Resources for Ukrainians in Ohio

Ohio Legal Help offers an interactive tool that can help you find a summary of information. It is designed for people who want information on humanitarian parole (UHP through U4U) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

You can also find information on this page. Use the following links to jump to a specific topic:

• Staying in the United States
• Employment
• Housing laws
• Medical care
• Getting a driver’s license
• Enrolling a child in school
• Benefits (UHP through U4U on or before Sept. 30, 2023)
• Direct services for Ukrainians in Ohio

We encourage you to talk to a lawyer about your specific situation. You can find information about direct services for Ukrainians in Ohio using our Ukrainian Resource Finder.

Staying in the United States 

Humanitarian parole (UHP through U4U) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is not a path to citizenship, but there may be steps you can take if you want to stay in the U.S.

• Applying to extend your status. If you were paroled into the U.S. on or after Feb. 11, 2022, you may be eligible for re-parole. You should follow the instructions from USCIS and apply online, if possible, at least 60 days before your current parole period expires. If your parole is extended, you can then apply to extend your work authorization too.
• Getting a green card. Getting a green card or becoming a lawful permanent resident allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently. One common way to become a lawful permanent resident is through an immediate relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Learn more about getting a green card.
• Finding a lawyer to understand your options. Applying for immigration status can be complicated. If you want to extend your current status or apply for another status, such as asylum, you should talk to a lawyer.

While you are in the U.S.:

• Don't leave the U.S. without authorization. Your parole will be terminated if you leave the U.S. without getting advance authorization to travel. You also must get travel authorization if you have temporary protected status. If you don't, you may lose your status and be unable to reenter the U.S.
• Keep your address up to date. You can change your address online using the USCIS online change of address system. If you have any pending cases with USCIS, make sure to include the receipt number. If you don't update your address, you may not get important documents and information. Also update your address with the U.S. Postal Services. If you get benefits from the State of Ohio (like Medicaid or benefits from Job and Family Services), also update your information with the state.
• Watch for scams and bad information. Don't trust someone who promises to get you a green card or permanent residency status if you just pay them enough money. In the U.S., you can’t just pay someone for your immigration status. You must go through the U.S. government.

Employment 

If you are not a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident ("green card" holder), you need employment authorization, also known as a work permit, in order to legally work in the United States.

• Apply for a work permit. You must apply for and get a work permit in order to work. A work permit is only valid for a certain period of time, depending on the situation. It's important to understand the expiration date and if there are any extensions. If you were granted parole through Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), or if you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine, you may be eligible to get a work permit as long as you hold that status. Learn more about getting a work permit on the USCIS website.
• Proof of work authorization. You can use an unexpired work permit to show that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If your status is extended, or if you’re applying to extend your status, you may be able to show your employer the USCIS notice or a Notice of Action Form I-797 to prove that you still are authorized to work.
• Unfair treatment or discrimination. In Ohio and in the U.S., employers are not allowed to treat people differently or unfairly due to their national origin or other protected characteristics about the person. This kind of unfair treatment is called discrimination. Learn about employment discrimination in Ohio. The U.S. Department of Justice has hotlines to help workers and employers resolve employment issues related to immigration. You can contact the worker hotline at (800) 255-7688.
• Minimum wage. In the U.S., there are laws about how much employers must pay workers. Ohio has its own “minimum wage,” or hourly amount an employer must pay a worker. The amount can change each year. For 2024, Ohio set a minimum wage of $10.45 per hour for employees who don’t usually get tips, and $5.25 per hour for employees who do regularly get tips. That means employers generally have to pay you at least that amount for each hour you work. They also may have to pay you "overtime" if you work more than 40 hours a week.

Housing laws 

In Ohio, if you are renting or looking for a home to rent, there are laws about what landlords can and cannot do.

• Credit checks. Landlords can choose to require a credit check. They may refuse to rent to you if you don't have a credit history or if you can't afford the payments. 
• Unfair treatment or discrimination. In Ohio and in the U.S., landlords are not allowed to refuse to rent to you just because of your national origin, because you have kids or because of other protected characteristics about you. That kind of unfair treatment is called discrimination. Learn about housing discrimination in Ohio.
• Eviction or being forced out. Eviction is the process of a landlord forcing you to move out. It can start if you don't pay rent or if you break the rules of living there. However, it does not happen immediately, and you have rights. You may be able to fight the eviction and stay in the home. Learn about eviction in Ohio.
• Occupancy limits. A limit on the number of people who can live in a home is called an occupancy limit. Usually, a limit of two people per bedroom is considered reasonable, but local laws may be different. For example, more people may be allowed if the home is larger or if parents are sharing a bedroom with their child. Also, it’s against the law for landlords to set occupancy limits to avoid following fair housing laws.

Medical care 

The U.S. does not have universal health care. But there may be programs available to you to help with medical care.

• Safety net health systems. A safety-net health system is one that cares for anyone, regardless of the person's ability to pay. In Cuyahoga County, MetroHealth is a safety-net health system, with different locations and Community Health Centers. Other systems may offer charity care, or discounted services if you have a lower income.
• Dental safety net programs. Safety net dental care programs in Ohio provide basic dental services and offer reduced-cost care to people who have low income and no insurance.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers. You may be able to get health care through a Federally Qualified Health Center (also known as a Community Health Center). These centers provide care regardless of a person's ability to pay or insurance. Learn more about these centers in Ohio through the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers.
• Medicaid. Some people, such as pregnant women and children, may be eligible for Medicaid, a program that provides health coverage to lower-income people. Learn more about Medicaid.

Getting a driver’s license 

To drive legally in Ohio, you must have an official document saying you are licensed to drive a car or operate a motor vehicle.

• Driver's license. As a temporary resident of Ohio (meaning you are living in Ohio but are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), you may be able to get a temporary nonrenewable driver's license that will expire when your legal stay in the U.S. ends.
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees driver licensing in Ohio. Licenses are issued at locations called deputy registrar license agencies.
• Proof of identity documents. The BMV must verify that you are legally in the U.S. and living in Ohio. You will need to present your current USCIS documents. You may need your current work permit (or employment authorization document), recent utility bills or other documents showing who you are. You may want to print and bring a copy of a USCIS notice if you need help showing your legal status to the BMV. The name on your USCIS documents will be the name on your driver’s license or identification card.

Enrolling a child in school 

In Ohio, children from the age of 6 to 18 must attend school or be homeschooled. The first level of formal schooling is Kindergarten, which children may begin at age 5. The school year usually runs from August to May.

If you want your child to attend a school in Ohio, you must enroll the child:

• Contact your school district. You should enroll your child as soon as possible when you arrive in Ohio.
• Provide information. You will need to share information. Schools cannot ask about immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number (SSN) for your child to enroll.

Benefits (UHP through U4U on or before Sept. 30, 2023)

If you were granted UHP through U4U on or before Sept. 30, 2023 (or if your spouse was), you may be eligible for some benefits and services that are normally available to refugees. This may include:

• Cash assistance. Needy families with children may be able to get cash assistance through a program called Ohio Works First. If you aren’t eligible for Ohio Works First, you may be able to get assistance through the Refugee Cash Assistance program.
• Medical assistance. You may be able to get a medical card to go to a doctor or get medication through Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance. 
• Food assistance. You may be able to get a card to get food every month through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Refugee support services. You may be able to get help with interpretation, translation, adjusting socially, getting a job or childcare.

If you want to apply for benefits:

• Contact a resettlement agency. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has a refugee services unit that coordinates and administers refugee services in Ohio. You can also find a listing of local resettlement agencies in Ohio from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement.
• Apply as soon as possible. Generally, you can only get benefits for up to 12 months after you are granted parole, so don't wait to apply if you think you are eligible.

Direct services for Ukrainians in Ohio 

Organizations in Ohio are offering civil legal services and other help to Ukrainians in Ohio.

You can use our Ukrainian Resource Finder to find an organization that may be able to help you.

Civil legal services may include help with:

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Humanitarian parole (UHP through U4U)
• Work permit or employment
• Green card
• Asylum
• Housing law
• Domestic relations
• Education

Before you contact an organization:

• Gather your information. Organize information about your legal issue, including personal information about you and other people involved, like your family members.
• Remember to be patient. You may need to complete an online intake form or wait to speak to someone over the phone or email.