MassHealth, which is free or low-cost health insurance available to Massachusetts residents based on their income. In addition to this, the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement allows refugees to apply for cash assistance, medical services, English language classes, employment readiness assistance, and programs to help with job readiness. Ukrainian immigrants and refugees who struggle financially are oftentimes also eligible for SNAP.
If you need help immigrating to MA from Ukraine, contact Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. Giselle helps clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. She works with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact Giselle today to discuss your case, or read on to find out more about protecting your immigration status in the United States.
Employment and Education
Massachusetts’ public schools are one of the highest-rated school systems in the country, and school-aged children, regardless of refugee status, are entitled to public school education. For those who have already attained a high school diploma or an equivalent foreign diploma, Massachusetts has a program that allows all Massachusetts residents to attend community college free of cost.
Massachusetts is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, as well as dozens of other excellent colleges. No matter what your intended course of study is, Massachusetts has great options for you.
Massachusetts, and especially Boston, is known for its bustling science-related industries.
Some of the top industries in Massachusetts include biotechnology, healthcare, education, and financial services. As of August 2024, Massachusetts’ unemployment rate has been 3.7%, which is lower than the national average of 4.1%. Massachusetts also has services that connect refugees and immigrants to resources which will assist them in the process of getting a job here. The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants offers Refugee Employment Services, which assist with job readiness and the pursuit of gainful employment.
Community Resources
There are a wide range of community resources currently available to those fleeing Ukraine as a result of the war. One organization is Olga’s List, a group which helps Ukrainians settle in Massachusetts, as well as providing them with necessities and community connections. Many religious organizations also have programs to help those who enter the country as refugees, such as Catholic Charities of Boston, and the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Cultural organizations, like Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England, and the Ukrainian American Educational Center of Boston promote the celebration and preservation of Ukrainian culture in Massachusetts.
Processing Times in Boston
Applications for the Uniting for Ukraine, or U4U, program are typically processed within three months of submission. Once approved, applicants are allowed to remain in the U.S. through temporary protected status (TPS).
Applying for a visa is a more lengthy and involved process. Visa processing times can range from anywhere between seven months and two years. If you are interested in applying for a visa but are unsure what type of visa would be best for you, don’t hesitate to contact my office. My team and I can help you choose the best pathway to residency in the U.S., and will guide you through the process.