travel abroad grants

Matador Original Series

31 travel scholarships, fellowships, and grants to fund your next trip abroad.

DO YOU HAVE A worthwhile project or field of study that involves traveling? If so, consider having your travels funded through a grant, fellowship, or travel scholarship.

Begin by contemplating where you want to go and potential projects you could build around those destinations. (Or vice versa.) Always wondered how sustainable agriculture works in Guam? How about local conservation practices in Central America? Once you have a clear vision of a travel / research project, begin looking for funding possibilities that give you the most freedom to pursue your goals.

When applying, take advantage of the resources and support systems you have. Your school, present or past, will have an adviser who can help you navigate the application process.

Writing grant proposals can take a lot of time, but good advice can help focus your efforts. Your school or area may even offer their own scholarship opportunities–talk to your department or your study abroad office.

Finally, even if funding from your school or other org close to home isn’t an option, you’ll find lots of other opportunities out there to fund your travel / project.

Major Grants

These are highly sought-after, competitive post-college grants that offer a full ride for a year or two of graduate study overseas.

Marshall Scholarship fully funds 2-3 years of graduate study in the UK. Open to US students finished with or finishing college.

Rhodes Scholarship funds two years of graduate study at Oxford. Includes full tuition and expenses and living stipend.

Fulbright offers year-long fellowships to American graduating seniors, grad students, young professionals and artists for study abroad or to teach English abroad. Program requirements vary by destination.

Watson Fellowship funds one year of independent research. $25,000. Open to graduating seniors from participating, small American colleges.

Program-based funding

These include grants tied to participation in the giver’s program, and can take various forms.

Institute for International Public Policy Fellowships is a five year program with study abroad component to prepare underrepresented minority undergrads for careers in international affairs. Open to US citizens or permanent residents who apply sophomore year.

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships multi-year program also for women and members of minorities underrepresented in foreign service. Open to US citizens to apply by Feb. of sophomore year. Foreign service commitment.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a State Department program supporting study abroad. Up to $5000 offered to enrolled students with financial need.

Rotary Ambassadorial and World Peace Scholarships fund study and language training abroad for undergraduates and masters degrees for graduate students in international studies, peace studies, and conflict resolution to be completed at one of seven Rotary Centers. Ambassadorial grants from $11000 to $24000 depending on duration of study.

Fogarty-Ellison Overseas Fellowships in Global Health and Clinical Research from the NIH funds one year of clinical research training abroad. $25,000 plus $6000 for additional travel and materials expenses. Open to graduate students in health professions.

CIEE Scholarships offers several grants to participants in CIEE’s study abroad programs. Certain grants fund study in particular regions. Essay required upon return. Must demonstrate financial need.

AIFS Scholarships offer a variety of grants covering up to full tuition and airfare for individuals in AIFS programs.

SIT Scholarships fund participation in SIT program. $500 to $5,000. Based on financial need.

Hispanic Study Abroad Scholars reduces costs of Global Semesters programs. Open to students attending member institutions of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship is a multi-year program of summer institutes and study abroad. Funds up to 1/2 of junior year study abroad tuition. Open to underrepresented minorities.

Regional Grants

These grants are tied to study or travel in specific regions or countries of the globe.

NSEP David L. Boren Scholarship pays for undergraduate students to study in understudied areas of interest to national security. $8000 to $20000 depending on duration of study. Comes with federal government service requirement.

NSEP Boren Fellowship for graduate students. $12000 to $30000 maximum award. Federal service requirement.

Critical Language Scholarships for Intensive Summer Institutes funds study of a list of lesser-studied languages. Covers all program costs. Open to US citizens enrolled in a college or university.

The Killam Fellowships Program fund semester or academic year study in Canada. $5000/semester plus a travel allowance. Open to US or Canadian undergraduates.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship sponsors one year of graduate study at an Irish University. Funded by the US-Ireland Alliance. Includes tuition and stipend. Open to American citizens, ages 18 to 30.

BUTEX Scholarships offer $1000 for US students accepted to study at a member University of the British Universities TransAtlantic Exchange Association. Simple application due by September 1.

American-Scandinavian Foundation Awards for Study in Scandinavia offer fellowships of up to $23000 and grants of $5000 to fund study or research. Open to college graduates.

DAAD Fellowships from The German Academic Exchange offers a range of study and research grants to undergraduates and graduate students for summer or school-year study in Berlin.

Kress Travel Fellowships in the History of Art funds research in Europe towards dissertation. $3500 to $10,000. Open to American pre-doctoral students in art history

IREX Short Term Travel Grants Program Fellowships for researchers holding graduate degrees for up to eight weeks in Eurasia. Research must be broadly related to policy concerns.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia supports study in Asia for students demonstrating financial need. $3000-$7000 based on the duration of study. Open to undergraduates with little to no experience in country of travel.

Bridging Scholarships are offered by the Association of Teachers of Japanese , to fund travel and living expenses for academic study in Japan. Grants range from $2500 to $4000.

Monbusho Scholarships available to current and graduated students between 18 and 30. Funded by the Japanese government. Short term exchange program of particular interest to current undergrad and grad students.

Huayu Enrichment Scholarship for Mandarin language study in Taiwan. Stipend of approx US$790/month. Open to overseas students who apply through their local Taiwan representative.

Halide Edip Adıvar Prize For current undergraduates who have not studied Turkey. $1000. Open to American and Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Other funding

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants towards study abroad. $1000. Open to all students of universities with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter.

NSF: Developing Global Scientists and Engineers offers funds for international research and study to undergrads, grad students and doctoral students in science and engineering fields. Grant

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50 Scholarships and Grants to Help You Study, Volunteer & Travel Abroad

One of the biggest myths about going overseas is that it’s outrageously expensive — but the reality is there are hundreds of organizations offering scholarships & grants dedicated to helping students realize their study and volunteer abroad dreams.

So before you get discouraged by the price of the program you have your heart set on, remember that there are millions of dollars out there available to students just like you. All you have to do is strategically select which opportunities you’re eligible for and be willing to put the hard work into preparing those applications.

At Global Nomadic, we believe all students can have the opportunity to study, volunteer, and work abroad — experiences that profoundly shape the individual and contribute to a more conscientious global society.

Because we want as many people to have these opportunities as possible, we’ve sifted through the internet to come up with 50 of the best scholarships that will help you make traveling overseas a reality.

Once you have found your opportunities, read our  Ultimate Guide to Successfully Applying & Getting a Scholarship to Travel Overseas !

[Last Updated March 2019]

General Study, Volunteer and Travel Abroad Scholarships

1. Global Nomadic Scholarship

We are proud to announce our Scholarship programme for 2019. Simply submit your 2-minute video to enter for your chance to win a  $500 USD credit to be used for any of our programmes. We have also teamed up with our partners  Global Travel Academy and World Nomads , to get you a  Certificate in International Volunteering, and 2 weeks complimentary  Travel Insurance .

2. Asia Exchange Scholarship

Offers up to €500 grants to students from Europe, the Americas, and Australia who are studying at select universities in Indonesia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.

3.  Fund for Education Abroad

Offers a range of scholarships with an emphasis placed on supporting students who are underrepresented in the study abroad population. Awards up to $10,000 for academic year programs or $5,000 for semester programs for US undergraduate students.

4.  Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

Awards range from $13,000 to $25,000 for an academic year, multi-year, or 3-6 months of cultural immersion abroad. Applicants must be a citizen of a country that has Rotary Clubs and have completed at least two years of university coursework.

5.  UniPlaces Scholarship

Live rent-free for a semester by applying for the Uniplaces Scholarship. The criteria: tell UniPlaces about acts of kindness you’ve done! Two scholarships are available to students worldwide.

6.  David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships

Supports US undergraduate students with awards of between $2,500 and $20,000 to study abroad in exchange for a commitment to seek work with the federal government. Must be studying in regions of critical interest to the US (i.e. Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded).

7.  Chevening Award

Funded by the UK government and open to graduate students worldwide, this grant helps recipients study at a British university.

8.  Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

Eligibility: Must be a US citizen, permanent residents are not eligible

9.  Confucius Institute Scholarships

Eligibility: Open to students worldwide

10.  BUNAC Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST)

Eligibility: Must hold a UK passport

11.  The Study Abroad Journal Scholarship

$500 awards based on how you creatively record and share your memories from study abroad with the world. Application includes a response to a short answer question and a photo/video submission via Instagram. Open to US and international students enrolled in US universities.

12.  uVolunteer Travel Scholarship

Covers the full cost of volunteering abroad in Costa Rica for 3 weeks, including airfare and housing. Applicants must submit a video demonstrating their dedication to making a difference in their home community.

13.  Cultural Vistas Fellowship

Covers the majority of the costs for 12 underrepresented US university students to take part in eight-week summer internships in Argentina, Germany, and India.

14.  Fulbright Scholars Program

Fulbright offers multiple awards for English-teaching, research, creative storytelling, and graduate study.

15.  Allianz Global Assistance ScholarTrips Award

Up to six $2,500 awards to study or volunteer in the country of your choice are available if you answer the question “What inspires you to travel abroad?”

16.  Hostelling International USA Explore the World Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

17.  Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a US citizen to apply

18.  Go Overseas Study and Intern Abroad Scholarship

Go Overseas sponsors $500 awards for US undergraduate students to study, volunteer, or intern abroad. Rewards creative approaches to their application.

19.  Tortuga Backpacks Travel Scholarship

Tortuga Backpack’s mission is to “help people take amazing trips.” Awards $1,000 and a Tortuga backpack for students from any US university studying abroad. Applicants don’t have to be US citizens or residents if enrolled in an American university.

20.  Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) Scholarships

Provides scholarships for US undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia for semester, summer, or academic year programs. Awards range from $3,000 to $7,000.

21.  Henry Luce Fellowships

The Luce Scholars Program provides financial support to college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals who want to enhance their understanding of Asia. The program provides stipends, language training, and professional placements for approximately 15 scholars every year.

22.  Omprakash Ambassador Travel Grants Volunteer Grants

Omprakash is dedicated to ethical cross-cultural volunteering. Their travel grants pay the travel and living expenses for individuals volunteering abroad within the Omprakash network of health, education, and environmental partner organizations. Applications are considered independently of age or nationality.

Eligibility: Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a HACU-member institution.

HACU provides scholarships to students studying with their numerous study abroad partner organizations.

23.  Travelocity Travel for Good

Every year Travelocity provides travelers with awards to volunteer abroad with one of their partners. Submissions are done via Twitter or Tumblr — with big points for creativity!

24.  Volunteer Forever Scholarship

Awards travel scholarships of $500 to $1,000 to study, volunteer, teach, or work abroad participants. Applications are open twice every year.

25.  Samuel Huntington Public Service Awards

This generous scholarship provides a $15,000 stipend for a college senior to pursue one full year of meaningful public service anywhere in the world after graduation. Applicants don’t have to be US citizens or residents as long as they are graduating from a US university.

Program-Specific Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships that are program-specific. If you’ll be traveling with any of these programs, make sure to apply for their grants — or see if the program you’ve already chosen has a similar offering. If you’re still undecided on which provider you’ll go abroad with, you can start by prioritizing the organizations that offer financial support to their own participants.

26.  CIEE Scholarships and Grants

27.  School for International Training (SIT) Scholarship

28.  DIS Scholarships (Scandinavia)

29.  Academic Studies Abroad (ASA)

30.  IFSA-Butler Study Abroad Scholarships

31.  Academic Programs International (API)

32.   The Education Abroad Network (TEAN Grants)

33.  ISA Scholarships

34.  CEA Study Abroad Scholarships

35.  USAC Scholarships

36.  American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)

37.  The Intern Group

38.  Eastern European Study Abroad Program

39.  Spanish Studies Abroad

Destination-Based Grants

If you’ve already decided on where you want to travel to, you can look for scholarships based on your destination. There’s an incredible wealth of both private and government-funded scholarships on every continent, so here are just a few to get you started. Most of these are open to students from all countries, but check all eligibility requirements before applying.

40.  Kosciuszko Foundation for study in Poland

41.  Go Overseas New Zealand Scholarship

42.   Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

43.   Australia Awards

44.  Shanghai Government Scholarships

45.  Swedish Institute Study Scholarship (SISS)  

46.  German Academic Exchange Scholarships (DAAD) 

47.   Korean Government Scholarship 

48.  VLIR-UOS Awards for study in Belgium

49.   New Zealand Pacific Scholarships 

50.  Holland Scholarship for study in the Netherlands

While we’ve been able to generate an extensive list of scholarships and grants available for study and volunteer abroad, this is not an exhaustive compilation. In addition to browsing here, make sure to explore financial aid options offered directly through your university and through your prospective study abroad or volunteer program. You should also check for support offered by your home country as well as the government of the country you plan on visiting.

Once you have your funding, you can Find Your Project !

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200 Volunteer Abroad & Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

By Sarah Vandenberg

(Updated for 2024)

We probably don’t have to tell you the costs of volunteering and studying abroad add up quickly. Between plane tickets, travel insurance, and program fees, the financial costs of traveling abroad make planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip less fun and quite overwhelming.

Special travel grant: GoEco is currently offering a travel grant for participants. Visit this page for eligible programs: https://www.goeco.org/tags/3rd-week-free-grant/

That’s why we’ve put together the most comprehensive resource for  volunteer abroad  and  study abroad scholarships and grants. Read below for  200  great scholarship and grant opportunities to make your dream of volunteering or studying abroad come true.

200 Travel Scholarships and Grants to Volunteer, Teach, and Study Abroad

As you know by now, volunteering and studying abroad can be expensive. Fortunately, there are amazing, affordable organizations with service opportunities all over the world that won’t break the bank. One of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs in the world is International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) , which offers projects starting at just $20 per day with full room and board included! Check out their most affordable programs here .

Organizations such as GoEco provide 150+ meaningful, life-changing volunteering programs in 40 countries worldwide. It offers projects starting at only $5 per day – so check out their sea turtle programs in Costa Rica, or education support in Bali for GoEco’s most affordable projects ! GoEco is currently offering a grant to fully cover your third week for these select projects.

There are other volunteer organizations that offer  cheap volunteer projects , including  Volunteering Solutions (VolSol), which offers affordable volunteer adventures starting from only $200 for a one-week trip – and with complete transparency on their program costs , you’ll know exactly where your payment is going when you sign up with VolSol. VolSol also offers extremely affordable travel insurance, start at just $12 per week (travel insurance typically costs $100 or more).

If you want to combine service abroad with a learning program – such as picking up a new language, or building new skills – check out an organization that will help you achieve your travel and educational or career goals, like  Maximo Nivel  ( top-rated on Volunteer Forever ). Maximo Nivel offers a wide variety of impactful and educational placements for students and travelers from all backgrounds – you can earn university credit through Maximo Nivel’s  study abroad programs , gain insight into your future career through an  impactful internship abroad , and even earn the  President’s Volunteer Service Award  by  volunteering  on one of Maximo Nivel’s many programs in Latin America.

As you search for the perfect trip abroad, keep in mind that many of the travel, study abroad, or volunteer scholarships and grants we have listed below only have one or two winners per year. You’ll definitely want to make sure you have back-up funding in case you’re not one of the chosen few who receive an award.

Another way to cut costs for travel is through a  paid teaching opportunity , such as International TEFL Academy’s paid teaching placements, in which participants are provided a monthly stipend and accommodations to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in Thailand ,  Spain , and  Vietnam .

If you’re looking for tips for getting free airfare or finding no-cost volunteer projects, learn how you can  volunteer abroad for free .

Here are more than 200 travel scholarships for meaningful trips and grants to help you volunteer, teach, or study abroad—read on to find the best option for your travel goals.

General Volunteer Abroad Scholarships and Grants

IVHQ Volunteer Abroad Scholarships

IVHQ offers four  Volunteer Abroad Scholarships  every year that includes a sponsored two-week IVHQ volunteer program, a $1,000 travel voucher from STA Travel, and a World Nomads travel insurance package. These scholarships include IVHQ’s  Teach and Volunteer Abroad Scholarship , Medical Volunteer Abroad Scholarship, Travel Blogger Scholarship, and Volunteer of the Year Scholarship.

Learn more and stay in the loop about future scholarship opportunities through IVHQ at:  https://www.volunteerhq.org/ivhq-scholarships/

GoEco Volunteer Abroad Scholarships

GoEco, a leading ecotourism company and volunteer organization, offers  fundraising support  through Fund My Travel, in addition to a great in-house scholarship: the  GoEco Volunteer Scholarship .

The  GoEco Volunteer Scholarship  was created to help students in need of financial assistance. The GoEco Volunteer scholarship covers the full cost of the volunteer program, as well as provides a $1,000 flight voucher and insurance for two weeks. To be eligible, you must be a student at a college or university and be receiving financial aid. The application requires a professor recommendation and you must join a  GoEco volunteer program  to receive the scholarship.

Currently, GoEco is running a special grant for some of their important programs, where they especially need volunteers. For this grant, you can stay for the 3rd week free of charge! For example, you can join the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka program for 2 weeks, and the 3rd week will be free, which reduces the cost to $1220USD for 3 weeks. Hurry and schedule a phone call with GoEco because this grant ends December 31st, 2023! For more information and other qualifying programs, check out GoEco’s page !

Travel for Good Voluntourism Grant

Since 2007, Travelocity has offered volunteer travelers $5,000 grants through their  Travel for Good  program. This voluntourism grant allows travelers to serve abroad with one of Travelocity’s trusted partners—currently the American Hiking Society, Cross-Cultural Solutions, the Earthwatch Institute, and GlobeAware—for a few days to a few months. The funds cover project and transportation costs, with grants offered to four winners each year.

Learn more:  http://www.travelocity.com/c/content/site/en/TRAVELOCITY/public-relations/microsite/travel-for-good/voluntourism-grants.html

America’s Unofficial Ambassadors (AUA) Mosaic Grant 

The AUA Mosaic Grant ranges from $500 to $1,000 for placement in Indonesia, Morocco, Tajikistan, and Zanzibar. Through this program, travelers may volunteer for six weeks during the summer with a school or NGO in Muslim-majority country. Projects focus on education, health, community building, and people-to-people partnerships, with a long-term goal of bringing service experience back home to impact travelers’ own communities as well.

Learn more:  http://unofficialambassadors.com/our-programs/aua-mosaic-scholarship/

Go Overseas Volunteer Abroad Scholarship

Go Overseas offers two $500 scholarships for volunteers to travel abroad in the spring and fall each year—travelers are invited to do  volunteer work  with any organization of their choosing, or even craft a custom trip with a local NGO that inspires them. The award is (most often) distributed directly to the volunteer organization itself, which ensures that the funds are used entirely for the project.

Learn more  here .

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a stipend of $10,000—$15,000 for a graduating college senior to volunteer for one year, either alone or with an established organization (charitable, religious, education, governmental, or other public service), anywhere in the world. The group guarantees one award each year but often have two or three winners. Applicants must submit a proposal by January 18, 2014 that encompasses any activity that furthers the public good.

For more information,  click here .

Youth Challenge International Flight Scholarships

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is offering a one-time offer of twelve flights for volunteers participating in our youth development projects in Ghana and Tanzania this Winter (January 1 to March 31, 2014 departure dates). Projects focus on livelihoods, health, leadership and the environment with the vision of youth innovation driving positive change (i.e. youth volunteering abroad projects).

Eligible volunteer projects for the flight scholarships are 8-weeks in Tanzania or 4-weeks in Ghana.

Read more:  http://www.yci.org/html/who/full_story.asp?item=4126

Sarah’s Wish Scholarship Fund

Sara’s Wish Foundation scholarships are awarded to young American women who exhibit qualities of leadership, service, and adventure. Formed to honor the memory of college student Sara Christie Schewe, who was killed in a bus crash in India during a semester abroad, the scholarship defrays the costs associated with traveling to all areas of the globe. Recipients perform public services, contributing to the welfare of the world. Applications are available online October 1 though March 1, and typical awards are $1,500—$2,000.

Read more:  http://goo.gl/m0EsEQ

Rustic Pathways Scholarships

Rustic Pathways  offers more than 100  scholarships  for student travelers and educators each year. Their  Service Scholarship  is a competitive scholarship available to first-time Rustic travelers in need of financial aid to cover all or part of their program fee. If you’re traveling on a  gap year , check out Rustic Pathways’  Gap Year Scholarship , which is open to students who are at least 17 years old and have either fulfilled all graduation requirements, or have graduated by the time their gap year begins. This gap year scholarship is applicable to one semester of travel.

If you’re the parent of a student traveler, and you’re a full-time employee (teacher, administrator, coach, or other staff) of an educational institution, check out Rustic Pathways’  Teacher Appreciation Program , which offers discounts of up to 30% on almost all of this organization’s student summer programs.

Skills- and Degree-Based Volunteer Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Build Abroad Travel Scholarship

Founded in 2010,  Build Abroad  has a mission of building and repairing communities worldwide through socially responsible construction volunteering, with projects focusing on homes, schools, and disaster relief. This organization offers one travel scholarship each year to a student or recent graduate in architecture, civil engineering, interior design, or a related field. This award covers a one-week stay at any of Build Abroad’s five locations in Latin America or Asia, and includes airport pickup, pre-departure support, housing, two meals per day, in-country support, an organized construction volunteering project, and access to a volunteer center with free wifi.

More information about the scholarship and how to apply is available at:  https://www.buildabroad.org/travel-scholarship

Katie Evans Memorial Scholarship

Since 1995, the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) has trained and supported students to collaborate on significant health projects with our community partners around the world. To support advancement of our partners’ community health programs and to honor the legacy of Katie Evans, we are pleased to offer the Katie Evans Memorial Scholarship for Winter and Spring programs for graduate public health students. In 2014, FSD will award Katie Evans Memorial Scholarships of $3000 to public health graduate students pursuing FSD international internships and public health volunteer abroad placements. Alumni of FSD internships have won Rhodes, Fulbright, and other merit-based scholarships; gained employment with international development organizations; and started their own development organizations.

More information for participants seeking public health volunteer abroad projects is available at:  http://www.fsdinternational.org/apply/scholarship

ACDI/VOCA Volunteer Opportunities

Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) seeks expert volunteers to support its international development activities in business, agriculture, banking and financial services, marketing, cooperative and association development, food processing, and community development. Current or recent graduate students in the areas of business, agriculture, and international studies are eligible to participate throughout Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Assignments usually last from two to four weeks, and volunteers contribute their time and expertise while ACDI/VOCA pays for all assignment-related expenses. These include round-trip coach airfare, passport, visas, lodging, meals and incidentals, immunizations, supplemental health insurance, and even emergency medical evacuation if required.

More information is available  here .  

National Geographic Glimpse Correspondents Program

Emerging, talented writers, photographers, and filmmakers may apply to the Glimpse Graduate Program, a one-year intensive program at MatadorU. The Correspondents Program, funded in in part by National Geographic Society, requires students to agree to a long-term investigative journalism focus area or project whether at home or while living abroad. This program provides a $600 stipend, as well as a professional editor, career training in writing and photography, and guaranteed publication on  glimpse.org . In addition, correspondents may be published on National Geographic platforms. The 10-week program is open to anyone ages 18 to 34.

Visit the Correspondents Page to find out more:  http://goo.gl/SJsfY5

Omprakash Ambassador Travel Grant

The Omprakash Ambassador Travel Grant pays for travel and living expenses for entrepreneurial individuals who want to volunteer abroad within its international network of grassroots health, education, and environmental partner organizations. Omprakash Ambassadors also are enrolled in Omprakash EdGE (Education through Global Engagement), the group’s online curriculum that explores ethics, economics and power dynamics that underlie cross-cultural volunteering and international aid. Travel Grant applications are open to all, regardless of age or nationality, and reviewed seasonally.

Learn more:  http://goo.gl/dQ5hZU

Worldteach Scholarships

WorldTeach offers a variety of scholarships—read on to learn more:

$100 to $600 scholarships are available for current year-long volunteers who want to extend their service for a second year. Most often, these scholarships can cover health insurance costs. Current WorldTeach volunteers should email their program managers to apply.

The Kristin Linnea Skvarla Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships to WorldTeach volunteers accepted to the Namibia Year Program. Once accepted into the program, travelers may email their program managers with information about why they need additional funding; smaller scholarships also are available for the Namibia Semester and Namibia Summer programs.

Volunteers interested in the China Summer program are encouraged to submit an essay with their application explaining why they would like funding to complete the program—this scholarship starts at $500.

Certified teachers may apply for $3,000 scholarships for the Namibia Year and Tanzania Year projects, through the WorldTeach Teacher Fellowship program. One grant is awarded per year for each program.

Learn more:  http://www.worldteach.org

Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Critical Language Scholarships

The U.S. Department of State offers intensive summer language institutes in 13 foreign languages in order to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. The CLS Program supports beginning, intermediate, and advanced level study in Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu. Advanced beginning and intermediate level study is available in Arabic and Persian, while intermediate to advanced level programs are available in Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. Awards cover round-trip travel between the student’s home city and program location, a mandatory Washington, D.C. pre-departure orientation, applicable visa fees, room, board, group-based intensive language instruction, program-sponsored travel within country, and all entrance fees for CLS Program cultural enhancement activities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

More information is available at:  http://goo.gl/qsLnrd

The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship

The founders of Tortuga Backpacks, Fred and Jeremy, experienced the transformative power of travel on a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe. Frustrated by their luggage options, they started their own backpack company. Now they want to give college students the same opportunity they had.

The Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded biannually to students interested in exploring the world. The scholarship is for $1,000 towards any study abroad program. Interested students can apply here:  http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/study-abroad-scholarship

David L. Boren Scholarship and Fellowship

The Boren scholarship, a National Security Education Program award, is for students interested in learning a foreign language, studying abroad, and adding an international element to their education. This scholarship provides undergraduates with up to $20,000 for an academic year’s study abroad, while the Boren Fellowship provides graduates up to $30,000 for language study and international research in the study of world regions critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

For more information:  http://goo.gl/pw4zBZ

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) scholarships benefit U.S. undergraduates with financial aid providing them with funds to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Need-based funding assists recipients with study-abroad program costs and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation and books. Awards range from $3,000 for a summer program, $5,000 for a semester or quarter program, to $7,000 for an academic year program.

For more information on the Freeman Award:  http://goo.gl/9nbhL4

Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Gilman International Scholarship Program aims to diversify U.S. undergraduate students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by providing awards of up to $5,000 for one academic year. The program serves under-represented students with high financial need, and all applicants must be recipients of a Federal Pell Grant

Learn more:  http://goo.gl/vU2ljR

National Security Education Program

The National Security Education Program encourages students to internationalize their educational resumes by offering U.S. undergraduates scholarship opportunities to study abroad. Its goal is to help equip students with language skills and cultural understanding resulting in successful careers—the application deadline is January 2014.

More information:  http://goo.gl/XDm3gz

Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation offers multiple grants and fundraising support for a variety of projects, scholarships, and training for Rotarians around the world. Rotary clubs and districts offer their own scholarships as well, funded with district grants. Applicants may request assistance for any form of global study. Packaged grant scholarships also are available from Rotary and its partners for scholars in the fields of nursing and water and sanitation.

For general information on the Rotary Foundation’s

programs,  click here .

School for International Training (SIT) Scholarships

SIT Study Abroad supports international opportunities for students through its scholarship and grant programs. Many SIT scholarships and grants are available for both terms of study: semester and summer. Individual awards generally range from $500 to $5,000. Below is a list of various SIT Scholarships—learn more at:  http://goo.gl/7DdrCS

The Compton Fund:  For students enrolled in SIT programs with environmental, post-conflict transformation, or sustainable development themes.

SIT Engineering Scholarship:  For students enrolled in undergraduate engineering programs who have demonstrated financial need.

The Experiment in International Living (EIL) Alumni Study Abroad Scholarship:  To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs.

The Houston International Scholarship:  For undergraduate students in any field or major from Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas.

HBCU Scholarships:  For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

IHP Grant:  Need-based grant assistance for students participating on an IHP /Comparative program.

The Middle East and Islamic Studies Scholarship:  For students participating in programs with significant Middle Eastern and/or Islamic studies content.

The Richard & Dale Levy India Scholarship:  For a student participating on a semester program in India.

Sally Bragg Baker Scholarship:  For a female participant in any semester program who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange.

SIT Bonner Scholar Award:  For students participating in this community service program.

SIT Fund:  For students with demonstrated financial need who enroll in any SIT Study Abroad program, to help promote study abroad opportunities worldwide.

The Workum Fund:  For SIT Study Abroad students studying on programs in the Indian subcontinent (India and Nepal), including the Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples program.

Youth Foundation Scholarship

The Youth Foundation provides funding to students to bolster self-reliance, confidence, self-discipline, responsibility, volunteerism, and exemplary character. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $4,000 per year and can be used for an undergraduate’s junior year abroad. Selection is based on character, need, scholastic achievement, objective, motivation, potential for leadership, and good citizenship.

More information is available at:  http://goo.gl/Qu2alp

International Education Financial Aid Center

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) is a clearinghouse for information on college scholarship, financial aid, travel grant, and other grants for students wishing to study abroad. IEFA’s mission is to promote international education through the development and publication of a comprehensive database.

For more information on IEFA center:  http://goo.gl/qOMNRV

Professional Development Abroad Scholarships and Grants

International Affairs Fellowship

The International Affairs program offered by the Council on Foreign Relations offers fellowships for students intending to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. It is intended for mid-career scholars to broaden their foreign policy experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and permanent residents between the ages of 27 and 35 who are eligible to work in the United States. The program awards a stipend of $85,000.

For more information:  http://www.cfr.org/thinktank/fellowships/iaf.html

International Service Learning (ISL)

International Service Learning (ISL) offers $300 grants to graduate students and professionals who’d like to join the organization on global health teams. Team trips last from eight days to two weeks, with this year’s destinations being Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru.

Learn more:  https://islonline.org/scholarships/

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships 

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships and Grants aim to improve international understanding and positive relations. Recipients make appearances before Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations, and other forums in the host country, and share their international experiences. Scholarships vary from one year to multi-year, providing $11,000—$23,000 for round-trip transportation, tuition, fees, room and board expenses, and some educational supplies. Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships provide $10,000—$17,000 for three or six months of intensive language study and cultural immersion. These funds cover round-trip transportation, language training expenses, and homestay living arrangements.

More information:  http://goo.gl/8MJ50j

Thomas J. Watson Fellowship

The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship offers graduating college seniors a year of independent, purposeful international exploration to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, and leadership and to foster humane, effective participation in the world community. Applicants are eligible if their college or university is a participating institution. The stipend for the fellowship year is $28,000.

More information is available at:  http://goo.gl/V2NeF0

Tourism Cares Scholarships

Tourism Cares offers 22 Professional Development Scholarships ranging from $350 to $3,000 to benefit students working in or looking to enter careers in the travel or tourism industries. Its goal is to strengthen the travel and tourism workforce through continued education. Eligible applicants will be registering for a travel or tourism related professional development certificate program.

For more information on Toursim Cares scholarships,  click here .

U.S. Student Fulbright Grant

Graduate students may apply for a Fulbright grant for research projects that can be completed in one academic year and that relate to the resources of the host country. The Fulbright international educational exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. government, and designed to increase multicultural understanding. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Applicants also must have proficiency in the written and spoken language of the country.

For more information on Fulbright Grants:  http://goo.gl/Sw14nY

Other Helpful Resources, Scholarships, and Grants

AIFS Study Abroad International Scholarships

American Institute for Yemeni Studies Fellowships

Amizade Global Service-Learning Scholarship

Anna Sobol Levy Fellowship

API Study Abroad Scholarships

ASU Study Abroad Office Travel Grant

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

BGU Ginsburg-Ingerman Scholarship

BP Workforce Readiness Program

Carpe Diem Education

Center for Study Abroad

Child Family Health International

CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN)

CIEE Language Intensive Focus Track (LIFT)

CIS Correspondent Scholarship

DiversityAbroad Study Abroad Scholarship

Dr. Carlos E. Castañeda Memorial Scholarship

Embassy of France Teaching Assistant Program in France

Esso Angolan Scholars Program

Eurobank EFG Scholarships

ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program

ExxonMobil Romanian Geoscience Scholars Program

ExxonMobil Russian Scholars Program

Flinn Scholars Program

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships

Global Studies Grant for Student Travel and Study Abroad

Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarships

Haas/Koshland Memorial Award

John T. Petters Study Abroad Scholarship

Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship

Kingston University London Postgraduate International Scholarship

Kingston University London Undergraduate International Scholarships

Masa Israel Grants and Scholarships

Mattel Global Scholarship Program

NYU International Scholarship and Fellowship Programs

Petro-Canada Workforce Readiness Scholarship Program

ProWorld Scholarship Programs

SEA Semester Scholarships

Semester at Sea Scholarships and Grants

The Sharif Rahman Memorial Scholarship Program

Study Abroad Turkey Scholarship for Armenian American Students

Study Abroad Turkey Scholarship for Minority Students

USAC Scholarship Programs

Research and Professional Development Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Alicia Patterson Fellowship

Alcoa Foundation Advancing Sustainability Research

APA-AIA Minority Scholarship Program

ARCE Fellowships

ARIT Fellowships in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Bibliographical Society of America Major Grants

CAORC Mediterranean Regional Research Fellowship Program

Carol and Eric Meyers Doctoral Dissertation

Central Europe Summer Research Institute (CESRI)

China Medical Board Next Generation Fellowships

Economic History Association Grants

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Conference on Latin American History James R Scobie Memorial Award

EHA Exploratory Travel and Data Grants

Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program

Ernest S. Frerichs Fellow and Program Coordinator Fellowship

Fogarty International Clinical Research Fellows Program

The GCA Awards in Tropical Botany

Harriet and Leon Pomerance Fellowship

Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Fellowships

The Howard Chapnick Grant

IFUW International Awards

Individual Advanced Research Opportunities Program (IARO)

Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) John Miller Musser Memorial Fellowship

Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship

Jeffery P. LaFage Graduate Student Research Award

Katharine F. Pantzer Jr Research Awards

The Lady Davis Fellowship Trust

Leakey Foundation Research Grants

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Scholarships

Mellon Fellowships for Dissertation Research in Original Sources

National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship

Olivia James Traveling Fellowship

Open Society Fellowship

Pedro Barrié de la Maza Fellowship Program

The Population Council’s Fellowships Program

Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship

Samuel H. Kress Fellowship

Sigma Theta Tau Grants

University of Canterbury International Doctoral Scholarships

WARA Pre- and Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Program

World Forestry Center Fellowship

Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of  best volunteer abroad programs  and recommended volunteer projects in  Africa ,  Central America , and  Thailand . You can also read about 7  Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects ,  10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Program and Medical Mission Tips for Pre Dental Students , and  nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals . Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our  sports and coaching volunteer abroad ,  wildlife conservation and veterinary  abroad,  teach abroad , and  intern abroad  programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a  teen volunteer abroad  program from one of our many great partners.

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Sarah has worked as a researcher and consultant in the volunteer travel world since 2004. With a BA from the George Washington University and background working with both public and private sector volunteer organizations, she enjoys exploring the world and collecting and sharing stories, trends, and advice with travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.

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• 10 Scholarships to Fund Your Travels Abroad

Be an ambassador for peace, master a foreign language, give back through services…and do it all in another country!

These ten scholarship opportunities can help make it happen. Although each one has its own eligibility requirements, all of them are open to U.S. citizens with disabilities.

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
• Open to undergraduates
• Universal – Can be applied to most study abroad programs
• Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State
• Award/Benefits – Up to $5,000 ($8,000 for those studying a Critical Need Language)
• Critical Info – Must be Pell Grant Recipients
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – 2 weeks for community college students, 4 weeks otherwise

It’s all about diversity by awarding scholarships to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad – students with high financial need and who represent various underserved audiences, including people with disabilities – the Gilman Program is diversifying the kinds of students who study and intern abroad.

• Christianson Grant
• Critical information – Open to applicants ages 18-28
• Award/benefit – $2,500-10,000
• Minimum time required abroad – 6 months

If you’re not currently in school, you can still travel without going the traditional study abroad route. For those who want to work or volunteer overseas, the Christianson Grant has you covered! Programs may not be part of a degree requirement or for class credit.

• Critical Language Scholarship Program
• Open to U.S. undergraduates
• Open to U.S. graduates
• Award/benefits – Program costs are fully covered
• Minimum time required abroad – Summer, eight to ten weeks

The Critical Language Scholarship Program offers fully-funded language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences overseas for 13 languages in countries where the languages are widely spoken. Think Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian and a number of other languages. New to critical languages? Not to worry. Several languages are offered at all levels, including those for beginners.

David L. Boren Awards

Boren scholarship.

• Universal – Can be applied towards most study abroad programs
• Award/benefits – $8,000–20,000
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – One semester, preference for a full year (8 weeks for students in select fields)
• Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense

Boren Fellowship

• Award/benefits – Up to $30,000
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – 12 weeks, preference for 6 months or more

Boren scholarships and fellowships offer ample financial support for adventurous types seeking less-traditional destinations abroad. Because recipients commit to a year of working in the federal government, they are also a great way to get your foot in the door for a career in the federal sector.

• DiversityAbroad.com Blogging Scholarship
• Award/benefits – $500
• Critical information – Must be accepted to an overseas program offered through a DiversityAbroad.com Partner Organization

Share your knack for story-telling by blogging your overseas adventures! Diversity Abroad strongly encourages students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, first-generation students, and ethnically and racially diverse students to apply.

• Foundation for Global Scholars
• Award/benefits – $2,000
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – 4 weeks

Foundation for Global Scholars awards several study abroad scholarships three times annually and designates over half of its scholarship funding to students who are underrepresented in study abroad. It’s that simple!

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• Open to U.S. graduating college seniors
• Award/benefits – Round-trip transportation to the host country, funding to cover room and board, health benefits
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – Varies, generally one academic year

Chase your passions on the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, whether they involve international graduate study, advanced research, or English teaching assistantships worldwide. With approximately 1,900 grants awarded annually and 140 countries to choose from, it is the largest U.S. exchange program around — and one of the most prestigious.

• Fund for Education Abroad
• Award/benefits – Up to $10,000

The Fund for Education Abroad scholarships have very few requirements, so why not apply? In addition to awarding general scholarships up to $10,000 towards four or more weeks abroad, FEA also offers dedicated scholarships for students who identify as LGBTQI or who live in certain regions of the United States.

• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• Open to graduates
• Award/benefits – Program costs are fully covered (tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses)
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – 15–24 months

Give peace–and study abroad—a chance! Each year, Rotary International selects up to 100 individuals from around the world to receive fully-funded master’s degrees at select institutions in Australia, England, Japan, or Sweden. Fellows earn their degrees in peace studies, conflict resolution, or related fields.

• Watson Fellowship
• Open to recent graduates – Apply in your senior year of college
• Critical information – Must attend and be nominated by one of 40 partner colleges
• Minimum Time Required Abroad – 1 year
• Award/benefits – $30,000

The Watson Fellowship challenges students to engage in their deepest interests on a world scale. To do this, Watson Fellowships provide grants for one year of independent study in one or several countries outside the United States just after graduation. All majors and fields of inquiry are eligible.

Where Else to Look for Funding

• The study abroad office at your school. It’s a no-brainer! Or faculty who lead overseas programs in your academic department.
• Third-party providers like AIFS Study Abroad, CEA Study Abroad, CIEE Study Abroad, IES Abroad, SIT Study Abroad, and others sometimes offer fee waivers or reductions on their overseas programs for qualifying students. Find them at StudyAbroad.com and GoAbroad.com online databases.
• Many scholarships fund study abroad in specific destinations, such as those through the US-Japan Bridging Foundation, German Academic Exchange Service, and others.
• Almost any kind of scholarship can be a study abroad scholarship! Do you already receive scholarships and funding through your school, the government, foundations, or private organizations? Check with the sponsor to find out whether and how that money can be used for study abroad.

Did you know: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Social Security funds (SSI and SSDI), and the GI Bill (for military veterans) can sometimes be applied towards study abroad expenses or disability-related expenses while abroad?

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Related Links:

• Study Abroad Funding
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Related Documents:

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• Funded Programs for U.S. Citizens
• Plan Your Expenses
• Identify Your Funding Options
• How to Choose a Budget-Friendly Exchange Program
• SSI, SSDI & International Exchange
• VR & International Exchange
• Fundraising 101
• DOs and DON’Ts of Fundraising
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8 ways to find free or subsidized travel in 2022

Grants, teaching programs and seasonal jobs can help unattached travelers looking to fund their adventures.

Even if you’re backpacking on a shoestring budget or hostel-hopping through Europe, you have to spend money to travel. There’s the price of eating and sleeping on the road, plus the financial toll of leaving your job, children, pets or other responsibilities behind.

Fortunately for people with flexibility in their schedules — and even more flexibility with their relationships — there are ways to finagle free (or even paid) travel, particularly for artists, scuba divers, animal lovers, teachers and lucky contest winners.

There’s always a catch, of course, whether it’s working your way through a trip or producing something to show from your experience by the end.

Here are eight ways to see the world on someone else’s dime.

You tested positive in a foreign country. Here’s what you should do.

Sign up to be a sitter

Have you always dreamed of visiting Boston but can’t afford a hotel? Do you want access to the slopes of Tahoe without paying peak-season rates? Generally responsible people can find gigs caring after homes and pets. Companies like Nomador and TrustedHousesitters connect people who love to travel with people who need help looking after their homes or pets in exchange for room and board. There are blogs dedicated to this lifestyle for people looking to learn more about the opportunity before jumping into a trip.

Apply for a travel grant

Just like scientists who apply for research funding, you can try to get a grant to sponsor your travel goals. Scoring one is tough, as not many exist, and many people want free travel.

One way to find them is by entering terms like “grant” or “travel grant” into a search engine alongside topics that relate to your job, interests or field of study.

For example, a quick search of “scuba diving grant” will pull up more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships for divers, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Try “grants for hikers,” and you will find options such as the American Alpine Club’s McNeill-Nott Award , offering $5,000 a year to female amateur climbers and alpinists (applications are open Oct. 1 through Dec. 31).

There are also widely known grants, such as the Fulbright-National Geographic fellowship that offers U.S. students a paid year of “storytelling on a globally significant theme.” Grantees — or “storytellers” — get standard Fulbright benefits covering travel, health care and a general stipend, plus a reporting allowance and additional materials. They will also get instruction on storytelling techniques by National Geographic staff before they start their adventure. They will have the chance to pitch stories for the publication’s platforms. Although applications are closed for the 2022-2023 competition, you can apply for the 2023-2024 year when applications open this April .

Adventure awaits in Central America. Now it just needs tourists to return.

Teach English

An old-school route for travelers is to become an English teacher abroad. A good place to start your search for opportunities is TEFL, a membership network that provides accreditation and offers a connection to more than 30,000 employers, according to its website. Members can access jobs around the world, whether they want to work four hours a day in Moscow or full time in Santiago, Chile.

Another route is online teaching. Because of the pandemic, there are more online English teaching jobs that could enable you to work from anywhere you would like to travel. Teachers with Magic Ears earn between $22 and $26 per hour, for example.

A viral TikTok showed how to get $1,000 if you’re bumped from a flight. We unpack that.

Study microelectronics from an RV

Roadtrip Nation is sending three people on a three-week RV trip across the country in the name of microelectronics. They are looking for applicants who want to pursue a career focused on microelectronics, semiconductors and microchips, so if you’re into AI or adaptive manufacturing, this gig is for you.

The trip — set to begin in May, although it could get shifted depending on the pandemic — will be filmed, resulting in a documentary that may end up shown on public television. All expenses will be covered, and road trippers will also get a daily stipend. Applications are due Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.

Become an ‘artist-in-residence’

For the creative set, one opportunity for free or subsidized travel is an artist residency.

The National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) lists opportunities that support visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives, typically for about two to four weeks. One such gig is the Death Valley National Park artist-in-residency program that has two residencies each year. Artists get a $3,000 stipend and are housed (and fed) in a hotel right inside the park.

For writers, there is the chance to stay in a “poet’s cottage” in Central Pennsylvania through the Philip Roth Residence in Creative Writing . The program gives recipients four months of time to work, plus a stipend of $5,000. Applicants must be writing their first or second book of fiction or creative nonfiction. The deadline for applications is Feb. 1.

Retreat to Peterborough, N.H., for the MacDowell program, which invites emerging and established artists and provides accommodations, use of a studio and three prepared meals per day for as many as six weeks. Applicants must work in disciplines including architecture, film or video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theater and visual arts. The deadline for fall residency applications is Feb. 10.

Traveling to Europe? What to know about 5 countries during omicron.

Become a flight attendant

Should a career change suit you, you may want to consider becoming a flight attendant. With airlines’ labor shortage and staffing issues, many are hiring flight attendants — and offering bonuses and extra pay — to make sure flights can take off on schedule. And, obviously, the job is all about travel.

Several big names are hiring right now, including American Airlines , United and Delta . But there are flight attendant openings from lesser-known regional and corporate carriers, too.

How 3 travelers with disabilities or chronic illness navigate the world

Find a seasonal job

Like airlines, tourist destinations have been hurting for staff throughout the pandemic. Cool Works is a seemingly endless portal of seasonal jobs that appeal to travel lovers, including operating a gondola at a Telluride ski resort, becoming a chef right outside a national park or tending to a historic Cape Cod inn . The website features openings in categories broken down by type of job — brewery, winery and distillery, camp jobs or general labor, for example — as well as season or location, help wanted now, interesting regions and more.

If you have dreamed of shadowing a pasta maker in Italy or learning about permaculture in Malawi , you can also pick up short-term gigs working just about anywhere in the world through WWOOF, the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Founded in 1871, the organization features opportunities in more than 130 countries. WWOOF’s mission is to connect travelers with organic farmers in the spirit of cultural and educational exchange while promoting good farming and sustainability practices.

Apply to live rent-free in Sicily

In its latest marketing stunt, Airbnb is offering one lucky applicant the opportunity to spend a year rent-free in the rural village of Sambuca in Sicily. The concept was inspired by Sambuca’s 2019 “1 Euro House” campaign that aimed to solve the town’s declining population problem by enticing new investments through cheap real estate. If you win, you will have to list one of the rooms of the house on Airbnb. You may also be able to learn Italian through a mentorship program.

More spring travel tips

Trends: Cheaper spring break | Cool all-inclusives | Let ChatGPT plan your day | Is it safe to go to Mexico? | Book a free night in Sicily

The basics: Tip without cash | Traveling with kids | Decide where to stay | A pre-trip checklist of house chores | How to get your passport | Plan a ski trip | Eat without feeling terrible | Budget for your next trip | Plan a cheaper Disney trip

Flying: Fly like a decent human being | How to set airfare price alerts | Flying with an injury | PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR | Can I fly with weed? | AirTag your luggage | Airport parking 101 | Deal with airport crowds | Why Stalk airfare after booking

Driving: 9 tips for road tripping with a baby | Try the Airbnb of rental cars | Rent an EV | Do I need an international license to drive abroad? | Avoid big rental car fees

Greener travel: Bike to the airport | How environmentalists travel | How to find ‘greener’ flights | Make your travel better for the planet

Pets: How to travel with pets | Why the pet fee? | Pet flying 101 | Alternatives to flying with your pet

In case of emergency: Manage airport disasters | Your flight is canceled | How to get a human on the phone | What to do if your car gets stuck | Find your lost luggage | How to get a refund for a canceled flight | Deal with a bad hotel room | When you’re bumped off your flight | If you get rebooked without your family | What are my rebooking rights? | Recover a lost item at TSA, the airport or your flight

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Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together

ALERT: On Aug. 19, 2024, DHS posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice implementing the Keeping Families Together process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. Additional information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and examples of required documentation is available on the  Keeping Families Together page, this FAQ page, and in the Federal Register notice .

Q. What is Keeping Families Together?

A. Keeping Families Together is a process that allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place to enable them to apply for lawful permanent resident status without having to be separated from their families by leaving the United States for processing. Parole is an exercise of DHS’s discretionary authority under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow certain noncitizen “applicants for admission” to be present in the United States on a temporary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. The INA defines an “applicant for admission,” in relevant part, as a noncitizen “present in the United States who has not been admitted.” Noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole may be considered for parole in place under this process because they remain “applicants for admission.” Parole in place is available only for noncitizens who are present in the United States. Those who receive parole are eligible to apply for work authorization for the period of parole

Q. Which form should I file to apply for Keeping Families Together? Can I file online?

A. Requestors (the noncitizen spouse or stepchild) must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens , under this process. The form can only be filed online. Paper-based applications sent to USCIS by mail will be rejected (not accepted or receipted). We have created a  Filing Guide for Form I-131F (PDF, 8.95 MB) to help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process.

Q. What fee is required to file a request under Keeping Families Together (Form I-131F)?   Can I obtain a fee waiver or fee exemption for this process?

A. The fee to apply is $580. No fee waivers or fee exemptions are available for this process at this time.

Q. Someone told me if I pay them a fee, they can expedite my Form I-131F or guarantee that it will be approved. Is this true?

A. No. While an attorney or accredited representative may charge a fee to prepare your request, anyone who guarantees faster processing or a positive outcome by USCIS if you pay them a fee may be trying to scam you. Visit our  Avoid Scams  page to learn how you can protect yourself from immigration scams.

Please also remember that USCIS will begin accepting requests for this process on Aug. 19, 2024. Any filings received before this date will be rejected by USCIS (not accepted or receipted) .

Q. If my Keeping Families Together request is granted, how long will my parole period last?

A. In general, if you are granted parole as a noncitizen spouse or noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen under this process, your parole period will be valid as of the date USCIS approves your Form I-131F and will expire 3 years from that date. However, parole terminates automatically if you depart the United States. Parole may also be terminated at any time in DHS’s discretion upon a determination that parole is no longer warranted, for example, following the commission of criminal conduct.

As long as your parole remains valid (that is, is not expired or terminated), you will be considered in a period of authorized stay. As a parolee, you may apply for any immigration status for which you may be otherwise eligible, including adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Keeping Families Together?

A. To be considered for this process as a noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

To be considered for this process as a noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security*; and

*NOTE:  Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

All such requests for parole in place are considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit, in the exercise of discretion, taking into account the totality of the circumstances of each individual request.

Q. If I meet the criteria listed above, will I be guaranteed to have my Form I-131F approved under this process?

A. No. All requests under this process are considered on a case-by-case basis in the exercise of discretion, taking into account the totality of the circumstances of each individual request and evaluating whether parole is warranted as a matter of discretion for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.

Q. If I entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa or was admitted in another status and overstayed, am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. No. Parole in place is only available to an “applicant for admission,” which the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines, in relevant part, as a noncitizen “present in the United States who has not been admitted.” This means that noncitizens who were last admitted on valid nonimmigrant visas or were admitted in another status but have remained in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay cannot request parole in place under this process. However, a noncitizen who was previously “inspected and admitted” to the United States may be eligible under the law to apply for adjustment of status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, if they are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition. For more information, please visit the  Adjustment of Status webpage.

Q. I have already departed the United States for an immigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Can I make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. No. This process is only available to noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole. Noncitizens who have already departed the United States may be eligible for consular processing abroad.

Q. I have Deferred Action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Am I eligible to make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. If you are a current DACA recipient or TPS beneficiary, you may request parole in place under this process if you are currently present in the United States without admission or parole and you are otherwise eligible. However, if you previously departed the United States and re-entered with a TPS Travel Authorization Document or an Advance Parole Document, you are not eligible for parole in place under this process because you have already been admitted or paroled into the United States.

If you are in a valid period of parole at the time your DACA renewal request is adjudicated, USCIS will deny your DACA renewal request as a matter of discretion.

Q. I once had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but my DACA or TPS has lapsed. Am I eligible to make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. If your DACA or TPS has lapsed, you may request parole in place under this process if you are currently present in the United States without admission or parole. However, if you previously departed the United States and re-entered with a TPS Travel Authorization Document or an Advance Parole Document, you are not eligible for parole in place under this process because you have already been admitted or paroled into the United States.

If you submit a DACA renewal request while in a valid period of parole or are in a valid period of parole at the time your DACA renewal request is adjudicated, USCIS will deny your DACA renewal request as a matter of discretion.

Q. Will I be able to request re-parole (a new period of parole) and renew my employment authorization when the duration of my parole under Keeping Families Together ends?

A. DHS is not planning a re-parole process. If you do not apply for adjustment of status or receive another immigration status before your period of parole expires, you may begin to accrue or resume accruing  unlawful presence . Any parole-based employment authorization granted by USCIS (category (c)(11)) will also generally expire at the same time your parole period expires.

However, if you file for adjustment of status, you may request employment authorization on the basis of your pending adjustment application, Form I-485 (category (c)(9)). If approved, you can receive employment authorization with a five-year validity date under category (c)(9). If your parole under this process is granted, you should not delay in filing their subsequent I-130 petition and I-485 application.

Q. How do I make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. You (the noncitizen spouse or stepchild) must submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens , online with the applicable filing fee of $580. You may not file for this process using a paper form. Any paper filing received by USCIS will be rejected (not accepted or receipted) and you will have to file again to have your request considered.

You must submit with your online request documentation establishing that you meet all eligibility criteria and evidence of any additional factors you would like USCIS to consider. Each requestor, including stepchildren, must have their own USCIS online account to prepare and file the Form I-131F individually.

A parent or legal guardian may create an online account for their minor child if the purpose is to submit a form on behalf of the minor. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, a primary caregiver or legal assistance provider may also help a child create their own USCIS online account.

For information on creating a USCIS online account, visit our  How to Create a USCIS Online Account page .

Q. Is there a deadline after which USCIS will no longer accept requests for Keeping Families Together?

A. There is no filing deadline for this process.

Q. What evidence can I submit to show my continuous physical presence in the United States since June 17, 2014 (if I am the spouse of a U.S. citizen), or since June 17, 2024 (if I am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen)?

A. If you are making a request for this process as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation that shows you have been continuously physically present in the United States from June 17, 2014, up until the time of filing your request, to meet the continuous physical presence requirement.

If you are the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation that shows you have been continuously physically present in the United States from June 17, 2024, until the time of filing your request.

You should provide documentation to account for as much of the period as reasonably possible, but there is no requirement that every day or month of that period be specifically accounted for through direct evidence.

It is helpful to submit evidence of your physical presence during at least each year of the required period. We will review the documentation in its totality to determine whether you have established by a preponderance of the evidence that you were continuously physically present in the United States for the required period.

If gaps in your documentation raise questions about whether you were continuously physically present in the United States for the required period, we may issue, at our discretion, a Request for Evidence to allow you to submit additional documentation that supports your claimed continuous physical presence.

Q. What evidence can I submit to show I merit a favorable exercise of discretion for this process?

A. Our decision whether to grant your request is a discretionary, case-by-case determination. Even if you establish that you have met all the criteria for eligibility, we will examine the totality of the circumstances in your individual case to determine whether your request should be granted based on a significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons and whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion based on a review of all positive and negative factors present in your case. If there are negative factors that outweigh the positive factors presented by the evidence, we may deny your request. If you have a final unexecuted removal order or non-disqualifying criminal history, you may provide additional documentation that you believe demonstrates that you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. Such documentation may relate to, but is not limited to:

• Community ties;
• Your particular vulnerability related to advanced or young age;
• Length of presence in the United States;
• Existence of a mental or physical condition or illness requiring care or treatment in the United States;
• Your status as a parent or caregiver of a U.S. citizen child, or elderly parent or in-law;
• Your status as a caregiver for an individual with disabilities, including a U.S. citizen parent, in-law, or sibling;
• Your status as a victim or witness of a crime, or civil rights violation, or labor rights violation under investigation by a labor agency;
• Effect on other family members, including family members who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents; or
• Other positive factors about which you wish to provide information.

This is a non-exhaustive list of factors; we may consider any relevant factors in the discretionary analysis, including mitigating factors that relate to the specific criminal conduct or prior removal order at issue.

Q. Will USCIS verify documents or statements I provide to support my request?

A. USCIS has the authority to verify documents, facts, and statements provided to support immigration requests, including requests under this process. We may contact relatives, educational institutions, other government agencies, or other entities to verify information. In addition, USCIS will conduct background and security checks. If USCIS determines you have made a material misrepresentation or engaged in fraud as part of your request, your request will be denied, and you may be ineligible or inadmissible for other immigration benefits in the future. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Q. Am I required to demonstrate that I am not inadmissible in order to qualify for this process?

A. No. Parole is neither an admission to the United States nor a determination of admissibility. As a result, requestors do not need to demonstrate that they are not inadmissible as part of this process. However, USCIS may consider facts and circumstances that may give rise to one’s inadmissibility in making the case-by-case discretionary parole determination, and requestors who subsequently apply for adjustment of status will be evaluated for admissibility at that stage.

Q. Will I be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility when I request parole in place?

A. No. Parole is neither an admission to the United States nor a determination of admissibility. As a result, requestors do not need to demonstrate that they are not inadmissible under the public charge ground of inadmissibility as part of this process. However, requestors who subsequently apply for adjustment of status will be evaluated for admissibility, including the public charge ground of inadmissibility, at that stage.

Q. Will the information I share in my Keeping Families Together request be used for immigration enforcement purposes?

A. DHS generally will not use information contained in a request under this process for the purpose of initiating immigration enforcement action, unless DHS determines, in its discretion, that you pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security.

This process does not preclude DHS from, in its discretionary authority, taking enforcement actions in accordance with the INA and consistent with governing policies and practices, against noncitizens who may be eligible or who have pending requests for parole under this process.

DHS may disclose information in the request to national security and/or law enforcement agencies, including ICE and CBP, for purposes other than initiation of immigration enforcement proceedings. These purposes include assistance in the consideration of parole, identification or prevention of fraudulent claims, investigation of a possible national security threat, investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense, or as otherwise needed, consistent with statutory authorities, obligations, and restrictions, as well as governing privacy and information-sharing policies.

Q. If my request is pending and I am encountered by CBP or ICE, will I be placed into removal proceedings?

A. The Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF)   direct DHS to focus its limited resources on noncitizens who pose a threat to our national security, public safety, or border security.

Those  guidelines  remain in effect. Filing a request under this process, or eligibility to file a request for parole in place under this process, does not prevent CBP or ICE from taking enforcement action against an individual when otherwise appropriate under applicable law and policy.

Q. If USCIS denies my request, will I be placed in removal proceedings?

A. If we deny your request under this process, we generally will not issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) or refer your case to ICE for possible enforcement action solely based on our denial. USCIS maintains discretion to issue an NTA or refer the case to ICE for possible enforcement action consistent with governing policies and practices, including initiating immigration enforcement proceedings based on a threat to national security, public safety or border security*.

* NOTE : Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

Q. What is considered a legally valid marriage?

A. USCIS will generally recognize a marriage as valid for purposes of Keeping Families Together if it is legally valid in the place where the marriage was celebrated, the parties to the marriage were legally free to marry, and the marriage is not contrary to the public policy of the United States or of the state where the couple resides.

The place of celebration is generally where the ceremony took place or where the officiant of the ceremony was located and where the marriage certificate was issued. Even if a marriage is valid in the place of celebration, there are circumstances where USCIS may not recognize a marriage relationship as valid for the purposes of this process, consistent with existing case law and policies for family-based immigrant visa petitions and other benefits.

Examples of the types of marital relationships that USCIS generally will not recognize for the purposes of this process include, but are not limited to:

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other relationships that do not confer the same legal rights and responsibilities to the parties as a marriage recognized by a civil authority;
• Marriages that are contrary to public policy in the United States; and
• Marriages where one or both parties to the marriage are not legally free to marry or have not given consent to the marriage.

Q. Are common law marriages considered legally valid marriages for purposes of Keeping Families Together?

A. USCIS recognizes common law marriages in adjudicating immigration benefits in certain circumstances and will similarly recognize them for purposes of Keeping Families Together if:

• The parties live in a jurisdiction that recognizes common law marriages;
• The parties meet the qualifications for common law marriage for that jurisdiction;
• The marriage is valid and recognized by the jurisdiction in which the marriage was established; and
• The marriage was established on or before June 17, 2024.

If you live in a different state than where you entered into your marriage, you may still be eligible. Some states may recognize a common law marriage contracted in another state even if the recognizing state does not accept common law marriage as a means for its own residents to contract marriage.

If you are requesting parole in place under Keeping Families Together on the basis of a common law marriage, you should submit a copy of the statute, regulation, or case law that states the requirements in that jurisdiction for establishing a common law marriage. You should also submit evidence that demonstrates you met the requirements in the jurisdiction for establishing a common law marriage on or before June 17, 2024. USCIS will review the laws of the relevant jurisdiction on common law marriages and the evidence you submit to determine whether you and your spouse should be considered to be married for purposes of this process and when the marriage was established.

Q. If my U.S. citizen spouse has died, am I still eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. If your U.S. citizen spouse has died and you have not remarried, you may still be eligible for the Keeping Families Together process. However, to be eligible for immigrant visa petition approval and eligible to apply to adjust status as a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, you must meet other eligibility requirements. For more information, see FAQ under “Eligibility for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status” below.

Q. What are the age requirements to be eligible for Keeping Families Together as a stepchild?

A. To be considered for this process as a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must have been under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024. In addition, the legally valid marriage between your noncitizen parent and your U.S. citizen stepparent must have occurred on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday.

Q. I was under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024, and am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes, if you meet all other criteria. You may be eligible for this process if, as of June 17, 2024, you were under age 21, unmarried, and met the definition of a stepchild under INA 101(b)(1)(B), including being under the age of 18 at the time of your parent’s marriage to your U.S. citizen stepparent. If you pursue adjustment of status, USCIS will determine whether, at the time of the Form I-130 filing, you met the INA definition of a child or of a son or daughter of a U.S. citizen. For more information on family-based immigration processes, please refer to  USCIS resources .

Q. If I am a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, do I have to file my own individual request?

A. Yes. You must file your own Form I-131F, pay the $580 filing fee, and submit documentation establishing you meet the criteria for this process. Parents or legal guardians may sign and submit a request on behalf of a minor child under the age of 14. Children may also sign a request for themselves. If a parent is filling out the information on behalf of their child, the parent must include their information in the “preparer” section of Form I-131F.

Q. If I am making a request for this process as the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, must I have at least 10 years of continuous physical presence?

A. No. As a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing. You are not required to demonstrate that you have been continuously physically present for 10 years before June 17, 2024.

Q. I am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, and my noncitizen parent or U.S. citizen stepparent is deceased. Am I eligible under Keeping Families Together?

A. You may be eligible for this process if your noncitizen parent or U.S. citizen stepparent is deceased. However, a grant of parole does not guarantee eligibility for immigrant visa petition approval or adjustment of status.

Q. If I am granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together as a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, what will happen to me if my parent and U.S. citizen stepparent divorce before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. If your noncitizen parent and U.S. citizen stepparent divorce, you may continue to be eligible as an immigrant petition beneficiary and for adjustment of status if your stepparent demonstrates an ongoing bona fide parent-child relationship to you. This might include evidence that you and your stepparent reside together or that your stepparent provides financial and emotional support for your care.

Q. Do brief departures from the United States interrupt the continuous physical presence threshold criterion? Also, if I am granted parole, will a brief, casual, and innocent absence from the United States affect my eligibility for adjustment of status?

A. No. A brief, casual, and innocent absence from the United States will not interrupt your continuous physical presence in the United States during the required period for the purpose of Keeping Families Together. For the purpose of this process, a brief, casual, and innocent absence means an absence from the United States that took place prior to June 17, 2024, and:

• The absence was short and reasonably calculated to accomplish the purpose for the absence;
• The absence was not because of a departure under an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal;
• The absence was not because of an order of voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary departure before you were placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
• The purpose of the absence and your actions while outside the United States were not contrary to law; and
• You are not a threat to border security (apprehended while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States on/after Nov. 1, 2020, or apprehended in the United States after unlawfully entering after Nov. 1, 2020). See DHS’s Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) .

However, to be eligible for adjustment of status, you must be admissible to the United States. If you were unlawfully present in the United States before your departure and absence from the United States, you may be inadmissible to the United States under INA section 212(a)(9)(B) or (C) and ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(a), even after a grant of parole in place, depending on certain factual circumstances, including how long you were unlawfully present in the United States before your departure and whether you departed after being ordered removed from the United States. If you were removed or departed the United States under an outstanding order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and subsequently reentered without being admitted or paroled, USCIS will not grant you parole in place under Keeping Families Together, regardless of the date of your removal, departure, or reentry.

More information concerning unlawful presence is available on the  USCIS website , including information about the availability of a waiver for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(B) or consent to reapply for admission after spending 10 years outside the United States for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(C). Determining if you are inadmissible after accruing unlawful presence can be complex. If you need help or legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. You can find information about authorized legal services on our  Avoid Scams  page.

CAUTION:  If you need to travel during your parole period or while your adjustment of status application is pending, please carefully review the “Travel” section of these FAQs below , which refers to obtaining an Advance Parole document prior to departing the United States.

Q. I am currently in removal proceedings. Am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. If you are otherwise eligible for parole in place under this process, including that you are present in the United States without admission or parole, USCIS will consider your request if you are currently in removal proceedings before an immigration judge (also called INA Section 240 proceedings), including if your case is on appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals, or if you have a case that is administratively closed. This includes if you were released on bond or on your own recognizance.

However, USCIS will consider any relevant information related to your removal proceedings, and any other relevant factors, in determining whether to grant parole in place as a matter of discretion. If you constitute an enforcement priority based on national security, public safety, or border security* concerns/issues, USCIS will deny your request for parole in place under this process.

* NOTE:  Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process. 

Q. How do I find out if I am in removal proceedings or have a removal order?

A. If you do not know if you have a removal order or are currently in immigration proceedings, you can use your A-Number to look up your immigration court case status at  https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/ . You can also call the EOIR hotline: 800-898-7180 / 304-625-2050 / TDD: 800-828-1120. ‘A-Number” refers to the immigration file number provided to you by U.S. immigration officials. It is an eight or nine-digit number that begins with an “A” and can be found on correspondence you have received from DHS or USCIS or on immigration court records.

Q. I have a final removal order but have not departed or been removed from the United States or have not departed after a grant of voluntary departure. Am I eligible for the Keeping Families Together process?

A. You may request parole in place under Keeping Families Together if you otherwise meet the criteria, but if you have a final removal order and have not departed the United States after the entry of that order, or have not been removed from the United States—sometimes called an “unexecuted” removal order (including a removal order that resulted from failure to depart after a grant of voluntary departure)—you are subject to a rebuttable presumption of ineligibility for this process.

Q. If my removal proceedings were administratively closed, am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. USCIS may grant your parole in place request, if you otherwise meet the eligibility criteria and merit a favorable exercise of discretion. However, to apply for adjustment of status, you may need to seek re-calendaring, termination, or dismissal of your removal proceedings, depending on your circumstances.

Q. I was removed from the United States with a final order of removal and reentered without being admitted or paroled. Am I eligible for parole in place under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. If you were removed or departed the United States under an outstanding order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and subsequently reentered without being admitted or paroled, USCIS will not grant you parole in place under Keeping Families Together, regardless of the date of your removal, departure, or reentry.

Q. What factors will USCIS consider in determining whether I have rebutted the presumption of ineligibility for parole in place because I have a final unexecuted removal order?

A. USCIS will evaluate, in the exercise of its discretion on a case-by-case basis, all positive and negative factors presented in your case, including the facts and circumstances underlying the unexecuted final removal order, in determining whether you overcome the presumption of ineligibility and be granted parole in place. Examples of information that may be relevant to overcoming the presumption of ineligibility include, but are not limited to:

• Lack of proper notice;
• Your age when the removal order was issued;
• Lack of counsel, ineffective assistance of counsel or being a victim of fraud in connection with immigration representation;
• Language access issues;
• Status as a victim of domestic violence;
• A physical or mental condition requiring care or treatment;
• Other extenuating personal factors, such as requestor’s limited resources (for example, a lack of housing that would have affected the requestor’s ability to appear);
• Other mitigating factors.

Q. I was granted parole in place under this process but am in removal proceedings before an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals or had my removal proceedings administratively closed. Can I apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident with USCIS?

A. Not immediately. If you want to file for adjustment of status with USCIS, you must ask the immigration judge to first terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings. Even if USCIS grants you parole in place, the immigration court generally retains sole jurisdiction over your application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) as long as you remain in removal proceedings, including if your removal proceedings were administratively closed.

If you are in INA section 240 proceedings, you should contact the appropriate local ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) field office where your removal case is located and provide information about your approved parole request. Contact information for local ICE OPLA field offices for prosecutorial discretion requests is available in the “OFL Email Addresses for PD Requests” section under “Additional Information” on the Doyle Memorandum: Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Instructions | ICE page. You may request that ICE OPLA work with you, at their discretion, to jointly request that the court terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings, or if your case is administratively closed, to request that the court re-calendar and then terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings.

Q. I was granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together but have a final unexecuted removal order issued by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals. Can I apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident before USCIS?

A. No. USCIS generally will not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your application for adjustment of status (Form I-485), unless your removal proceedings are first reopened and terminated or dismissed by an immigration judge.

If you have a final unexecuted removal order, you may  contact ICE OPLA to request that they work with you, at their discretion, to jointly submit a motion asking the immigration court to reopen and terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings.

Q. What impact does having a criminal conviction have on eligibility for this process?

A. All felony offenses will be disqualifying under this process. Convictions for the following offenses are also disqualifying regardless of whether the conviction was a felony or misdemeanor. DHS reserves its discretion to determine that other offenses are disqualifying, even if not listed.

• Murder, torture, rape, or sexual abuse;
• Offenses involving firearms, explosive materials, or destructive devices;
• Engaging in activities relating to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking in persons;
• Aggravated assault;
• Offenses relating to child pornography, sexual abuse or exploitation of minors, or solicitation of minors;
• Domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment; and
• Controlled substance offenses (other than simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana).

All other criminal convictions not listed above, excluding minor traffic offenses, will result in a presumption of ineligibility for this process. To overcome the presumption of ineligibility, you must provide documentation demonstrating positive factors that can be considered in overcoming this presumption and showing that you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion. You should include copies of arrest records and certified court dispositions for each arrest or criminal charge, as well as evidence that you completed your sentence, if applicable.

Even if you establish that you have met all the criteria for eligibility, and have rebutted the presumption of ineligibility, USCIS will examine the totality of the circumstances to determine whether your request should be granted as a matter of discretion for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.

Q. If I have a conviction for a felony offense, am I eligible for this process?

A. No. If you have been convicted of a felony offense, you are not eligible for this process, and we will deny your request.

Q. What offenses qualify as felonies?

A. A felony is a federal, state, or local criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. A single conviction for a felony offense is disqualifying for purposes of this process.

Q. I have pending criminal charges. Am I eligible for this process while the charges remain pending?

A. No. If you have been charged with any criminal offense and the charges remain pending, we will deny your request and not refund your filing fee. You may make a request for this process once your charges are resolved. However, if your criminal charges result in a conviction, and you are convicted of a crime that renders you ineligible for this process, your request will be denied. If your charges result in a conviction and the conviction does not render you ineligible for this process, the conviction will result in a rebuttable presumption of ineligibility, which may be overcome by demonstrating positive factors that outweigh the negative factors in your case.

You should include copies of arrest records and certified court dispositions for each arrest or criminal charge, as well as evidence that you completed your sentence, if applicable. USCIS will weigh the seriousness of the conviction against the positive factors and any other relevant information in each individual case. We will consider all criminal history in determining whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion under this process.

Q. What qualifies as a national security, public safety, or border security concern?

A. If the background check or other information uncovered during the review of your request indicates that you pose a public safety, national security, or border security concern, we will not grant your parole request. Indicators of national security concerns include, but are not limited to, participation in activities that threaten the United States. Indicators of public safety concerns include, but are not limited to, serious criminal conduct and criminal history. Indicators of border security concerns include apprehension following entry into the United States without authorization on or after Nov. 1, 2020; however, stepchildren who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria will not be disqualified if they entered on or after Nov. 1, 2020.

Q. Are dismissed, expunged, vacated, pardoned, deferred, annulled, invalidated, withheld, or sealed convictions subject to the presumption of ineligibility?

A. Yes. Convictions that were, for example, dismissed, expunged, vacated, pardoned, deferred, annulled, invalidated, withheld, or sealed will still create a presumption of ineligibility for purposes of this process, even if they may no longer constitute convictions for immigration purposes. You may be able to overcome this presumption, however, depending on the specific facts of your case, including but not limited to the fact that the conviction was expunged or vacated under state law, the reasons for the expungement or vacatur, the nature of the underlying offense, your age at the time of the commission of the underlying offense, and any other relevant facts surrounding the original conviction. In addition, USCIS may consider your entire criminal history, if any, along with other facts to determine, whether, under the totality of the circumstances, a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted.

NOTE : If you were never convicted (for example, you were only arrested), you are not subject to the presumption of ineligibility.

Q. If I have a criminal conviction that makes me presumptively ineligible for Keeping Families Together, how can I overcome that presumption?

A. The presumption may be rebutted on a case-by-case basis by providing evidence that demonstrates positive and mitigating factors that overcome the presumption. USCIS will weigh the seriousness of the conviction against mitigating factors relating to the conviction as well as other positive factors that suggest you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. The weight of the presumption will be guided by the nature and seriousness of the conviction. A less serious conviction, or a conviction that does not indicate you are a public safety concern, will carry less weight and can be more easily rebutted. In adjudicating parole in place requests on an individualized, case-by-case basis, the nature and seriousness of the conviction will determine the evidence needed to overcome it.

You should submit a detailed statement explaining the circumstances of the conviction, any mitigating factors, and any positive factors you want USCIS to consider and any other evidence you think may support your case. USCIS may request additional evidence from you if the evidence you submit initially is not sufficient to overcome the presumption of ineligibility. Examples of factors we will consider in determining whether the presumption of ineligibility based on a criminal conviction can be overcome – such as the age and nature of the conviction, as well as positive factors about the requestor – are described below.

Q. What factors will USCIS consider to determine whether I have overcome the presumption of ineligibility because of a criminal conviction?

A. Factors that can be considered in overcoming the presumption of ineligibility due to a criminal conviction may include, but are not limited to:

• Age of the conviction(s) (remoteness in time);
• Your age at the time of the offense and conviction, including whether you were a juvenile at the time of the offense;
• Sentence or penalty imposed;
• Evidence of subsequent rehabilitation;
• Nature of the conviction, including whether the conduct at issue was non-violent;
• Whether the conviction was an isolated offense when considered against the rest of your history, if any (including consideration of whether multiple criminal convictions were on the same date and may have arisen out of the same act, omission or scheme of conduct);
• Existence of a mental or physical condition that may have contributed to the criminal conduct;
• Your particular vulnerability, including any physical or mental condition requiring treatment or care in the United States;
• Your status as a victim of criminal activity, including domestic violence, particularly if related to the criminal conduct at issue;
• Your status, or that of your U.S. citizen spouse, as a current or former member of the U.S. military;
• Your status as the primary caregiver for a U.S. citizen child or elderly U.S. citizen parent or in-law;
• Your good character, such as property ties, business ties, or value and service to the community; or
• Other factors USCIS considers in its exercise of discretion.

Q. If I have a misdemeanor conviction for driving without a license, or driving with an expired license, will it make me ineligible for this process?

A. No. Misdemeanor convictions for minor traffic offenses, including driving without a license or driving with an expired license, will not make you ineligible for this process or create a presumption of ineligibility.

Q. Are juvenile delinquency dispositions subject to the presumption of ineligibility?

A. Yes. Juvenile delinquency dispositions will create a presumption of ineligibility for purposes of this process, even if they do not constitute convictions for immigration purposes. However, the factors considered when determining whether the presumption has been overcome, such as the nature of the underlying offense, your age at the time of the commission of the underlying offense, the length of time that has passed since the adjudication, and any other relevant facts surrounding the offense may be especially relevant in such cases. In addition, we may consider your entire criminal history, if any, along with other positive factors to determine, whether, under the totality of the circumstances, a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted.

If you cannot provide the record of the disposition because it is sealed or because State law prohibits its disclosure (even to you), USCIS still may request a statement or other information from you to determine whether the presumption has been overcome and a favorable exercise of discretion is otherwise warranted.

Q. Will USCIS conduct a background check when reviewing my request?

A. Yes. USCIS will conduct biographic and biometric background checks as part of its consideration of your request.

Q. What do background checks involve?

A. You must submit biometrics at an application support center (ASC), and USCIS will conduct background and security checks. Following your submission of your request, USCIS will send you a notification via your myUSCIS account that explains when and where to appear for your biometrics collection appointment.  You must print your biometric services appointment notice and bring it with you to your appointment.   If you are unable to attend the appointment, you can reschedule using our online rescheduling request process. For more information, see the Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment page and  Vol. 1, Part C, Chapter 2 – Biometrics Collection  in the USCIS Policy manual. 

Q. Can I appeal USCIS denial of my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. You cannot appeal the decision if we deny your parole in place request. However, you can file a new request, with new or additional evidence demonstrating your eligibility for parole in place, with the accompanying $580 filing fee.

Q. Can I file a motion to reopen or reconsider USCIS denial of my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. You cannot file a motion to reopen or reconsider the denial of your parole in place request under Keeping Families Together. However, you can file a new request, with new or additional evidence demonstrating your eligibility for parole in place, with the accompanying $580 filing fee.

Q. What will I receive if USCIS approves my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. If USCIS approves your parole in place request, you will receive a Form I-797, Approval Notice, that indicates the grant and validity period of parole in place. It will also include a copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, and Form I-94 number.

Q. If my request for Keeping Families Together is approved, will I accrue unlawful presence?

A. No. If you are granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you are in a period of authorized stay, which means you do not accrue unlawful presence while your parole remains valid (that is, not expired or terminated). Importantly, however, if you receive parole in place under Keeping Families Together, it does not erase any unlawful presence accrued  before  the start of your parole period. Furthermore, a pending request for parole in place does not stop the accrual of unlawful presence.

If your parole expires or is otherwise terminated, you will begin accruing  unlawful presence  unless you are maintaining or obtain another status during the parole period. Parole may be terminated at any time in DHS’s discretion upon a determination that parole is no longer warranted, for example, following the commission of criminal conduct. It is recommended that you apply for lawful permanent resident status as soon as possible after obtaining parole in place under this process. For more information on applying for lawful permanent resident status, please visit the  How to Apply for a Green Card webpage.

Q. If USCIS does not grant my request, will I be placed in removal proceedings?

A. If we deny your request for parole in place, we will generally not issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) or refer your case to ICE for possible enforcement action solely based on the denial, unless DHS is initiating immigration enforcement proceedings against you because you are considered a priority under the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF)   as a threat to national security, public safety, or border security.*

* NOTE:  Consistent with these guidelines, a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

Q. What happens if my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, but I do not apply for or receive adjustment of status during my parole period?

A. When the parole period terminates, a noncitizen returns to the same immigration status or category that they maintained before the parole in place, if any (unless that status or category has since expired or terminated), and their case will be dealt with in the same manner as any other applicant for admission, unless they obtained another immigration status or category during the parole period that is still valid beyond the parole end date. As stated above, DHS is not contemplating a re-parole process.

Q. I have a pending Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. Can I still make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes, you may make a request for this process while you have a pending Form I-601A. If you are granted parole in place under this process, you may then be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, in the United States without first seeking a provisional unlawful presence waiver. If your Form I-131F request is granted and you then apply for adjustment of status with USCIS, you will no longer be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and we will deny your Form I-601A.

Q. What will happen with my pending Form I-601A if I file a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Your Form I-601A will remain pending and will be adjudicated in the normal course. We will not refund the fee you paid for Form I-601A if you file a request for parole in place under this process. In addition, note that if your parole in place is granted and you apply to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident (Form I-485), you will no longer be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and we will deny your Form I-601A.

Q. My Form I-601A was approved, but I have not left the United States to attend a consular interview yet. May I make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. If you are present in the United States without admission or parole, are otherwise eligible for this process, and merit a favorable exercise of discretion, we may approve your request even though we already approved your Form I-601A.

Q. I previously filed a Form I-601A and now am filing a Form I-131F. Do I have to pay the Form I-131F fee?

A. Yes. You must pay the $580 fee for the Form I-131F, even if you previously filed a Form I-601A.

Q. I previously filed a Form I-601A. Will you prioritize consideration of my Form I-131F?

A. USCIS may prioritize your Form I-131F if you have a pending or approved Form I-601A and you include your Form I-601A receipt number on your Form I-131F request. For this reason, you should make sure to include your Form I-601A receipt number on your Form I-131F.

NOTE:  For your case to be identified and potentially prioritized, you must ensure that all biographic information on Form I-131F, including your name, exactly match the information you provided on the Form I-601A you previously filed.

Q. I have a pending Form I-601A. What happens to that request if my request under Keeping Families Together is granted?

A. Your Form I-601A will remain pending and will be adjudicated in turn. However, one of the eligibility requirements for the Form I-601A is that you do not have a pending application for lawful permanent residence with USCIS. Therefore, if you are granted parole in place and file for adjustment of status with USCIS, your pending Form I-601A will be denied.

Q. If I am granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together and no longer need a provisional unlawful presence waiver, will USCIS refund the filing fee for my Form I-601A?

A. No. Keeping Families Together is voluntary and requires payment of the requisite fee even if you have filed a Form I-601A. Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is denied, does this affect the decision on my pending Form I-601A?

A. No. The denial of a request for parole in place does not affect the adjudication of the Form I-601A, but the reasons that led to the denial of a parole in place request may also affect eligibility for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, including the determination of whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is denied, can I still file a Form I-601A?

A. Yes. Form I-601A has different eligibility requirements than parole in place. A denial of parole in place does not make you ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver; however, you should review the reasons for the denial of your parole in place request to determine if any of those reasons also make you ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.

Q. If my request for Keeping Families Together is granted, will I be eligible to request employment authorization?

A. Yes. If USCIS approves your request for Keeping Families Together, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , under eligibility category (c)(11). You can only apply for employment authorization after your Keeping Families Together request is approved. If you file your Form I-765 Employment application before USCIS approves your I-131F request under this process, USCIS will reject or deny your Form I-765.

Q. Will there be a fee to apply for employment authorization (Form I-765)?

A. Yes. If you file online through your myUSCIS account, the filing fee for Form I-765 is $470. If filing on paper and sending by mail, the filing fee for  Form I-765 is $520. If you would like to request a fee waiver, you must file your Form I-765 by mail and your filing must include a completed  Form I-912 or a written request for a fee waiver with supporting evidence of your financial inability to pay the fee. At present, you cannot request a fee waiver if you file your Form I-765 online.

Please visit our  Request for Fee Waiver webpage for additional information, guidance and tips on fee waiver requests. You can also review the  Form G-1055 for a complete fee schedule.

Q. Can I file my Form I-131F at the same time (concurrently) as an application for employment authorization (Form I-765)?

A. No, at this time, you must submit these two forms separately. If your Form I-131F is approved and you are granted parole in place, you can then file Form I-765 to apply for an EAD based on your authorized period of parole.

Q. How long will I be authorized for employment?

A. If your request for this process is approved and you are later granted an employment authorization document (EAD) under eligibility category (c)(11), your EAD will generally be valid for the same duration as your parole period, which can be up to three years under this process. Once you apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, you will then be eligible to apply for employment authorization pending adjudicating of your adjustment application under eligibility category (c)(9). You can receive employment authorization with a five-year validity under category (c)(9). If your parole under this process is granted, you should not delay in filing a subsequent I-130 petition and I-485 application.

Q. What should I do if my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) was lost, stolen, or damaged?

A. If your parole period is currently valid, and you need to replace a valid EAD because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, please review the “Replace an EAD” section on the  Employment Authorization Document page.

NOTE: Do not  file Form I-131F with this replacement Form I-765. If you submit Form I-131F when you are filing to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD, we will deny your Form I-I31F, and we will not refund the filing fee for Form I-131F.

Q. As an employer, if I provide my employee with information regarding their employment to support a request for parole in place, will that information be used for immigration enforcement purposes against me or my company?

A. An employer may, as they determine appropriate, provide individuals requesting parole in place under this process with documentation verifying their employment. This information will not be shared with ICE for civil immigration enforcement purposes under section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (relating to unlawful employment of noncitizens), except in cases involving unscrupulous employers who exploit undocumented workers by engaging in illegal acts ranging from the payment of substandard wages to imposing unsafe working conditions and facilitating human trafficking and child exploitation, and who therefore may be a DHS worksite enforcement priority as described in the Oct. 12, 2021 memorandum entitled “ Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual .”

Q. How can I tell if an employer is discriminating against me because I am a parolee?

A. An employer may be engaging in discrimination if they:

• Demand that an employee only show specific documents from the  Lists of Acceptable Documents or ask for more or different documents than are required to complete  Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or create an  E-Verify case; or
• Reject documents from the  Lists of Acceptable Documents  that reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee, including documentation showing employment authorization because it has a future expiration date or because of an employee’s prior unauthorized status.

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has an office dedicated to ensuring that employers do not discriminate against individuals who are permitted to work in the United States. These include parolees who have been granted work authorization. If you think your employer may be discriminating against you, contact the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) at 800-255-7688 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-237-2515).

Q. What happens to my employment authorization if USCIS terminates my parole before it expires?

A. If USCIS terminates your grant of parole, there will no longer be a basis for your parole-based employment authorization. USCIS may therefore revoke your employment authorization.

Q. Can I file a family-based petition (Form I-130) at the same time as my parole in place request (Form I-131F)?

A. Each form must be filed separately with their own fees, but there is no requirement to wait to file a Form I-130. The Form I-131F may only be filed online, whereas the Form I-130 may be filed online or on paper by regular mail. The timing in which you file a Form I-130 will not affect the adjudication time of your Form I-131F.

Q. USCIS granted my request under Keeping Families Together. Does my U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent need to file Form I-130 for me so that I am able to apply to adjust to lawful permanent resident status?

A. Yes, unless your U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent has already filed a Form I-130 on your behalf. To be eligible for lawful permanent resident status on the basis of your marriage or stepchild relationship to a U.S. citizen, you must have an approved Form I-130. If you requested parole as the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must have a separate Form I-130 filed on your behalf.

Q. What are the requirements for my U.S. citizen spouse to file Form I-130?

A. In addition to having a legally valid marriage that is valid in the place of celebration, and that is not contrary to the public policy of the United States or state in which you and your spouse reside, your petitioning U.S. citizen spouse must demonstrate that your marriage is bona fide and was not entered into for the primary purpose of seeking an immigration benefit. For additional information on requirements and filing procedures for Form I-130, please see our  Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative page.

Q. What are the requirements for my U.S. citizen stepparent to file Form I-130?

A. To be a beneficiary of a Form I-130 as a stepchild, and eligible to apply to adjust status, the child’s stepparent must demonstrate that their marriage to the child’s noncitizen parent was bona fide. For additional information on requirements and filing procedures for Form I-130, please see our  Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative page.

Q. What additional documents can I provide to demonstrate that my marriage is bona fide for purposes of the Form I-130?

A. At the time of filing the Form I-130, your U.S. citizen spouse, as the Form I-130 petitioner, will need to provide evidence that your marriage is bona fide. Such evidence may include but is not limited to:

• Documentation showing joint ownership of property or evidence that you and your spouse reside together;
• Documentation showing that you and your spouse have shared financial resources;
• Birth certificates of children born to you and your spouse;
• Affidavits from others who have personal knowledge of your marriage; and
• Any other documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

Additionally, your marriage must not be contrary to the public policy of the United States or state where you and your spouse reside.

Q. What are the requirements for widow(er)s and what do I file?

A. If you are a  widow(er) , you must have a pending or approved Form I-130 filed prior to your spouse’s death, which will be converted to a  Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant . If a Form I-130 was not already filed on your behalf, you may file a Form I-360 petition as a self-petitioner but must do so within two years of your spouse’s death. You also must not have been legally separated from your spouse at the time of death and you must not remarry prior to the adjudication of your Form I-360.

Q. Can I apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) concurrently with my Keeping Families Together request (Form I-131F)?

A. No. You must first be granted parole in place before applying for adjustment of status.

Q. If USCIS grants my request under Keeping Families Together, does this mean I will be eligible to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR)?

A. This process does not change the eligibility criteria for LPR status but provides an opportunity for eligible noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to adjust their status under existing legal authorities without having to depart the United States to seek an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. To qualify for adjustment of status under  INA 245(a) , an applicant must prove that they have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, among other requirements. A grant of parole in place will satisfy the parole requirement under INA 245(a). Eligibility for  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , and any related forms that might be required, including  Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility , will be determined on their own merits in a distinct and separate process from the parole in place decision.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, am I subject to the “3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars” and the “permanent bar”?

A. If you are granted parole in place under this process and subsequently apply for adjustment of status, you will be evaluated for admissibility at that stage. For more information about how unlawful presence impacts the determination of inadmissibility, please visit  Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility .

Determining if you are inadmissible after accruing unlawful presence can be complex. If you need help or legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. You can find information about authorized legal services on our  Avoid Scams  page.

Q. If I have previously worked in the United States without employment authorization, am I ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(c)(2) and 245(c)(8)?

A. The bars to adjustment of status at INA section 245(c)(2) and INA section 245(c)(8), which are related to accepting or engaging in unauthorized employment, generally do not apply to noncitizens seeking adjustment of status based on an approved Form I-130 as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives under the INA.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, what will happen to me if my spouse passes away before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. If your U.S. citizen spouse has died, you may still be eligible for  adjustment of status if you meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify, you must not have been legally separated from your spouse at the time of death and you must not remarry before USCIS adjudicates your adjustment application.

If you qualify as a widow(er), and you have a pending or approved Form I-130 filed before your spouse’s death, it will be automatically converted to a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.

If a Form I-130 was not already filed on your behalf, you may file a Form I-360 as a self-petitioner, but you must do so within two years of your spouse’s death.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, what will happen to me if my spouse and I divorce before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. Generally, you will be ineligible to adjust status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen if you and your spouse divorce before you apply to adjust status. To be eligible for immigrant petition approval or to adjust status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must still be married to your spouse at the time of application and final adjudication.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, will I be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility when I apply to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident?

A. If you apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident after you are granted parole under this process, you must demonstrate that you are not inadmissible under the public charge ground of inadmissibility at INA 212(a)(4) (unless you are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility), as well as the other grounds of inadmissibility in INA section 212.

For more detailed information on the public charge ground of inadmissibility, please refer to  USCIS Public Charge Resources, as well as  USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G, Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility .

Q. If my request under the Keeping Families Together is granted, can I travel outside the United States during my period of parole?

A. A grant of parole in place through Keeping Families Together does not authorize parole back into the United States if you decide to depart. If you depart the United States after being granted parole in place, your period of parole will automatically terminate. If you depart the United States without first obtaining an Advance Parole Document, you run a significant risk of not being able to return to the United States and you may also be ineligible for future immigration benefits.

CAUTION: Travel outside of the United States, even with advance parole, may have severe immigration-related consequences, including with respect to potential inadmissibility or execution of an outstanding order of removal. Parole into the United States is not guaranteed even if you have been granted advance parole prior to leaving the country. You are still subject to immigration inspection at a U.S. port of entry to determine whether you may be paroled into the United States and whether you are eligible for the immigration status you seek. For further information, see  Travel Documents | USCIS . Consultation with a qualified attorney or accredited representative is strongly advised prior to any travel outside of the United States.

• Study Abroad

4 Amazing Study Abroad Grants to Apply for Now

Mariel is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she studied public policy and socio...

• Scholarships & Funding
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Learn the secrets to applying for—and winning!—study abroad grants. Going abroad is quickly becoming a rite of passage for many college students, but just like that mixture of fear and dread that you felt when deciding between a costly private university and that awesome in-state deal, going abroad may bring up similar wallet woes. However, there is some good news. First of all, if you did choose that piggy-bank draining private university, some study abroad programs and destinations might actually be cheaper than a semester’s tuition, if your school offers tuition waivers while you’re abroad. Even still, the best news of all is that study abroad grants and scholarships are becoming increasingly available to make your summer, semester, or year-long program dreams come true!

The importance of studying abroad continues to become unmistakably evident and campaigns like Generation Study Abroad are building a community of countries, non-profits, companies, and universities to increase the number of U.S. students going abroad each year. As a result of this momentum, start your search for the growing number of study abroad scholarships and grants and get yourself on that next international flight.

What's the difference between study abroad grants vs. scholarships? 

Study abroad grants are typically distributed by government agencies or philanthropic organizations, so think of those prestigious State Department programs or Andrew Mellon Foundation fellowships . Don’t be afraid though, while these awards can be competitive, you’re totally capable of putting your application in the running. Grants in general can also be awarded to organizations, not just individuals. 

Meanwhile, study abroad scholarships are equally awesome sources of funding for your travels, but usually come from non-profit organizations or companies. When deciding to apply for a grant vs. scholarship, these two types of awards are effectively equal in providing the coveted funds for an experience abroad, just from different sources.

If you’re already receiving a grant or scholarship towards your university tuition, you may be eligible to apply this funding to your time abroad depending on the program you choose and your school’s policies. Government grants and scholarships, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, can be applied to study abroad tuition if both your program and home university are eligible to participate in the federal aid programs. As you start your study abroad research, reach out to both the Study Abroad Office on your campus and the program of your choice to determine the best option for your personal situation.

MONEY Study abroad grants PLEEEASE!

4 study abroad grants accepting applications

It’s so hard to choose when there are so many awesome funding opportunities right at your fingertips! But, if we had to, some of our favorites are:

1. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Awarded by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious grant is intended to support U.S. undergraduate students who pursue study abroad or for-credit internships abroad. The Gilman Program was founded with the intention to diversify both the population of students going abroad and their countries of destination. Scholarships can be up to $5,000 or $8,000, if studying a Critical Need Language.

2. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

If you’re passionate about social justice and plan to continue your commitment to your community activism values while abroad, then the Davis-Putter Scholarship is a perfect opportunity to fund both your studies in the USA and abroad. Engaging in social change while abroad is an amazing way to immerse in the local community and go beyond being a tourist in your destination of choice. Look for programs that align with your social issue interests and then share your passion with the Davis-Putter Fund to gain the grant to make it happen!

3. Critical Language Scholarships

Half the fun of going abroad is learning a language, and this grant from the U.S. Department of State is there to support aspiring linguists abroad. Even if you can only go abroad for a brief time, the CLS Program is perfect as it funds U.S. undergraduate and graduate students for “overseas language and cultural immersion programs,” specifically during the summer months. Check if your language of interest is eligible and then apply to get that funding to dive deep into your studies abroad.

4. Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships

Since 2010, the FEA has been helping undergraduate students go abroad with generous awards of $10,000 for an academic year, $5,000 for one semester, and $1,250 for summer programs. Plus, you might qualify for one of their additional, dedicated scholarships based on your cross-cultural interests, identity, destination country, or hometown. With 50 scholarships and thorough support for their application process, the FEA is a genuine advocate for students of all backgrounds to go abroad!

Other ways to find study abroad funding

Now that you’re excited about the wide array of opportunities for study abroad funding, it’s time to start searching. No need to reinvent the wheel though when there are plenty of resources out there for you to explore. Here are three for a kickstart: 

• GoAbroad Scholarship Directory : Check out our scholarship directory for more information about applying for study abroad grants and scholarships, as well as a big list for you to start determining which award best fits your plans. Some study abroad scholarships focus on your destination, so if funding is already on your mind when you first decide to go abroad, check out regional or country-specific scholarship and grant options.
• Your University’s Study Abroad Office: With the goal of helping students on your campus go abroad, the advisors in your university’s study abroad office are a great in-person resource for all your questions and concerns. They also will have special insight into any university, local, or statewide grants that are available and have been successful for students from your school.
• The Internet: It might seem like a huge undertaking to find funding from the expanse of the World Wide Web, but with some spot on keywords, you’ll have scholarship success with a simple Google search. Start typing based on your destination, field of study, or home state or university to see which study abroad grants or scholarships are applicable. Amidst the thousands of hits, you might just strike gold with the opportunity that matches your rockstar qualifications. 

You won’t be needing one of these to grant you funding!

What You Need to Apply

Study abroad scholarship and grant recipients are determined based on a number of factors, but two of the most common include your grades and some form of an essay or project proposal. When applying to your study abroad program, you likely already had to get a copy of your transcript and know the drill. When applying for different study abroad scholarships and grants, you should hit up your transcript office to ensure that you meet those deadlines with the official or unofficial copies required. Other pieces of information to have on hand are your GPA, your extracurricular achievements, the contact details for several references, and an updated copy of your resume that shows off the leadership skills and active commitment you will bring to your time abroad. 

Perhaps the most important piece of your scholarship or grant application will be the personal statement or essay that details why you deserve to be awarded the funds. This is a great opportunity to sit down and consider why it’s important to you, your studies, and your career to go abroad. 

Consider what skills and experiences you will gain abroad versus on staying campus, or what the particular destination you choose means to you both personally and professionally. Reflecting and making goals will not only help you to write a standout scholarship essay but also provide some meaning and intention to your time abroad once you land in your destination. By convincing the scholarship or grant committee of the urgency of your study abroad adventure, you’ll also convince yourself enough to make the most of every minute.

Craft a killer personal statement and take that study abroad grant all the way to the bank.

Study abroad grants are within reach!

Feeling empowered and inspired? Even if you’re feeling strapped for travel adventure cash, there are so many organizations and offices on and off campus to support you in making your study abroad dreams come true. The earlier the better to secure all the funding necessary for your program and host country, so start your research and applying today!

Score additional funding by starting a campaign on FundMyTravel.

Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now

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2 Best CIEE Travel Grants for College Students

July 5, 2024

Programs for this blog post

Authored by:.

If you’re planning for a study abroad adventure, chances are you’re starting to get organized and assess what needs to be done ahead of your travels. And one of the most important steps: Exploring your study abroad scholarship and grant options .  

Let’s dive in as we discuss two of the best CIEE travel grants for students like yourself and learn more about how you can make your study abroad dream a reality!  

GAIN Travel Grant  

CIEE’s GAIN Travel Grant is part of our need-based scholarship offerings based on students’ Student Aid Index (SAI) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at their enrolled institution.  

This travel grant helps students with their travel costs to and from their study abroad or i nternship program destination up to $1,500 for semester and quarter programs , and $500 for summer , J-term , and single block programs .  

Any student with an SAI up to 10,000 is guaranteed to receive this grant, while those more than 10,000, will still be considered post-deadline. Important to note: The deadlines for this grant vary by term:

• Early Deadline for Summer Global Internship Programs: February 15
• Summer/Fall Programs: April 1
• J-term/Spring Programs: October 15

The steps to apply for the GAIN Travel Grant are super simple:  

• Step 1: Students upload their FAFSA Student Aid Report
• Step 2: Submit a CIEE Scholarships and Grants application 

This is an incredible opportunity for students to receive some extra assistance with their travel costs!  

Trailblazer Grant  

Also part of our travel grants is the Trailblazer Grant, which is considered in our third category of scholarship offerings, deemed “other,” based on study abroad programs or alumni status. This specific grant is awarded to students who travel on a new 2025 spring , summer , or fall study abroad program with CIEE.  

CIEE offers many qualifying spring and fall programs for this specific travel grant that span several countries including:  

• Estonia  
• France  
• Italy  
• Spain  
• Greater China
• New Zealand

Make sure to check out each of the specific study abroad programs and cities on our Trailblazer Grant page .  

Students may receive up to $1,500 as a flight voucher for their eligible CIEE program and, like our other scholarship and grant options, the steps to applying are straightforward. Once you’ve decided on your new 2025 spring, summer, or fall program, all you’ll need to do is the following:  

• Step 1: Fill out the form to receive details about your flight voucher
• Step 2: Select one of our qualifying programs  
• Step 3: Start your CIEE application  

The Trailblazer Grant is a simple way to gain some extra assistance with your study abroad travels!  

Travel Grant FAQs  

While the application process for our travel grants and travel scholarships is relatively straightforward, we’re sure you have some questions. And we don’t blame you. It can seem like a complicated process and it’s all brand-new information.  

We’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions about our travel grants and answered them!  

What is a travel grant?  

Starting with the very basics, a grant is a non-refundable endowment given by an individual, organization, or government department for a specific purpose linked to public benefit. Travel grants in the case of studying abroad, are awarded to students from a non-profit organization, (that’s us: CIEE), to assist students in their international education. And the public benefit is robust—creating global citizens who will make the world a better place (that’s you)!  

It’s important to note that travel grants aren’t just awarded to students. For example, researchers can apply for travel grants to expand their studies, and many other instances.  

Do scholarships cover travel expenses?  

Yes! Some of our travel scholarships cover travel expenses, but some are specific to program fees. For example, while the GAIN Travel Grant helps cover travel costs, the Gilman Go Global Grant helps cover semester program fees. Take a close look at each of our offerings on our scholarships and grants page to best understand what type of aid covers specific aspects of your study abroad program and travels.  

Read More: Study Abroad Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know    

How do I ask for travel funding?  

As the question implies, simply asking for travel funding is perfectly acceptable!  

We always have CIEE staff available to help point you in the right direction. As we’ve mentioned, exploring our scholarships and grants page is a great place to start, as well as consulting with your on-campus study abroad office; they might have some additional travel grants and scholarships related to your specific institution. Your academic advisor might even be able to provide some helpful resources.  

What’s important to note is that there are a lot of different places and people to look to for help with travel funding, and CIEE is another wonderful resource to support you and help make your study abroad program affordable and accessible.  

How to apply for a travel grant?  

As we’ve mentioned, applying for a travel grant with CIEE is simple! On your CIEE application, make sure to fill out the scholarship and grants portion. And if you have any questions, we’re happy to help!  

Studying abroad is possible with the many different travel grants and scholarships available—check them out today!  

EXPLORE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS   

Get Your Grant Today! 

Now that you know our two travel grant offers for studying abroad, as well as answers to commonly asked grants questions, we encourage you to check out our 200+ study abroad program offerings and find one that best suits your interests! 

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Yekaterinburg city, Russia

The capital city of Sverdlovsk oblast .

Yekaterinburg - Overview

Yekaterinburg or Ekaterinburg (Sverdlovsk in 1924-1991) is the fourth most populous city in Russia (after Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk), the administrative center of the Ural Federal District and Sverdlovsk Oblast.

This city is one of the country’s largest transport and logistics hubs, as well as an important industrial center. It is unofficially called the “capital of the Urals.”

The population of Yekaterinburg is about 1,493,600 (2022), the area - 468 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 343, the postal codes - 620000-620920.

Ekaterinburg city flag

Ekaterinburg city coat of arms.

Ekaterinburg city map, Russia

Ekaterinburg city latest news and posts from our blog:.

26 May, 2020 / Unique Color Photos of Yekaterinburg in 1909 .

2 December, 2018 / Yekaterinburg - the view from above .

21 November, 2018 / Abandoned Railway Tunnel in Didino .

4 December, 2017 / Stadiums and Matches of the World Cup 2018 in Russia .

3 January, 2017 / Ekaterinburg, the Capital of the Urals: Then and Now .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

4 April, 2011   / Free travel on new high-speed trains should allay fans' fears about long journey to Ekaterinburg - the most far-flung city on Russia's list of sites for 2018 World Cup. Let's hope the train will not break down in the middle of nowhere.

1 February, 2011   / Today is the 80th anniversary of the birth of Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia. President Medvedev today unveiled a monument to Yeltsin in his home city Ekaterinburg. First one in Russia.

History of Yekaterinburg

Foundation of yekaterinburg.

The territory along the Iset River, which served as a convenient transport route from the Ural Mountains deep into Siberia, has long attracted settlers. The oldest of the currently discovered settlements on the territory of present Yekaterinburg was located next to the Palkinsky Stone Tents rock massif and dates back to the 6th millennium BC.

From the 7th-3rd centuries BC, ancient metallurgists who mastered the smelting of copper lived in this settlement. Copper figures of birds, animals, people, arrowheads, various household items were found here. Later they learned how to make iron products. All discovered settlements were destroyed as a result of fires, possibly during raids of the conquerors.

The territory occupied by present Yekaterinburg became part of Russia in the middle of the 17th century. At that time, it had practically no permanent population. The first Russian settlements were founded in the second half of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, the first ironworks were built here.

In the spring of 1723, by decree of Emperor Peter I, the construction of the largest iron-making plant in Russia began on the banks of the Iset River. Construction began on the initiative of Vasily Tatishchev (a prominent Russian statesman). He was supported by Georg Wilhelm de Gennin (a German-born Russian military officer and engineer), on the initiative of which the fortress plant was named Yekaterinburg in honor of Empress Catherine I (Yekaterina in Russian), the wife of Peter I.

More Historical Facts…

The historic birthday of Yekaterinburg is November 18, 1723. On this day, a test run of the plant equipment was carried out. Its main products included iron, cast iron, and copper. In 1725, the Yekaterinburg Mint began production on the territory of the fortress and became the main producer of copper coins in the Russian Empire. Until 1876, it produced about 80% of the country’s copper coins. In the 1720s, the population of Yekaterinburg was about 4,000 people.

Yekaterinburg - one of the economic centers of the Russian Empire

In the middle of the 18th century, the first ore gold in Russia was discovered in this region, which was the beginning of the gold industry in the country. As a result, Yekaterinburg became the center of a whole system of densely located plants and began to develop as the capital of the mining region, which spread on both sides of the Ural Range.

In 1781, Catherine II granted Yekaterinburg the status of a county town in the Perm Governorate. The population of the town was about 8,000 people. In 1783, the town received a coat of arms depicting an ore mine and a melting furnace, which symbolized its mining and metallurgical industries (similar images are depicted on the current coat of arms and flag of Yekaterinburg).

In 1783, the Great Siberian Road was opened - the main road of the Russian Empire that passed through Yekaterinburg. It served as an impetus for the transformation of Yekaterinburg into a transport hub and a center of trade. Thus, Yekaterinburg, among other towns of the Perm Governorate, became the key town for the development of the boundless and rich Siberia, the “window to Asia”, just as St. Petersburg was the Russian “window to Europe.”

In 1808, the Yekaterinburg plant was closed, and the history of the town entered a new stage related to the development of a large regional center with a diversified economy. At the beginning of the 19th century, the gold mining industry flourished. At the same time, deposits of emeralds, sapphires, aquamarines, diamonds, and other precious, semiprecious, and ornamental stones were discovered in the Urals. Yekaterinburg became one of the world centers for their artistic processing.

After the abolition of serfdom in 1861, the mining industry of the Urals experienced a severe crisis, a number of plants were closed. In 1878, the first railway was constructed across the Urals and connected Yekaterinburg with Perm. In 1888, the Yekaterinburg-Tyumen railway was built, and in 1897 - the railway to Chelyabinsk, which provided access to the Trans-Siberian Railway. Yekaterinburg became a major railway junction, which contributed to the development of the local food industry, especially flour milling. In 1913, the population of Yekaterinburg was about 69,000 people.

Yekaterinburg in the first years of Soviet power

On November 8, 1917, Soviet power was established in Yekaterinburg. On April 30, 1918, the last Russian emperor Nicholas II and his family members with a few servants were transported from Tobolsk to Yekaterinburg. They were placed in the “House of Special Purpose”, the mansion of engineer Nikolai Ipatiev requisitioned for this purpose, and transferred under the supervision and responsibility of the Ural Regional Soviet.

In July 1918, units of the White Siberian army approached Yekaterinburg, under this pretext the leadership of the Ural Regional Soviet decided to shoot the imperial family. On the night of July 16-17, 1918, it was done in the basement of the Ipatiev House.

10 days later, units of the Czechoslovak Legion entered Yekaterinburg. Over the next 12 months, it was under the control of anti-Bolshevik forces. On July 14, 1919, the Red Army reoccupied the city. Soviet authorities and the Yekaterinburg Province with a center in Yekaterinburg were restored. In 1920, the population of the city was about 94,400 people.

The political center of the Urals moved from Perm to Yekaterinburg. In 1923, Yekaterinburg became the administrative center of the vast Ural Oblast, which in size exceeded the territory of the present Ural Federal District of Russia. In 1924, the city council decided to rename the capital of the new region to Sverdlovsk - in honor of Yakov Sverdlov, a Bolshevik party administrator and chairman of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.

Sverdlovsk - a Soviet industrial giant

During the years of Stalin’s industrialization, Sverdlovsk was turned into a powerful industrial center. The old factories were reconstructed and new large factories were built, including giant machine-building and metal processing plants. In 1933, the construction of the future flagship of Soviet engineering (Uralmash) was completed. The population of Sverdlovsk grew by more than 3 times, and it became one of the fastest growing cities in the USSR.

January 17, 1934, Ural Oblast was divided into three regions - Sverdlovsk Oblast with a center in Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk Oblast with a center in Chelyabinsk, and Ob-Irtysh Oblast with a center in Tyumen. By the end of the 1930s, there were 140 industrial enterprises, 25 research institutes, 12 higher educational institutions in Sverdlovsk. In 1939, the population of the city was about 425,500 people.

Along with other Ural cities, Sverdlovsk made a significant contribution to the victory of the USSR in the Second World War. In total, more than 100,000 residents of the city joined the Red Army. 41,772 people didn’t return from the war: 21,397 - killed in battles, 4,778 - died from wounds in hospitals, 15,491 - went missing, 106 - died in prisoner of war camps.

Sverdlovsk became the largest evacuation point, more than 50 large and medium enterprises from the western regions of Russia and Ukraine were evacuated here. During the war years, industrial production in Sverdlovsk grew 7 times.

After the war, this city became the largest center for engineering and metalworking in Russia. During the Cold War, Sverdlovsk, as a key center of the defense industry, was practically closed to foreigners. In 1960, in the sky above the city, Soviet air defense shot down the U-2 spy plane of the US manned by Francis Gary Powers.

On January 23, 1967, a millionth resident was born in the city and Sverdlovsk became one of the first Russian cities with a population of more than 1 million people. In 1979, Sverdlovsk was included in the list of historical cities of Russia.

On October 4, 1988, a serious accident occurred at the Sverdlovsk railway station. The train carrying almost 100 tons of explosives rolled downhill and crashed into a coal freight train. An explosion occurred, aggravated by the proximity of a large warehouse of fuels and lubricants. The funnel at the site of the explosion had a diameter of 40-60 meters and a depth of 8 meters, the shock wave spread 10-15 kilometers. The explosion killed 4 people at the station and injured more than 500 people. About 600 houses were severely damaged.

Yekaterinburg - one of the largest cities of the Russian Federation

On September 4, 1991, the Sverdlovsk City Council of People’s Deputies decided to return the city its original name - Yekaterinburg. The population of the city was about 1,375,000 people. The restrictions on foreign visitors to the city were also lifted, and soon the first consulate general was opened here - the United States of America (in 1994).

The transition to a market economy led to a reduction in production at industrial enterprises, inert giant plant found themselves in a particularly difficult situation. In 1991, the construction of the television tower was stopped. The city was flooded with chaotic small retail trade in temporary pavilions and markets. These years were the heyday of organized crime, Yekaterinburg became one of the “criminal capitals” of Russia. The economic situation began to improve by the end of the 1990s.

In 2000-2003, the Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land was built on the site of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg. In 2008-2009, the Koltsovo Airport was reconstructed. In June 15-17, 2009, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) and BRIC (Brasilia, Russia, India, China) summits were held in Yekaterinburg.

In 2015, the Presidential Center of Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia, was opened in Yekaterinburg. On March 24, 2018, the abandoned unfinished television tower was dismantled. It was the tallest building in the city (almost 240 meters) and became one of the symbols of Yekaterinburg. 4 matches of FIFA World Cup 2018 were played in Yekaterinburg.

Today, Yekaterinburg is the largest center of attraction not only of Sverdlovsk Oblast, but also of the surrounding regions. By some socio-economic indicators, this city ranks third in Russia, after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Along with the development of trade and business, the city lost the status of the country’s largest industrial center.

On the streets of Yekaterinburg

Soviet-era apartment buildings in Yekaterinburg

Author: Alex Kolm

In the central part of Yekaterinburg

Author: Serg Fokin

Yekaterinburg street view

Author: Krutikov S.V.

Yekaterinburg - Features

Yekaterinburg is located in the floodplain of the Iset River on the eastern slope of the Middle Urals in Asia, near its border with Europe, about 1,800 km east of Moscow. Since the Ural Mountains are very old, there are no significant hills in the city.

This relief was a favorable condition for the construction of the main transport routes from Central Russia to Siberia (the Siberian Route and the Trans-Siberian Railway) through Yekaterinburg. As a result, it has become one of the most strategically important centers of Russia, which still provides a link between the European and Asian parts of the country.

Yekaterinburg is located in the border zone of temperate continental and continental climates. It is characterized by a sharp variability in weather conditions with well-defined seasons. The Ural Mountains, despite their low height, block the way to the masses of air coming from the west from the European part of Russia.

As a result, the Middle Urals is open to the invasion of cold Arctic air and continental air of the West Siberian Plain. At the same time, warm air masses of the Caspian Sea and the deserts of Central Asia can freely enter this territory from the south.

That is why the city is characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations and the formation of weather anomalies: in winter from severe frosts to thaws and rains, in summer from heat above plus 35 degrees Celsius to frosts. The average temperature in January is minus 12.6 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19 degrees Celsius.

The city has a rather unfavorable environmental situation due to air pollution. In 2016, Yekaterinburg was included in the list of Russian cities with the worst environmental situation by this indicator. Car emissions account for more than 90% of all pollution.

Yekaterinburg ranks third in Russia (after Moscow and St. Petersburg) in the number of diplomatic missions, while their consular districts extend far beyond Sverdlovsk Oblast, and serve other regions of the Urals, Siberia, and the Volga region.

In terms of economy, Yekaterinburg also ranks third in the country. It is one of the largest financial and business centers of Russia. The main branches of production: metallurgical production and metalworking, food production, production of electrical equipment, electronic and optical equipment, production of vehicles, production of machinery and equipment, chemical production.

Almost all types of urban public transport are presented in Yekaterinburg: buses, trolleybuses, trams, subways, taxis. Yekaterinburg is the third largest transportation hub in Russia: 6 federal highways, 7 main railway lines, as well as Koltsovo International Airport, one of the country’s largest airports. The location of Yekaterinburg in the central part of the region allows you to get from it to any major city of the Urals in 7-10 hours.

Yekaterinburg has an extensive scientific and technical potential, it is one of the largest scientific centers in Russia. The Presidium and about 20 institutes of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 66 research institutes, and about 30 universities are located here.

This city is a relatively large tourist center. A significant part of tourists visit it to honor the memory of the last Russian emperor and his family killed by the Bolsheviks in the basement of the Ipatiev House in 1918.

There are about 50 different museums in Yekaterinburg. One of the world’s largest collections of constructivist architectural monuments has been preserved here. In total, there are over 600 historical and cultural monuments in the city, of which 43 are objects of federal significance. The City Day of Yekaterinburg is celebrated on the third Saturday of August.

Interesting facts about Yekaterinburg

• It was founded by the decree of the first Russian Emperor Peter I and the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II was shot here;
• In 1820, the roof of the UK Parliament building in London was made of roofing iron produced in Yekaterinburg;
• Ural steel was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris;
• Ural copper was used in the construction of the Statue of Liberty in New York;
• During the Second World War, Sverdlovsk was the center of broadcasting in the USSR;
• Equipment for the world’s deepest borehole (Kola Superdeep Borehole, 12,262 meters) was produced in Yekaterinburg;
• Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia, began his political career in Yekaterinburg;
• Minor planet #27736 Yekaterinburg, discovered by the Belgian astronomer Eric Elst on September 22, 1990, was named in honor of this city;
• Two most northern skyscrapers in the world are located in Yekaterinburg: the Iset residential tower (209 m) and the Vysotsky business center (188 m), they are the tallest buildings throughout Russia east of Moscow.

Pictures of Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg city view

Author: Andrey Zagaynov

Modern architecture in Yekaterinburg

Author: Yury Baranov

The territory of the central stadium of Yekaterinburg before reconstruction

Author: Sergey Likhota

Main Attractions of Yekaterinburg

Sevastyanov House - a palace of the first quarter of the 19th century built in the architectural styles of pseudo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, and Moorish traditions and painted in green, white, and red tones. Today, it is the most beautiful building in Yekaterinburg and one of its symbols. The house stands on the promenade of the Iset River, very close to the city dam. Lenina Avenue, 35.

“Plotinka” - the dam of the city pond on the Iset River built in the 18th century. From an architectural point of view, it is an ordinary bridge. However, it is of particular importance for the residents of Yekaterinburg since the construction of the entire city started from this place. Today, this is the main place for festivities in Yekaterinburg. Lenina Avenue.

Observation Deck of the Business Center “Vysotsky” - an open-air observation deck on the 52nd floor at an altitude of 168 meters. From here you can enjoy the views of all of Yekaterinburg. On the second and third floors of this skyscraper there is the memorial museum of Vladimir Vysotsky - a singer, songwriter, and actor who had an immense effect on Soviet culture. Malysheva Street, 51.

Vaynera Street - the central avenue of Yekaterinburg, the so-called “Ural Arbat”. One of its parts from Kuibysheva Street to Lenina Avenue is a pedestrian street. This is one of the oldest streets in Yekaterinburg laid in the middle of the 18th century. Along it, you can see merchant mansions, shops, administrative buildings, most of which were built in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.

Rastorguev-Kharitonov Palace (1794-1824) - one of the most valuable architectural manor and park ensembles in Yekaterinburg, an architectural monument of federal significance built in the classical style and located in the city center. Karla Libknekhta Street, 44.

Church of the Ascension (1792-1818) - one of the oldest churches in Yekaterinburg located next to the Rastorguev-Kharitonov Palace. This beautiful building combines the features of baroque, pseudo-Russian style, and classicism. Klary Tsetkin Street, 11.

Yeltsin Center - a cultural and educational center dedicated to the contemporary history of Russia, as well as the personality of its first president, Boris Yeltsin. The museum dedicated to his life is one of the best museums in Russia. Borisa Yeltsina Street, 3.

Yekaterinburg Museum of Fine Arts - the largest art museum in the Urals housed in two buildings. This museum is best known for its unique collection of Kasli art castings and the world-famous Kasli cast iron pavilion - a participant in the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.

The following collections can also be found here: Russian paintings of the 18th - early 20th centuries, Russian avant-garde of 1910-1920, Russian porcelain and glass of the 18th - 20th centuries, Russian icon painting of the 16th-19th centuries, Western European art of the 14th-19th centuries, stone-carving and jewelry art of the Urals, Zlatoust decorated weapons and steel engraving. Voevodina Street, 5; Vaynera Street, 11.

Museum of the History of Stone-Cutting and Jewelry Art . A unique collection of this museum consists of gem minerals, works of jewelers and stone-cutters of the Urals, and products created at the Ural lapidary factory. The museum has Malachite and Bazhov halls, the Emerald Room, and several exhibition galleries where visitors can see works made of colored stone and metal created by local artists. Lenina Avenue, 37.

Sverdlovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore . At first, its collection consisted of four departments: mineralogical, botanical, zoological, and paleontological. Later, numismatic, ethnographic, and anthropological sections were added. Today, there are more than 700 thousand exhibits here. Lenina Avenue, 69/10.

Museum of the History of Yekaterinburg . This museum occupies a historic building of the 19th century. In addition to the main exhibition, you can see the wax figures of Peter the Great, Catherine II, Nicholas II, the Ural manufacturers Demidov, and the founders of Yekaterinburg.

Old Railway Station of Yekaterinburg - one of the most beautiful and picturesque buildings in the city built in 1878. In 2003, after a large-scale reconstruction, the Museum of the History of Science and Technology of the Sverdlovsk Railway was opened here. Vokzal’naya Ulitsa, 14.

Yekaterinburg Circus . Visible from a lot of points of the city, the building of the Yekaterinburg Circus is known for its amazing dome consisting of trellised openwork semi-arches, which is not typical for circuses in Russia. 8 Marta Street, 43.

White Tower (1929-1931) - a former water tower 29 meters high located at a certain distance from the center of Yekaterinburg, an architectural monument of Constructivism. Today, it is used as a cultural site. Bakinskikh Komissarov Street, 2?.

Keyboard Monument - a contemporary art object made on a scale of 30:1 in 2005. This 16x4 meter concrete keyboard consists of 104 keys spaced 15 cm apart. From here the famous tourist route “Red Line” begins (a self-guided tour of the historic city center). The monument is located on the embankment of the Iset River next to the House of the Merchant Chuvildin (Gorkogo Street, 14A).

Ekaterinburg city of Russia photos

Places of interest in yekaterinburg.

Sculpture of talking townspeople in Yekaterinburg

Author: Pichugin Mikhail

Old buildings in Yekaterinburg

Author: Andrew Golovin

Wooden Church of the Holy Martyr Arkady in Yekaterinburg

Author: Kutenyov Vladimir

Street transport of Yekaterinburg

Tram in Yekaterinburg

Author: Andrey Permyakov

Bus in Yekaterinburg

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Is Yekaterinburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Russia : Safety by City

• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg is the 4th most populous city in Russia.

To this day, the city retains its metallurgical roots, and the metal industry is the most significant contributor to the economy.

The city is situated near the Ural Mountains, the border of Europe and Asia, and there are several symbolic monuments to mark the border.

Some landmarks that tourists can visit: Ganina Yama.

Once a pit in the woods where the bodies of the executed Romanov family and three of their dedicated servants have disposed; Church on the Blood; QWERTY Monument.

Yekaterinburg offers plenty of cross-country skiing.

There are some downhill skiing resorts as well.

It will take you approximately 25 minutes to get to the nearest of them from the center of the city.

• Warnings & Dangers in Yekaterinburg

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In general, Yekaterinburg is safer than many other cities in Russia. If you take specific security measures and use common sense, you are unlikely to get into trouble. It is better not to walk around the city at night. In public transport and tourist places, keep an eye on your belongings.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not very reliable, although it can be used for daytime transportation. Beware of pickpockets in crowded vehicles. Taxis are preferable, especially for traveling at night. Call only licensed taxi services, do not take a taxi from the street, especially at the airport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are quite a few pickpockets; most often, they work in groups. In public transport and crowded places, watch your things, especially carefully. It is better not to carry large amounts of cash and valuables. Keep a copy of your documents with you, leave the originals in the hotel safe.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There are usually no severe natural disasters in the region. Flooding can sometimes occur due to river spills, but this does not happen often. Examine the weather conditions before your visit to Yekaterinburg.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Armed severe robberies are rare in Yekaterinburg. Disassembly usually takes place between drunk people or drug gangs. In case of an attack on you - immediately give the criminals what is required of you and then contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There is a moderate risk of terrorism in Yekaterinburg. Extremist groups occasionally threaten to set off bombs in market areas that operate largely by migrant workers. Terrorist attacks by local criminal groups may also occur in the area. Do not participate in demonstrations and avoid crowds.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Some fraud occurs via SMS and phone. It usually does not affect tourists. Another type of fraud is ATM card fraud when criminals read your card details. Use only ATM with banks and under guard.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

In general, women can safely travel to Yekaterinburg alone. But you should follow some rules: do not walk around the city at the latest at night, do not get drunk in bars, do not wear too revealing clothes. If you call a taxi - use only licensed services and always get in the back seat in the car.

• So... How Safe Is Yekaterinburg Really?

Yekaterinburg has a low to moderate index of crime.

Most crimes concern robberies, carjacking, things stealing, dealing with drugs, vandalism, and high level of corruption.

There is minimal risk from crime in Yekaterinburg compared to other major Russian metropolitan areas.

The police can deter many serious crimes, but petty crimes still occur with some frequency and remain a common problem.

Here a lot of pickpocketing, but they operate mainly on public transportation, shopping areas, and tourist sites.

The most vulnerable areas for crime include underground entrances to and within the subway system, overnight trains, train stations, airports, open markets, and crowded tourist events.

If possible, do not carry the original documents with you, keep a copy with you, and leave the originals in the hotel safe.

Road surfaces in need of repair are a constant concern.

Asphalt quality varies, and roads outside the city may be in worse condition.

Avoid drunk people, especially at night.

They have no purpose of attacking tourists, but you can become a random target.

The quality of assistance from local law enforcement varies.

Some affected tourists report that in some cases, local law- enforcement officers failed to take action even when they witnessed crimes in progress.

• How Does Yekaterinburg Compare?
• Useful Information

The visa policy of Russia has agreements with scores of countries whose citizens are either exempt from visas or can apply for a visa online (e-visa). Citizens of states without such a deal with Russia must obtain a visa in advance from a Russian diplomatic mission or visa center. A valid passport is a must.

The Russian ruble or rouble is the currency of the Russian Federation. It has a sign: ₽, and code: RUB. The ruble is subdivided into 100 kopeks.

The best times to visit Yekaterinburg for ideal weather are June to September. Average temperatures in Yekaterinburg vary an incredible amount and the weather feels cold for most of the year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.

Koltsovo International Airport is the international airport serving Yekaterinburg. The airport is located 16 km southeast of the city. Being the largest airport in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Koltsovo also serves nearby towns such as Aramil, Sysert, and Polevskoy.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Yekaterinburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

1 Review on Yekaterinburg

Great city.

I have been to Yekaterinburg 4 times and never once did I have issues with crime. Compared to several cities within the US, it is much safer. I feel the cops in general do a better job at managing crime compared to places like L.A. and NYC. I am hoping to go again in the coming years. It has been 3 years now since I have gotten to go anywhere.

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Article Contents

• Yekaterinburg : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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