Menu

Visas & UPE

Visas

The UK government has implemented several visa schemes to support Ukrainian nationals displaced by the ongoing conflict. These schemes provide pathways for Ukrainians to enter or remain in the UK with access to work, education, and public services.
The 'Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme' is the main visa scheme for displaced Ukrainians at the moment. This scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK if they have an approved sponsor. Sponsors can be individuals, charities, community groups, or businesses. Key details:
  • Applicants must have been residing in Ukraine on or before 1 January 2022.
  • No application fees.
  • Permission to stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
  • Access to work, education, healthcare, and public funds.
  • Sponsors are expected to provide accommodation for a minimum of 6 months.
The Ukraine Family Scheme closed at 3pm on 19 February 2024. You can no longer apply under this scheme. You will still receive a decision if you had applied before it closed. If you were previously eligible for the Ukraine Family Scheme, you may be eligible to apply to the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme has been scaled back since 2024, and there are less sponsorship opportunities than in 2022. There is now only one recognised provider of sponsors – though people can try to find a sponsor privately. The ‘Super sponsor’ schemes run by the Scottish and Welsh governments have been ‘paused’ since late 2022 and are not accepting new applications. The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme is still technically open in general, but the chances of finding a sponsor are now quite low and so successful applications have decreased. This should be taken into account when deciding to apply for the scheme.
Apply for the 'Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme' by clicking the link below:
Click here to open the link
Content 4.7

Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (UPE)

The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, launched on the 4th of February 2025, and allows Ukrainian nationals, and their eligible family members, already residing in the UK under previous Ukraine schemes to apply for an additional 18 months' stay. This extension maintains the same rights to work, study, rent accommodation, and access public funds. Applications are free of charge.
Who Can Apply? You are eligible to apply if you: -Were granted permission under one of the following schemes: Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme. -Are currently in the UK. -Have been residing in the UK or its Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man) since your initial grant of permission. -Children born in the UK after 18 March 2022 to a Ukrainian parent with valid permission under the Ukraine Schemes are also eligible.
When to Apply? Applications should be submitted when your current permission has 28 days or fewer remaining. Applying earlier may result in rejection, requiring reapplication at the appropriate time. It's crucial to apply before your current permission expires to avoid losing entitlements to work, rent, and receive benefits during the processing period.
How to Apply? Applications must be made online through the official UK government portal. Ensure you have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and access to your eVisa. Required documents include: -Valid passport or biometric residence permit (BRP). -Proof of residence in the UK (e.g., tenancy agreement, utility bills). -Evidence of your relationship to a Ukrainian national, if applicable. In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional evidence. If you've previously submitted biometrics, you might not need to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment.
Support for Sponsors. Sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can continue to receive "thank you" payments of £350 per month during the 18-month UPE period, provided eligibility criteria are met. These payments are set to conclude after the UPE period ends.
Important things to note! - The UPE scheme does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK.
  • There is no right of appeal if an application is refused; however, you may reapply with additional evidence.
  • Processing times may vary; delays could impact employment and housing arrangements.
To apply for the Ukrainian Permission Extension scheme, click the link below.
Click here to open the link
Content 5.9
Content 5.10

More on Visas (eVisa & Parents)

Having an eVisa is an essential need - it is your online proof of immigration status — it replaces physical documents like: Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Stamps or vignette stickers in passports, Frontier Worker Permits. You can view and manage your eVisa through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It’s free and doesn’t change your immigration rights. Everyone with immigration permission in the UK should set up an account, including children and dependants
You need to apply for an eVisa if you: Have a visa or indefinite leave to remain. Had a BRP that expired on 31 December 2024. Only have a stamp/sticker in your passport. Are a refugee or have humanitarian protection. Have indefinite leave in an expired passport.
How to apply: Go to GOV.UK and search: “create UKVI account”. Download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to confirm your identity. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to attend an appointment or do a video interview. You’ll need: A current passport or expired BRP. A Home Office reference number (UAN or GWF).
What can you do with your eVisa? You can prove your: Right to work (get a share code for your employer). Right to rent (share code for landlords). Right to live, access healthcare, or study in the UK. Travel in and out of the UK — make sure your eVisa is linked to your passport.
If you need help setting up your account, contact: The Ukrainian Welcome Centre or Citizens Advice, We Are Group (Assisted Digital Service) on 0333 344 5675. You can also watch the Home Office eVisa Tutorial below:
Click here to open the link
Content 2.1
Back to Home