The federal government created Uniting for Ukraine to welcome refugees. The program allows families to sponsor refugees and gives them entrance into the U.S. for a limited time.
Dakota County is working with the state to assist Ukrainian newcomers and their sponsors with health resources and examinations.
Update: Due to current federal law, Ukrainian and Afghan Humanitarian Parolees who are paroled into the United States on or after Oct. 1, 2023 are not eligible for federal public benefits and refugee resettlement services. This includes the refugee health assessment and domestic medical exam.
Certain Ukrainian and Afghan Humanitarian Parolees arriving to join immediate family members who have been previously paroled into the United States may be able to continue to receive federal public benefits and refugee resettlement services.
Steps for sponsors and newcomers
- Fill out the
New Arrival Notification and Screening Referral Form. - Within 90 days of arrival, Ukrainians aged 2 years and older are required to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening and blood test. Call the clinic below for same-day appointments. For more information, contact Dakota County Public Health at 952-891-7500.
- Within 90 days of arrival, Ukrainians aged 6 months and older are required to have received, and attest that they have received, certain vaccines. For vaccines offered by Dakota County, visit the Vaccine Clinics web page.
- Contact a resettlement agency (see below) to discuss eligibility for cash, food, and housing benefit options. These agencies act as referral sources for employment and English language training.
- Apply for health insurance for the new arrival.
Minnesota Community Care Farmington Clinic
19685 Pilot Knob Road
Farmington, MN 55024
651-602-7500
Resettlement agencies near Dakota County
Arrive Ministries (Richfield)
International Institute of Minnesota (St. Paul)
Lutheran Social Services (Minneapolis and St. Cloud)
Minnesota Council of Churches (Minneapolis)
Additional resources
Community Resource
Guide
The Dakota County Employment and Economic Assistance office in West St Paul can offer public assistance resources. For more information, call 651-554-5611.
Dakota County Public Health offices in Apple Valley and West St Paul can assist with the Refugee Health Assessment. For more information, call 952-891-7500.
The Ukrainian American Community Center has resources to connect with peers in the community.
Minnesota Refugee Support Group Facebook page is a social media resource for supporting refugees.