FIRST DAYS & WEEKS
FIRST DAYS
Right After Refugees Arrive:
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They may need help printing their I-94: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/recent-search. This, along with their Ukrainian passport, shows their legal presence in the US while they are waiting for their employment authorization document (EAD - work permit ID card. See filling out the I-765 below). This allows them to work for 90 days while waiting for their EAD. (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news/certain-afghan-and- ukrainian-parolees-are-employment-authorized-incident-to-parole)
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The refugee may need to get a US cell phone and/or phone card to establish an American phone number. It will be handy for filling out the numerous forms since they won’t have an SSN. This will likely look like purchasing a “pre-paid” plan. Some Ukrainian phones won’t work with all US providers. You may have to visit different cell phone stores to find one that works with their phone. If the sponsor has an old US cell phone that still works well that you can give or lend to the refugee, this may provide a work around.
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Establish a home mailing address. Initially this will probably be the temporary place where the refugee will be staying. When they move, they must update their address promptly in their USCIS online account.
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The refugee will fill out the I-765 (to get their EAD) with their USCIS account online if they are of working age (14+). This is critical for them to continue working after the 90 days from when they start working. Make sure the refugee gets confirmation that it’s been submitted.
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Obtain medical insurance. U4U beneficiaries are usually eligible, at least initially, to use the insurance Marketplace. The easiest way to set this up is though just about any insurance agent. It’s difficult to use the online Marketplace before they receive an SSN. This is the website just in case they do have their SSN: https://www.usa.gov/health-insurance-marketplace
FIRST WEEKS
In the first 10 days or so:
The refugee should receive a biometrics appointment notice (log into USCIS account and check “case status” and “documents” at least every other day). The notice has the address in Sioux Falls (or Fargo if that’s closer to the refugee’s address) to go to. The notice also says what the refugee needs to have with them at the appointment.
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Visit the SS Administration Office to apply for Social Security numbers for all family members (will need their passports and I-94s).
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Visit DSS for MEDICAID/RMA, SNAP, TANF. DSS will ask about the money the refugee has on hand as well as income. It’s important to visit DSS before they start working. This may be affected by changing federal policy for Ukrainian refugees/parolees arriving after October 1st, 2023.
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WIC (County nurse) most will qualify for kids under 5. WIC will provide a car seat if needed.
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Schools/Daycare
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Assist with school registration.
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Assist with finding and applying for daycare.
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May need help with daycare costs. DSS has a childcare assistance program (https://dss.sd.gov/formsandpubs/docs/CCS CCSApplication.pdf).
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SD Partners may be able to help with private/parochial school costs.
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Set up a bank account (will need passport and I-94 or EAD, SSN).
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Get TB test. This can be arranged through the primary care provider that is assigned/chosen under MEDICAID.https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for- ukraine/uniting-for-ukraine-vaccine-attestationTB IGRA test within 90 days of arrival .
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Job search, assist with referrals and local Job banks. Register on Indeed or other job search apps.