Has anyone else applied for the Uniting for Ukraine program?

[shakezilla 1]

hi everyone,

 

I started U4U process on Monday July 11th and my case was confirmed July 13th. My beneficiary received the *first* email stating that they will receive a 2nd email *within 24hrs* with instructions on how to set up a USCIS account. It is now July 16th and no 2nd email ever arrived, we check spam/trash etc everyday and nothing. 

Question 1: Is it worth called USCIS and talking to a live person, can they actually do anything about this? 

Question 2: Can my beneficiary create their own USCIS account? Can it be linked to my case with a receipt number? Or is waiting for the 2nd email my only option?

 

Thanks in advance!

[traveler16 4]

18 minutes ago, shakezilla said:

hi everyone,

 

I started U4U process on Monday July 11th and my case was confirmed July 13th. My beneficiary received the *first* email stating that they will receive a 2nd email *within 24hrs* with instructions on how to set up a USCIS account. It is now July 16th and no 2nd email ever arrived, we check spam/trash etc everyday and nothing. 

Question 1: Is it worth called USCIS and talking to a live person, can they actually do anything about this? 

Question 2: Can my beneficiary create their own USCIS account? Can it be linked to my case with a receipt number? Or is waiting for the 2nd email my only option?

 

Thanks in advance!

Hi Shakezilla,

 

So, my experience (including both personal and from what I've read here) is:  If everything you do is "normal" within their process (for example, no messages to them from your Inbox), that USCIC will meet their timelines or come very close to them.    (But, I had to correct a passport number, and I strictly followed their instructions on how to send a message requesting to correct a passport number... and they ignored it for 5 weeks.)

 

Now, to answer your questions:

Q1.  I'd recommend giving them at least a few more days.  Since this sounds "routine" and within the norm.  Let the weekend pass and let it get into the middle of next week.

Q2.  Waiting for the 2nd email (to the beneficiary) is (practically speaking) the only option.  I don't know whether they (as foreigners) are able to create an account. But to be linked with you as the beneficiary, their account will have to be created on the email you listed within your sponsor's half of the I-134.  I suspect a different email address won't work (i.e., to make that linkage to your sponsorship application).  And if they jump the gun to create the account within that listed email address, but without waiting for the USCIS email, it *might* just gum up the works.

 

If for whatever reason, you eventually call them, the tier one person that you'll eventually get (and I got one within 10-15 minutes - not so bad, as these things go), will likely simply give you the standard answer ("wait, be patient, it's within permissible timelines, give it time....")  But if/when you eventually get further concerned, then ask to speak to a Tier 2 officer based on urgency.  That will get you a promise to expect a callback from the USCIS Tier 2 within 72 hours (working hours, I certainly presume, within 7 - 7?) And that timeline also doesn't always seem to be met.  (But be sure to carry your phone everywhere. And program your phone to receive USCIS numbers as a known "contact", or you'll likely experience the infamous "they ring once and then it drops".   I've known those USCIS numbers to program, to be 202-838-2104 and 202-838-2200)

[shakezilla 1]

3 minutes ago, traveler16 said:

Hi Shakezilla,

 

So, my experience (including both personal and from what I've read here) is:  If everything you do is "normal" within their process (for example, no messages to them from your Inbox), that USCIC will meet their timelines or come very close to them.    (But, I had to correct a passport number, and I strictly followed their instructions on how to send a message requesting to correct a passport number... and they ignored it for 5 weeks.)

 

Now, to answer your questions:

Q1.  I'd recommend giving them at least a few more days.  Since this sounds "routine" and within the norm.  Let the weekend pass and let it get into the middle of next week.

Q2.  Waiting for the 2nd email (to the beneficiary) is (practically speaking) the only option.  I don't know whether they (as foreigners) are able to create an account. But to be linked with you as the beneficiary, their account will have to be created on the email you listed within your sponsor's half of the I-134.  I suspect a different email address won't work (i.e., to make that linkage to your sponsorship application).  And if they jump the gun to create the account within that listed email address, but without waiting for the USCIS email, it *might* just gum up the works.

 

If for whatever reason, you eventually call them, the tier one person that you'll eventually get (and I got one within 10-15 minutes - not so bad, as these things go), will likely simply give you the standard answer ("wait, be patient, it's within permissible timelines, give it time....")  But if/when you eventually get further concerned, then ask to speak to a Tier 2 officer based on urgency.  That will get you a promise to expect a callback from the USCIS Tier 2 within 72 hours (working hours, I certainly presume, within 7 - 7?) And that timeline also doesn't always seem to be met.  (But be sure to carry your phone everywhere. And program your phone to receive USCIS numbers as a known "contact", or you'll likely experience the infamous "they ring once and then it drops".   I've known those USCIS numbers to program, to be 202-838-2104 and 202-838-2200)

Hi traveler16, really appreciate your response.

 

I will take your advice and wait into the middle of next week. There is some urgency in my case, my beneficiary is literally stuck on a ship (as a crew member) and his contract is ending soon, so he has to be dropped off somewhere. They are willing to drop him off in the US, but if theres no travel authorization its going to complicate the process and he might have to be dropped off somewhere else.

 

So far I have been patient and not reaching out to them, even though initially i was confused when I didn't get an email within 24hrs (silly me), but eventually I am going to have to turn up the pressure. In your experience does communication with a Tier 2 office actually prove to be useful? Do they have the ability to push the case forward especially since it's stuck at some error on their part.

 

Also when you say "within their norms" what are their normal timelines for the 2nd email? Their website does not have any processing timelines for I-134 forms, so i'm in the dark in terms of what is within their permissible timelines.

 

thank you!

[traveler16 4]

5 minutes ago, shakezilla said:

Hi traveler16, really appreciate your response.

 

I will take your advice and wait into the middle of next week. There is some urgency in my case, my beneficiary is literally stuck on a ship (as a crew member) and his contract is ending soon, so he has to be dropped off somewhere. They are willing to drop him off in the US, but if theres no travel authorization its going to complicate the process and he might have to be dropped off somewhere else.

 

So far I have been patient and not reaching out to them, even though initially i was confused when I didn't get an email within 24hrs (silly me), but eventually I am going to have to turn up the pressure. In your experience does communication with a Tier 2 office actually prove to be useful? Do they have the ability to push the case forward especially since it's stuck at some error on their part.

 

Also when you say "within their norms" what are their normal timelines for the 2nd email? Their website does not have any processing timelines for I-134 forms, so i'm in the dark in terms of what is within their permissible timelines.

 

thank you!

Haha, well, my subjective perception of their "norms" is that their being off by a day or two from the 24 hour timeline advisory they gave you, isn't going to be considered by them to be any kind of severe breaking of their commitment. But that's just me.

 

And as for me, even now I'm waiting to see when/whether I'll get my requested urgent call back from the Tier 2 person.  I'm at 56 hours and counting, waiting for mine (I stopped the clock on Friday at 7 pm).  We'll see if I get it Monday morning.

[hutzul 4]

We are sponsoring a mother with two children.  One child is 5 and the other was 11 at time of Uniting for Ukraine application but has just turned 12 this week.   All have received their approvals under Uniting for Ukraine program and flight tickets are purchased .  The mother is fully vaccinated against Covid, children are not.  They will be flying via LOT airlines out of Warsaw to JFK next month, in August.  Question around the 12 year old......  Cannot find a clear answer as to what the boarding flight and USCIS Covid requirements may be for the 12 year old.   The five year old will not need the Covid vaccine due to falling in the 5 or under age group under CDC guidelines.  What about the 12 year old?  My understanding is that Ukraine as a country currently allows vaccinating children 12 years and older.  It appears the 12 year old may need a minimum first dose of Covid vaccine, which they currently do not have due to just turning 12.   Safest bet is to have the 12 year receive the first dose of Covid vaccine, however scheduling time for this during the war  may be an issue.    Have heard of other 12 year olds not being allowed to board a flight to USA due to lack of first Covid vaccine.  Anyone have experience with this type of situation?

[swmfly 45]

4 hours ago, hutzul said:

We are sponsoring a mother with two children.  One child is 5 and the other was 11 at time of Uniting for Ukraine application but has just turned 12 this week.   All have received their approvals under Uniting for Ukraine program and flight tickets are purchased .  The mother is fully vaccinated against Covid, children are not.  They will be flying via LOT airlines out of Warsaw to JFK next month, in August.  Question around the 12 year old......  Cannot find a clear answer as to what the boarding flight and USCIS Covid requirements may be for the 12 year old.   The five year old will not need the Covid vaccine due to falling in the 5 or under age group under CDC guidelines.  What about the 12 year old?  My understanding is that Ukraine as a country currently allows vaccinating children 12 years and older.  It appears the 12 year old may need a minimum first dose of Covid vaccine, which they currently do not have due to just turning 12.   Safest bet is to have the 12 year receive the first dose of Covid vaccine, however scheduling time for this during the war  may be an issue.    Have heard of other 12 year olds not being allowed to board a flight to USA due to lack of first Covid vaccine.  Anyone have experience with this type of situation?

One of the Ukrainian children in the family I sponsored was also in this situation - there were no issues. While it unfortunately seems like every airport varies, they did not need need to provide proof of vaccination upon departure or arrival.

They were prepared to explain that the child would receive the first dose in the US, which is what they committed to in the attestation.

Good luck!

[kostyaby 9]

On 7/16/2022 at 10:51 AM, shakezilla said:

hi everyone,

 

I started U4U process on Monday July 11th and my case was confirmed July 13th. My beneficiary received the *first* email stating that they will receive a 2nd email *within 24hrs* with instructions on how to set up a USCIS account. It is now July 16th and no 2nd email ever arrived, we check spam/trash etc everyday and nothing. 

Question 1: Is it worth called USCIS and talking to a live person, can they actually do anything about this? 

Question 2: Can my beneficiary create their own USCIS account? Can it be linked to my case with a receipt number? Or is waiting for the 2nd email my only option?

 

Thanks in advance!

I am in the same exact situation!

 

7/10: Filed I-134 for 4 individuals (family), 2 adults and 2 children.

7/12: Approved for 2 children

7/13: Approved for 2 adults

 

Since then, waiting on the email to create USCIS account...

[hutzul 4]

This form from CDC seems to indicate that children up to 17 years old are exempt from the COVID vaccine requirement which is required to enter the United States.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/NCEZID_FRM_Pass_Attest_Eng-508.pdf

 

If the 12 year old cannot get the vaccination in time, we are going to have our family download and fill out one of the forms for each passenger, in hopes that the 12 year does not get prevented from boarding the flight in Warsaw.

[shakezilla 1]

10 hours ago, kostyaby said:

I am in the same exact situation!

 

7/10: Filed I-134 for 4 individuals (family), 2 adults and 2 children.

7/12: Approved for 2 children

7/13: Approved for 2 adults

 

Since then, waiting on the email to create USCIS account...

I gave them a call yesterday, getting through to a live agent is a whole other exercise in patience. Once i finally got through, they didnt tell me anything I didnt know already. All they said was "since this is a new process, we cannot give you estimated processing times. it is just a matter of waiting", no matter how much i pressed on the fact that the email says "within 24hrs" the answer was always the same. "Sorry can't help you, you just have to wait"

[Boiler 45,733]

Remember most people who call them have been waiting years, so a few days/weeks will come across as odd.

[hutzul 4]

16 hours ago, swmfly said:

One of the Ukrainian children in the family I sponsored was also in this situation - there were no issues. While it unfortunately seems like every airport varies, they did not need need to provide proof of vaccination upon departure or arrival.

They were prepared to explain that the child would receive the first dose in the US, which is what they committed to in the attestation.

Good luck!

If you don't mind my asking, did they depart from Poland and if so via what airline?

 

[shakezilla 1]

On 7/19/2022 at 10:24 AM, shakezilla said:

I gave them a call yesterday, getting through to a live agent is a whole other exercise in patience. Once i finally got through, they didnt tell me anything I didnt know already. All they said was "since this is a new process, we cannot give you estimated processing times. it is just a matter of waiting", no matter how much i pressed on the fact that the email says "within 24hrs" the answer was always the same. "Sorry can't help you, you just have to wait"

just as an update on this, we have received our 2nd email from USCIS and have submitted our beneficiaries application. 

 

Now we wait for Travel Authorization Documents

[UFUAFG 1]

Hey everyone, 

I'm helping a Ukrainian citizen and his wife who has an Afghan passport and their 4 month old baby who has a Russian passport. They were in Moscow when the war broke out and the baby was born in Moscow so he has a Russian passport. Submitted the I-134s on Monday and got the response today that the they were accepted. The family completed all their biographical information and the parents got their travel authorization literally 2 hours later but the baby has not received anything? 

Is this due to the fact that he has a Russian passport? I know their case is unique but can someone tell me what we can expect? When should I reach out to USCIS for help? 

Thank you
 

Edited July 20, 2022 by UFUAFG

[traveler16 4]

29 minutes ago, UFUAFG said:

Hey everyone, 

I'm helping a Ukrainian citizen and his wife who has an Afghan passport and their 4 month old baby who has a Russian passport. They were in Moscow when the war broke out and the baby was born in Moscow so he has a Russian passport. Submitted the I-134s on Monday and got the response today that the they were accepted. The family completed all their biographical information and the parents got their travel authorization literally 2 hours later but the baby has not received anything? 

Is this due to the fact that he has a Russian passport? I know their case is unique but can someone tell me what we can expect? When should I reach out to USCIS for help? 

Thank you
 

I recommend you call USCIS and immediately ask for Tier 2 assistance.  I will bet money that their system will mindlessly reject (or more likely, put into some kind of semi-permanent limbo) the application for the 2 month old baby, just because he has a Russian passport. 

It will most likely take senior USCIS intervention for any possible exceptions to the norm in this regard.

That's just my guess, for what it may be worth.

[UFUAFG 1]

1 hour ago, traveler16 said:

I recommend you call USCIS and immediately ask for Tier 2 assistance.  I will bet money that their system will mindlessly reject (or more likely, put into some kind of semi-permanent limbo) the application for the 2 month old baby, just because he has a Russian passport. 

It will most likely take senior USCIS intervention for any possible exceptions to the norm in this regard.

That's just my guess, for what it may be worth.

Thank you for the advice! Just checked the portal and I see that the Travel Authorization was issued to the baby!