For Ukrainians seeking refuge and pathways to the United States, Poland has become a key location for support and information. This guide outlines the types of assistance available in Poland for Ukrainians looking to travel to the U.S., focusing on humanitarian aid and visa information provided by the U.S. Embassy.
Humanitarian Assistance in Poland
If you are a Ukrainian in Poland requiring immediate humanitarian assistance, it is crucial to seek support from the appropriate organizations. While the U.S. Embassy focuses on visa and immigration matters, various international and local organizations are dedicated to providing on-the-ground humanitarian aid in Poland. These may include organizations like the Polish Red Cross, UNHCR, and numerous NGOs that offer support with accommodation, food, medical care, and other essential needs for refugees. It’s recommended to connect with local Polish authorities or established aid organizations upon arrival in Poland to find the nearest centers providing humanitarian relief.
U.S. Visa Information for Ukrainians in Poland
The U.S. Embassy in Poland provides specific guidance for Ukrainians seeking to travel to the United States. It’s important to understand the different visa categories and programs available:
Immigrant Visas
For U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents with Ukrainian relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Poland processes immigrant visas. If you fall into this category and are in Poland, you should contact the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or Krakow for specific procedures and application details.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the U.S. and are generally not suitable for those seeking refugee status or long-term resettlement. Applying for a nonimmigrant visa requires demonstrating a clear intent to return to your home country after a temporary visit to the United States.
It is critical to understand that Ukrainians should not apply for non-immigrant visas with the intention of seeking refugee status in the U.S. For refugee inquiries, you should contact the nearest office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Uniting for Ukraine Program
The U.S. government has established “Uniting for Ukraine,” a program designed to provide a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the U.S. and stay temporarily for a two-year period of parole.
This program is not a visa program. It requires Ukrainians to have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide financial support during their stay. Detailed information about “Uniting for Ukraine” can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine. Please note that the Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw cannot answer questions about this specific program.
It’s important to be aware that for children under 18 to be eligible for “Uniting for Ukraine,” they must be traveling to the United States with their parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied minors may face different procedures involving the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure their protection.
Important Information for Visa Applicants in Poland
If you decide to apply for a non-immigrant visa from Poland, here are crucial points to consider:
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Appointment Requirement: The U.S. Embassy in Poland operates strictly by appointment. Walk-in appointments are not available, and visiting the Embassy without a scheduled appointment will not provide additional information or expedite your application. All necessary information and application procedures are available online.
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Online Application: Visa applications can only be initiated online. You cannot start a visa application process in person at the Embassy.
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High Demand and Wait Times: Be prepared for extremely high demand for visas, resulting in low availability and potentially long wait times for appointments and processing. Wait times may extend beyond a year. Consider exploring humanitarian relief options if your situation is urgent.
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Expedited Appointments: If you already have an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and need to expedite it, you can request an expedited appointment through https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/expedited-appointment. However, due to high demand, even expedited appointment wait times can be lengthy, and approval is not guaranteed.
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Transferring Applications from Ukraine: If you began a nonimmigrant visa application in Ukraine, you can request to transfer your profile to Warsaw or Krakow by emailing [email protected]. After the transfer, you can continue the application process in Poland. Note that visa fees paid in Ukraine are not transferable, and a new fee payment in Poland will be required. To schedule a new appointment in Poland, visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pl/en/step-4.
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Missing Documents: You can still apply for a visa even if you are missing some documents, such as a passport. A Consular Officer will inform you about the necessary steps as part of the visa decision process.
Conclusion
For Ukrainians in Poland seeking pathways to the United States, understanding the available options and procedures is essential. While humanitarian assistance addresses immediate needs, various visa categories and programs like “Uniting for Ukraine” offer different routes for entering the U.S. It is crucial to utilize the online resources provided by the U.S. Embassy in Poland and to contact the appropriate organizations for specific guidance based on your individual circumstances. Remember to prioritize official sources and be aware of the high demand and potential wait times for visa services.
