Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme is open to some Ukrainian nationals and their family members who have, or previously had, permission to be in the UK.
The UK has put 2 different Ukraine schemes in place to support Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who wish to either come to or remain in the UK.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
If you want to be sponsored by a UK household for 6 months, you may be able to apply under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme if you have an approved sponsor.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
You can apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme until it closes on 16 May 2024 if one of the following is true:
- you had permission to be in the UK on or between 18 March 2022 and 16 November 2023 – the permission does not need to cover the whole period; or
- you previously had permission to be in the UK and that permission expired on or after 1 January 2022
The Ukraine Extension Scheme will remain open after 16 May 2024 for children who are born in the UK. You can apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme for your child born if they were in the UK after 18 March 2022 if one of the following is true:
- you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
- you qualify under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
This route does not require a UK-based sponsor.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
If you have been given permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes, you may be able to apply for a further 18 months permission to stay in the UK under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. You’ll be able to apply 3 months before your existing visa is due to expire.
Overview
A Ukraine Extension Scheme visa allows you to stay in the UK if you’re Ukrainian or the close family member of a Ukrainian.
You can apply for this scheme if one of the following is true:
- you had permission to be in the UK on or between 18 March 2022 and 16 November 2023 – the permission does not need to cover the whole period
- you previously had permission to be in the UK and that permission expired on or after 1 January 2022
You can apply for your child if they were born in the UK after 18 March 2022 and if one of the following is true:
- you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
- you qualify under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme will remain open after 16 May 2024 for children who are born in the UK.
You’ll be able to:
- live, work and study in the UK
- claim public funds (benefits)
You should consider whether you want to keep your current visa or switch to the Ukraine Extension Scheme. You may not be able to count any time you spend in the UK on this visa in a future application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK (also known as ‘settlement’).
Example cases
If you’re in the UK on a Seasonal Worker visa, you may wish to apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme so you can stay for 3 years.
If you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you may wish to keep your current visa so you can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the future.
If you need help, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
Telephone: + 44 808 164 8810 – select option 1
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm and Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Calls are free of charge
Eligibility
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.
You must apply before 16 May 2024, unless you’re a child born in the UK.
You must be in the UK when you apply.
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’re under 18)
You can apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme for your child born in the UK if one of the following is true:
- you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
- you qualify under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
How long you can stay
You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
Fees
It is free to apply.
You do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fee.
Apply
You must apply online. You have until 16 May 2024 to apply.
You will then book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
Uploading your 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’re 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
If you are applying for your UK born child under the Ukraine Extension Scheme you need to show that they were born in the UK. You can provide either their:
- international passport
- birth certificate
You will also need to demonstrate that you have permission to be in the UK under the Ukraine schemes. You can show your biometric residence permit or visa in your passport to do this.
Going to the UKVCAS service point
You will need to prove your identify by having your fingerprints and a photograph taken (biometric information) at a UKVCAS service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit.
Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken but will still need to attend the UKVCAS service point 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.
How long it takes
We aim to make a decision as quickly as possible.
You will be contacted when a decision has been made.
Contact UKVI
If you need help, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
Telephone: + 44 808 164 8810 – select option 1
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm and Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Calls are free of charge
Last updated 19 February 2024 + show all updates
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Updated information about the closing of the Ukraine Extension Scheme on 16 May 2024.
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The helpline is closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.
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Added eligibility criteria for children born in the UK, and updated the opening hours for the UK Visas and Immigration phone number.
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Eligibility extended to include people with permission to be in the UK any time between 16 May 2023 and 16 November 2023.
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Updated information on extending the eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
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Removal of redundant 'Stay up to date' call out.
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Updated helpline opening hours.
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Updated helpline opening hours.
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Amended opening hours over the holiday period.
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Added a concession to introduce a new eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme and information about the 3 different Ukraine Schemes available. Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has now been extended to allow those who have and continue to arrive after 18 March 2022, until 16 May 2023, to apply.
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Updated opening hours for the contact centre.
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Added translation