How can Ukrainians travel to the USA in 2025 if U4U has been stopped?

The U4U program for Ukrainians has been suspended in the US, so it is currently impossible to obtain protection in the country. Currently, Ukrainians can travel to the US on general grounds. Learn more about the proven ways to migrate legally to the US

Legal counselling on migration issues

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The Donald Trump administration has suspended the approval of applications for immigration. This also applies to the U4U program, under which many Ukrainian war refugees settled in the United States. The change in rules has significantly affected the lives of thousands of people, in particular, from now on, Ukrainian citizens can enter the United States exclusively on general grounds.

Read on to learn about the available ways to move to the United States for Ukrainians in 2025.

If you are planning to move to the United States, but now you do not know what visa to get, contact Visit Ukraine lawyers for advice.

How can a Ukrainian move to the United States?

Every foreigner must obtain a visa to legally enter the United States. Currently, American visas are divided into non-immigrant and immigrant:

- A non-immigrant visa allows you to temporarily stay in the United States for a specific purpose, for example, for study, tourism, or short-term work.

- An immigrant visa allows you to fully move and stay in the USA for permanent residence.

We tell you about how life in the USA is organized and the key differences from Ukraine at the link.

Non-immigrant visas in the USA

The legal system of the United States of America defines a non-immigrant visa as a permit for temporary stay in the country. Currently, Ukrainians can obtain one of the following non-immigrant visas in the USA:

- Travel and Business Visa (B-1/B-2) (visitor visa to the USA for Ukrainians)

Suitable for those who want to visit relatives (friends), conferences, business partners, undergo short-term treatment or travel to the USA for tourism purposes.

- Student Visa (F-1)

Required for persons planning to enter educational institutions or take English language courses in the USA. A student visa in the USA allows foreign students to legally reside in the country for the period of study.

- Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1)

Intended for those participating in cultural or professional exchange programs. The primary purpose of this type of visa is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, or cultural traditions between countries.

- Crew Member Visas (C1/D)

Intended for individuals traveling through the United States or working as crew members on air, sea, or river vessels.

- Fiancé Visa (K-1)

Intended for a foreign fiancé and a U.S. citizen who are planning to marry in the United States. This type of visa allows entry into the country for the purpose of marriage within 90 days of arrival.

- Temporary Employment Visas (H-1B for highly skilled workers)

A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized positions that require theoretical or technical knowledge. Only highly qualified workers with at least a bachelor’s degree, valuable knowledge and at least three years of work experience can obtain a visa.

How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa in the United States?

Step 1 – Choose the type of visa that meets your needs

Read the list of visas and choose the permit that meets your goals in the United States.

Contact a lawyer to learn about the available nonimmigrant visa options in the United States and choose the best option for the specifics of your trip.

Step 2 – Fill out the DS-160 form

This is an online form in which the applicant indicates all the important information that may be needed during the nonimmigrant visa application process.

Step 3 – Pay the application fee

Pay the visa application processing fee. The amount of the fee depends on the type of visa you have, so check the embassy or consulate website for the latest information.

Step 4 – Schedule your visa interview

Make an appointment for your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 5 – Prepare for your visa interview

Gather all required documents, including your passport, DS-160 visa application confirmation page, and your visa application fee receipt.

Depending on your visa type, you may also need proof of financial status, travel plans, or information about your ties to your home country, etc.

Step 6 – Attend your visa interview

Arrive at the U.S. embassy or consulate on time with all of your documents in hand.

The officer will ask about the purpose of your trip, your ties to your home country, and your ability to cover your expenses. Answer truthfully and confidently.

Step 7 – Visa Approval and Entry

If your nonimmigrant visa is approved, your passport with the authorization will be returned by courier or other available method. With your passport in hand, you are ready to travel to the United States of America.

Immigrant visa to the USA for Ukrainians

An immigrant visa remains the only legal way to permanently reside in the country.

According to the rules, an immigrant visa to the USA grants the right to cross the border, long-term residence in the United States and the possibility of further legalization of status, including obtaining citizenship.

It is important to note that applying for an immigrant visa is considered by the American authorities as a clear intention of the applicant to move to the USA for permanent residence. In most cases, a guarantee from a US citizen or an American employer is required for successful visa processing.

What are the proven ways to legally migrate to the USA?

To move to the United States for permanent residence, a foreigner can:

1. Win a “Green Card”

Each year, the US government draws up to 50,000 Green Card immigrant visas among foreigners. Candidates with no criminal record and who are citizens of countries with low levels of immigration to the United States are eligible to participate.

The lottery is called the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) and gives participants with all levels of English proficiency, secondary education and no serious illnesses the opportunity to legally move to the United States if they win.

Important! The 2026 Green Card Lottery has started. How Ukrainians can apply and what you need to know - we tell you at the link.

2. Get a job

The United States of America provides foreigners with work visas that give them the right to obtain a local residence permit. Employers can sponsor a foreign worker with special skills if they cannot find qualified candidates in the United States.

There are four categories of work visas that allow you to immigrate to the United States of America for permanent residence:

- E1 visa: priority worker and individuals with outstanding talents.

- E2 visa: highly educated professionals and individuals with exceptional abilities.

- E3 visa: skilled workers, professionals and unskilled workers.

- E4 visa: certain special applicants.

3. Start a business or invest in the country's economy

Moving to the United States is possible for people who are ready to invest in an already operating business in the United States or want to open their own promising enterprise. The United States of America offers a special EB-5 visa for business immigration.

To obtain a visa, a foreigner must engage in business activities that will benefit the US economy by providing jobs and capital investment.

Minimum investment amount for the EB-5 program:

- $ 1,050,000 in total;

- $ 800,000 in targeted employment areas.

Keep in mind! Foreigners, including Ukrainians, are required to comply with visa requirements and have appropriate insurance to enter the USA. In which cases insurance is required, what kind of policy is needed and where it is best to apply for it - we tell you at the link. You can choose a reliable health insurance policy on the visit Ukraine portal.

4. Family reunification

Moving to America for permanent residence is possible for foreigners who have immediate relatives who are legal residents of the United States of America.

US citizens and legal residents can move with their spouse or fiancé, as well as unmarried children under 21. You can also sponsor siblings over 21 and parents.

5. Request political asylum

You can apply for asylum if you can prove that you have been or could be persecuted in your country because of your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political views.

Details about the package of documents for migration to the USA, as well as useful tips for passing a visa interview and medical examination in this article.

Applying for a visa to the USA is quite possible, the main thing is to start in advance to avoid delays and carefully check all forms and documents.

Need advice from a qualified specialist on migration issues? Contact the experts at Visit Ukraine. Our specialists provide professional advice for Ukrainians in the event of moving, obtaining a visa, processing documents, finding a job, etc.

Photo – pressbee.net

Reminder! Ukrainians who are in the USA can receive temporary protection status, also known as TPS, but only if they meet a certain number of requirements. We have already talked about who is eligible for TPS, how to apply, and what rights a person with TPS status has.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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