Newcomer’s support

There are 3 main types of immigration statuses for Ukrainians in the community. Each of these groups has different eligibility criteria.

• Temporary Protected Status
• Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
• U4U (Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee) status

Summary for this topic: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/rih/about/ukrainianbrief.pdf

Since 1979, Washington State has welcomed refugees who flee persecution in their home country to rebuild their lives in our local communities. Over the past year, more than 17,000 newcomers from Ukraine have resettled in Washington’s local communities.

This monthly electronic bulletin will share updates, information, and resources with stakeholders to better serve Ukrainian newcomers in Washington. We welcome feedback from partners on what would be most helpful to meet community needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our program supports our stakeholders and provides connection to health care, such as the domestic medical screening examination. You can find more information on our website https://doh.wa.gov/refugeehealth

Community Information, Trainings and Resources

USCIS: Extension for Certain Ukrainians Paroled into the United States

Individuals paroled into the United States at a port of entry between February 24, 2022 and April 25, 2022 will be considered for an extension by Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS is in the process of considering these individuals, on a case-by-case basis, for a one-year extension of their period of parole to align with the two-year parole period provided under Uniting for Ukraine. 

Work Authorization: Effective Nov. 21, 2022, beneficiaries paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine are employment authorized incident to parole. This means that if you are paroled into the United States under Uniting for Ukraine, USCIS does not need to approve your application for employment authorization before you can work in the United States. Your unexpired Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with a class of admission (COA) of “UHP” is an acceptable List A document that shows your identity and work authorization for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

• More information: Employment Information for Ukrainians in the United States

Settle-In Resources

•  Two-part live event on taxes in the US. Available for Ukrainian communities

Domestic Medical Screening Examination

Washington’s Refugee and Immigrant Health Program partners with the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, local health jurisdictions, and healthcare providers support newcomers’ health needs (including TB test and other vaccination, if required) and complete a comprehensive medical screening examination.

Tuberculosis (TB) health education​

• Provider training from Minnesota’s Centers of Excellence in Newcomer Health Webinar: Recording| Slides (PDF)​
• Uniting for Ukraine: Tuberculosis Information and Resources:(CDC)| Ukrainian | Russian​
• Q&A About TB - Booklet (CDC) (PDF)Ukrainian (PDF)​
• General TB Information Fact Sheet (CDC) (PDF)| Ukrainian (PDF)

Ukrainian Health Education  

• Ukrainian Health Resources - includes translated resources and information)
• Ukrainian Health Profile and Screening Guidance: Adults (PDF)| Pediatrics (PDF)
• Food and other benefits from Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (in Ukrainian language)

Mental Health Recourses

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) to Support Clients Affected by the Crisis in Ukraine.​
• Vaccination training:
• Fostering COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Russian- and Ukrainian-Speaking Communities. A Training for Providers: Strategies to initiate conversations with patients: Immunity Community (immunitycommunitywa.org)

Resource Guide

Reduced Cost Services Guide highlights a variety of products and services available in or near Washington state that are offered at reduced cost for people meeting certain income levels.

Work Opportunity

Community Workforce Pathways Program Lead (HSC4) – PROJECT – DOH7367

Please contact Refugee and Immigrant Health Program and if you want to include events/news or to be taken off the list:

Olga Okhapkina

olga.okhapkina@doh.wa.gov

206-418-5500 (main)|360-819-7600 (cell)|206-418-5515 (fax)