Visa program for Ukrainian nationals - Ukraine Extension Scheme

Closes on 16 May 2024.

At the same time, children born in the UK after 18 March 2022 from those who have a permit under the Ukraine visa scheme (including the now closed Ukraine Family Scheme), will be given the right to apply under this route after 16 May 2024, and they will be granted a permit corresponding to the validity period permits, issued under the Ukraine scheme, which are available to their parents.

A. Overview

The visa program for Ukrainian nationals under the Ukraine Extension Scheme, provides an opportunity for applicants or their family members to live, work and study in the UK including access to public funds.

It is free to apply.

No biometric enrolment fee or Immigration Health Surcharge will need to be paid to make an application and so applications should not be rejected for non-payment of such fees.

What benefits are provided to applicants?

B. Eligibility requirements

To apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme you must:

• hold any valid UK visa, or
• held one that expired on or after 1 January 2022

You should consider whether you want to keep your current visa or switch to the Ukraine Extension Scheme. This route does not currently lead to settlement – this means that you may not be able to count any time you spend in the UK with this visa as part of an application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK in future.

To apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme you must:

• be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme
• have had permission to be in the UK (for example a visa) on 18 March 2022

If you previously had permission to stay in the UK but it expired on or after 1 January 2022, you’re also eligible to apply.

Your application will be subject to security checks.

Immediate family members of Ukrainian nationals

If you’re not Ukrainian but your family member is, you can apply if your family member is your:

• spouse or civil partner
• unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• child aged under 18
• parent (if you are under 18)

С. How long you can stay in the UK

You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.

D. Official fees

It is free to apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

E. How long it takes

Your application under Ukraine Extension Scheme will be prioritized and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible.

F. How to apply

You must apply online for the Ukraine Extension Scheme – by the following link: https://apply.visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/ukraine-scheme

You will then book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

G. Required documents

When you apply you’ll need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity.

You also need to show that you have (or had) permission to be in the UK. For example:

• a biometric residence permit
• a visa or vignette in your passport
• a Home Office document showing your permission to enter or remain in the UK

If you’re the non-Ukrainian family member of a Ukrainian national, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your relationship to them. You can show your biometric residence permit or visa in your passport if you are in the UK as their dependant.

If you do not have one of these documents, you can provide:

• a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate if your family member is your spouse or civil partner
• evidence that you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years if you family member is your unmarried partner
• a birth certificate if your family member is your child or parent

Visa application centres

You will need to have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a Visa Application Centre as part of your application. Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken but will still need to attend the Visa Application Centre and have a digital photograph taken.

Some services at UKVCAS service points have a fee. You do not need to use these services, such as document scanning, to complete your application and you should not pay for them in advance.

If you need to use any of these services at a UKVCAS service point during your appointment, you will not need to pay a fee for them.

Our services

• We can advise on the procedure, requirements and merits of making an application for Ukraine Extension Scheme visa
• We can advise and represent our clients in making representations in support of their immigration matters
• We can advise on the merits in case of refusal

Whatever the case, we are here to assist, advise and represent our clients in relation to any aspect of their immigration matters.