U4U (Uniting for Ukraine) re-parole: how does it work now?

New U4U applications from abroad are paused since January 2025. People already in the U.S. can request re-parole via Form I-131, decided case by case. The streamlined online process was discontinued and processing is slow.

Updated: August 25, 2026

U4U (Uniting for Ukraine) re-parole: how it works now

New Uniting for Ukraine applications from abroad have been paused since January 2025. For people already in the U.S., re-parole is still possible, but it is processed case by case through Form I-131, the streamlined online process was discontinued, and decisions are slow.

New applications from abroad: paused

Since January 2025, new U4U applications filed from outside the United States have been paused. There is no announced date for the program to reopen to new applicants abroad, and predictions in chat groups are guesses, not news.

The pause concerns new applications from abroad. It does not by itself end the parole of people who already entered the United States under the program. Be careful with anyone who promises to "file U4U for you right now" for money: there is nothing to file from abroad while the pause lasts.

Re-parole inside the U.S.: Form I-131, case by case

If you are already in the United States under U4U, you can request re-parole, but the process has changed:

Requests go through Form I-131 and are decided case by case.
The streamlined online re-parole process was discontinued.
Processing is slow, so apply well before your current parole period ends and plan for a long wait.

"Case by case" means there is no guaranteed timeline and no guaranteed outcome. Before filing, read the current I-131 instructions on the USCIS website, because filing details change, and keep the receipt notice from your filing as proof that the request is pending.

What to keep and where to check

Keep proof of your current status: your I-94, parole approval, EAD and every USCIS notice.
Do not let documents sit only in email. Save copies on paper and in cloud storage, in one folder in date order.
If your parole or EAD expires while a request is pending, talk to a legal organization about your options. Do not simply wait in silence.
Check ukrainetaskforce.org for updates on U4U and re-parole.

Quick answers

Can I still apply for U4U from outside the United States?
No. New U4U applications from abroad have been paused since January 2025, with no announced reopening date.

How do I request U4U re-parole inside the U.S.?
File Form I-131. Requests are decided case by case, the old streamlined online process was discontinued, and processing is slow, so file early.

For your personal situation, confirm the details with a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

If you are stuck, write to us at [email protected] and we will point you to the right organizations for free. You can also ask a question or use our free legal help directory.