DHS Updates COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Uniting for Ukraine Parolees — Visa Lawyer Blog — August 11, 2022
Are you a participant of the Uniting for Ukraine parole program? If so, then you may be interested in learning more about the new COVID-19 vaccination requirements recently implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The agency has announced that effective immediately, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted, verifying that they have received COVID-19 vaccinations both before traveling to the United States and after arrival in the United States, unless they are eligible for an exception. Previously, beneficiaries younger than 5 years old qualified for an exception to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement because the vaccine was not approved or licensed for use in that age group.
Before Traveling to the United States
To receive travel authorization under the Uniting for Ukraine program, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted verifying that they received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration or a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization, unless they are eligible for an exception.
After Arrival in the United States
After being paroled into the United States, all beneficiaries aged 6 months and older must have an attestation submitted attesting that they completed or will complete their COVID-19 vaccination series (in other words, they will be fully vaccinated) within 90 days of their arrival or within 90 days of reaching the eligible age for vaccination according to the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, unless they are eligible for an exception.
The attestation is a condition of parole and must be completed in the beneficiary’s USCIS online account. Beneficiaries are solely responsible for arranging their vaccinations.
Uniting for Ukraine Vaccine Attestation
What is Uniting for Ukraine?
The Uniting for Ukraine program allows Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members residing abroad to come to the United States and remain temporarily in a 2-year period of parole. To be eligible, Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States.
Where can I find more information about the program?
For more information people visit the Uniting for Ukraine webpage here.
Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.
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