The Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program was launched in April 2022 as a response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. It provides eligible Ukrainians with temporary permission to live and work in the United States under humanitarian parole generally for two years.
More than 6.9 million people have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. While the United States has been a steady supporter of Ukraine’s military efforts, it has taken in fewer than 10 percent of those fleeing the conflict with Russia. Launched on April 25, 2022, Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The U4U program offered a pathway to safety for Ukrainians escaping the war in their homeland. Through the program, many were granted parole status for up to two years, until it was suspended on January 27, 2025.
Many U4U participants are now asking what comes next. They want more stability, the chance to reunite permanently with family, and the security that only a green card can provide. For those ready to build a future in the U.S., the EB-3 visa offers a clear, legal path to permanent residency.
Thousands are now working in essential sectors like healthcare support, hospitality and construction. The EB-3 visa aligns with these roles, making it a natural next step for many parolees who wish to stay.
A shortage of approximately 100,000 essential health care workers is anticipated by 2028. According to the report, this shortfall will not affect all areas equally and will place additional pressure on a health care system already challenged by geographic and demographic disparities in access. States like New York and New Jersey are likely to face more severe shortages.
According to historical Census Bureau Job-to-Job Flows data, about 1.9 million construction workers left 2024 to move to other industries. This outflow is projected to be balanced by approximately 2.1 million workers switching from other industries into construction. These frictional interindustry transitions are estimated externally and used as inputs for the model.
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that leads to a green card. It is designed for full-time workers in jobs that do not require advanced degrees. The category most relevant for U4U participants is called “Other Workers,” which includes jobs that require less than two years of training or experience.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved Advance Travel Authorization for more than 199,000 individuals, allowing them to travel to a U.S. port of entry to request parole. Travel authorization was denied for 8,722 applicants. Under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program, CBP granted parole to over 158,000 individuals.
Common EB-3 roles include food service workers, hotel staff, janitors, caregivers and factory laborers. In 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported a 16 percent increase in EB-3 applications under the Other Workers category, reflecting high demand for unskilled labor.
A key part of the EB-3 visa is employer sponsorship. This means a U.S. employer must offer you a permanent job and agree to go through the legal process of sponsoring you. It is not a short-term contract or seasonal job—it must be year-round and full-time.
EB-3 vs U4U – Key Differences
Understanding the difference between U4U parole and the EB-3 green card is essential. Here is a breakdown of how the two compare:
| Feature | U4U Parole | EB-3 Visa (Green Card) |
| Work Permission | Temporary (usually 2 years) | Permanent, renewable |
| Immigration Status | Humanitarian parole (non-immigrant) | Lawful permanent resident (LPR) |
| Renewal Options | Uncertain and subject to change | Renewable indefinitely |
| Travel Authorization | Advance parole needed | Automatic reentry allowed |
| Family Benefits | Varies and temporary | Spouse and children also receive green cards |
With U4U, there is no guarantee of long-term stability. The program could end or change at any time, leaving people uncertain about their future. In contrast, the EB-3 program is part of U.S. immigration law and offers a path to citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
As of April 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that around 1.2 million Ukrainians had returned to their home country. While many make short visits to reconnect with family or manage their property, some have come back with the intention of resettling permanently. The EB-3 program offers a real and legal path to do just that.
Why EB-3 Is a Strong Option for U4U Parole Holders
The EB-3 green card offers many advantages that U4U cannot provide. First, it creates long-term legal stability. Once approved, you receive a permanent resident card and can live and work in the U.S. without fear of losing your status.
Second, you gain the ability to travel internationally with fewer restrictions. Green card holders do not need advance parole to leave and return to the U.S. In contrast, U4U beneficiaries risk losing status if they leave without special approval.
Third, your family benefits too. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also apply for green cards as part of your EB-3 petition. This helps families stay together and build a future in the U.S.Many jobs offer benefits like health insurance, sick leave and retirement plans.
U.S. Government Support and Policy Updates
Federal agencies have shown growing interest in expanding legal work pathways for Ukrainians. In a 2024 Department of Labor report, Ukrainian parolees were highlighted as key contributors to the entry-level labor force. The same report showed that industries facing the largest labor shortages were the same sectors where Ukrainians are now employed.
In December 2024, the Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain Ukrainians, while also encouraging longer-term solutions such as employment-based visas. Approximately 103,700 current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Ukraine are eligible to re-register under the program’s extension.
This growing support shows a trend is that the U.S. needs workers and Ukrainian parolees are already filling critical roles. The EB-3 program helps formalize this match between workforce need and immigrant contribution.
How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa While on U4U
Applying for the EB-3 visa involves multiple steps. Each part of the process requires time, attention, and sometimes legal help.
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
Start by identifying a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your green card. They must offer a full-time, non-seasonal job. You do not need to work for this employer currently, but they must make a future job offer. Check the EB-3 Job Board for current listings.
Step 2: Recruitment and PERM Labor Certification
The employer must prove to the U.S. government that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. This is done through the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process.
They must post ads and document interview results. This stage takes 8 to 12 months, with an average processing time of 282 days as of late 2024.
Step 3: File Form I-140
Once the PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This shows the job offer is genuine and meets the requirements.
The I-140 form currently takes about 6 months to process under regular timelines. Premium processing is available for an extra fee and shortens this step to 15 calendar days.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
If your U4U status is still valid and a green card is available, you may file Form I-485 to adjust status within the U.S. This lets you stay legally while waiting for approval.
If your U4U expires or if you fall out of status, you may need to apply from abroad. Consular processing often happens in countries like Canada, Germany or Poland. It is not done in Ukraine due to ongoing conflict and embassy closures.
In either case, it is critical to work with immigration experts. Over 25 percent of rejected EB-3 applications were due to paperwork errors or missed deadlines due to lack of guidance.
Case Study: Yulia’s Story
Yulia arrived in the U.S. with her two children in June 2022 under U4U. She quickly found work as a caregiver for an elderly couple in Florida. She wanted to stay long term but did not know where to start.
With help from a local immigration nonprofit, she found an employer willing to sponsor her. They began the EB-3 process in April 2023. After completing PERM and Form I-140, she adjusted her status in early 2025.
Today, she holds a green card and her children are enrolled in public school with full rights. She says, “This program gave us a future. I feel like I belong here now.”
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Start early: The EB-3 process takes 12 to 24 months. Do not wait until your U4U status is about to expire.
- Keep legal status: Falling out of status can delay or block your application. Keep your documents up to date.
- Do not rely on your current job: You can be sponsored by any employer offering a qualifying job. It does not have to be the one you work for now.
- Work with immigration experts: Immigration law is complex. Immigration experts such as EB3.Work can help avoid mistakes and protect your eligibility.
- Avoid scams: Be cautious of recruiters who promise fast green cards for a fee. Always verify employers and consult trusted legal sources.
The Bottom Line
The EB-3 visa offers more than just legal status. It offers stability, safety, and a future. Ukrainians in the U.S. under the U4U program have already proven their value to the American workforce.
With U.S. employers in urgent need of dependable staff, now is the time to act. If you or your family want to stay in the United States, the EB-3 pathway is a smart and secure way to do it.
You do not have to go through it alone. Use resources like EB3.Work and legal aid groups to start your journey from humanitarian parole to permanent residency today.
