USA: U4U status, re-parole and TPS for Ukrainians — what's open, what's closed and when deadlines expire

As of 20 June 2026, three different rules apply to Ukrainians in the US at the same time — and they are easy to confuse. Below is a short, to-the-point summary of what is currently open, what is closed, and when the key deadlines fall for the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program, re-parole (re-parole), and Temporary Protected Status TPS.

Uniting for Ukraine (U4U): new applications paused

USCIS stopped accepting new Uniting for Ukraine applications on 27 January 2025 — as part of the administration's review of all humanitarian parole programs. As of mid-2026, the program remains paused for new sponsors and new beneficiaries. This means it is currently impossible to arrange a new arrival to the US through U4U.

Re-parole: only through Form I-131

In early 2025, USCIS also suspended processing of applications from those already in the US for several months. In June 2025 — following a federal court decision — processing of re-parole applications and other applications from parolees resumed. Resuming processing does not mean automatic approval: the conditions have changed, and every decision is discretionary.

• The simplified online re-parole process through the personal USCIS portal no longer exists.
• Re-parole is now processed through Form I-131 (Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records) — online or by mail — with all supporting documents. It is recommended to file no earlier than 180 days before your current parole expires; a premature application may be rejected.
• Every application is decided case-by-case. You must demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit to receive a new parole period. The maximum term is up to 2 years, and it is not granted to everyone.
• Fees: $580 to file I-131 online or $630 by mail. Separately, a parole grant fee applies: $1000 when introduced on 16 October 2025, and from 1 January 2026 — $1020 (adjusted annually for inflation). This fee is charged only when parole is actually granted and is paid only after USCIS notifies you of its intent to approve the application (not at the time of filing).

Important: approval of re-parole does not automatically grant the right to work. For a new work permit (EAD), you usually need to separately file Form I-765 based on the new parole period (work authorization can also be requested in Form I-131 itself).

TPS Ukraine: protection and work authorization until 19 October 2026

DHS extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine by 18 months — from 20 April 2025 to 19 October 2026. Work permits (EAD) under this TPS are valid until 19 October 2026 (and certain older EADs were automatically extended to 19 April 2026).

What this means in practice:

• The regular re-registration window is closed. The 60-day window ran from 17 January to 18 March 2025 and has already passed.
• If you missed this deadline, USCIS may, at its discretion, accept a late re-registration — you must include a letter establishing good cause for missing it along with supporting evidence (for example, illness, language barrier, lack of access to legal assistance). The sooner after the deadline, the better.
• You can still apply for this TPS Ukraine designation for the first time: the initial application is accepted until the end of the extension period — until 19 October 2026. But if you file it after 19 April 2025, you are considered a late initial filer and must meet at least one of the late initial filing conditions defined by USCIS.
• As of 20 June 2026, DHS has not yet announced either a new extension or a termination of TPS Ukraine after 19 October 2026. So, under the current documents, both protection and the right to work under TPS expire on that very day, unless the authorities make a new decision.

What this means for you

If you have no other status (for example, TPS) or a pending application for asylum or another immigration status, then once your parole ends you will be considered to have lost status and to lack authorization to remain in the US. So it is worth taking steps in advance:

1. Check the exact dates on your own documents — the end of the parole period and the EAD expiry date.
2. If your parole is expiring — within the window up to 180 days before its end, consider filing Form I-131 for re-parole with evidence of urgent humanitarian reasons, and factor in the fees ($580/$630 for I-131 + the $1020 parole grant fee after approval).
3. If you had valid TPS but missed re-registration — consider a late filing with a good-cause letter; if you want to apply for the first time — factor in the late initial filing conditions; if your TPS is valid — follow official USCIS and DHS announcements about the decision after 19 October 2026.
4. In complex circumstances — consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited non-profit organization.

For Forms I-131 and I-765, as well as for biometrics, you may need a 2x2 inch photo to the US standard. This is informational material, not legal advice. Always verify your specific situation against official USCIS and DHS sources.