Moving to the United States and finding employment for Ukrainians from Europe requires careful preparation and compliance with all the requirements of US immigration law. Find out more about how to move to the US for further employment and what you need to do

Legal advice on employment abroad for Ukrainians

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Moving to the United States for Ukrainians currently residing in Europe requires careful preparation, including obtaining the appropriate visas, work permits and other documents.

The main steps to be taken for successful employment in the United States, current rules and where to seek assistance in migration and visa matters are described in the article.

There is a special initiative called Uniting for Ukraine for Ukrainians planning to temporarily relocate to the United States. As part of the programme, applicants receive a humanitarian permit that entitles 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:

- U4U programme: when does it end and how to stay in the US afterwards?

- How to get to the USA 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 US 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.

Visa for Ukrainians in the USA: what types are there?

Obtaining a visa to the United States for Ukrainians in Europe can be done through the American embassy or consulate in the country of temporary residence.

Ukrainian citizens need a visa to enter the United States, regardless of the purpose of the trip.

Main types of visas:

- Tourist visa (B-2 ) for short-term travel for tourism or visiting relatives.

- Employment visa (H-1B, H-2B and others) for employment in the United States.

- Student visa (F-1) for studying in American educational institutions.

For Ukrainians who plan to travel to the United States for employment, it is necessary to obtain a work visa.

It is important to know that there are several types of work visas for non-immigrants in the United States, each of which has its own characteristics, conditions and restrictions. US work visas differ depending on the position, type of employment, purpose, etc.

The main types of work visas in the United States:

- H-1B (Temporary Skilled Worker). A visa for highly skilled professionals, usually in the fields of IT, engineering, medicine, science, etc.

- H-2A and H-2B (Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers). Visas for temporary workers in agriculture and for unskilled workers in non-agricultural sectors (e.g. tourism or construction).

- L-1 (Intra-company Transfer). A visa for employees who are transferred within the same company with an international representative office.

- O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability). Visa for individuals with outstanding abilities in science, art, education, business or sports.

- E-2 (Investor Visa). Visa for investors from countries that have a trade agreement with the United States.

- P-1, P-2, P-3 (Artists, Athletes, Performers). Visas for athletes, artists and participants of show programmes.

- R-1 (Religious Workers). Visa for religious workers who perform ministry in the United States.

Read more about the US immigrant visa for Ukrainians in 2024 and what to do after arrival to be legalised in the country here.

US work visa for Ukrainians: the application process

To start the process of obtaining a work visa, your American employer must first file a special petition on your behalf. Only companies or individuals who are US citizens can act as a sponsor.

Once the USCIS approves the petition, you will receive instructions from the NVC on the next steps. At this stage, you will need to collect the required package of documents and make an appointment for a visa interview at the American Embassy in Kyiv.

It is important to take care of the correct preparation of all the necessary papers in advance, especially if you plan to travel with your family.

For a better understanding of the processes of emigration and employment in the United States, 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.

How to get a work visa in the USA: documents required

To obtain a work visa in the United States (e.g. H-1B, L-1, O-1 or other types), Ukrainians need to prepare the following documents. Depending on the specific type of visa, the requirements may vary slightly, but the basic list is as follows:

- A valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months after the planned date of entry into the United States.

- A completed DS-160 application form.

- A recent photograph that meets US standards (5x5 cm in size, white background, clear facial features).

- Proof of payment of the visa fee.

- Confirmation of an appointment for an interview.

- Form I-129 (for H-1B or other visas that require an employer's petition).

- Contract with the employer confirming the job offer and terms of employment.

- A CV that includes details of your education, work experience and qualifications.

- Documents on education and qualifications (diplomas, certificates, letters of recommendation, etc.).

- Documents on financial solvency.

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Do I need to apply for a work permit in the United States?

To be legally employed in the United States, you need to obtain an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD). The procedure depends on your immigration status. For those who have received work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.), an EAD is usually issued together with the visa.

Keep in mind that in order to be officially employed in the United States, you must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). After obtaining a work permit, you can apply to the Social Security Administration for an SSN.

In order to avoid troubles and to clearly understand the procedure, we advise you to seek advice from lawyers on employment abroad.

Just to remind you! 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 here.

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