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Immigration information for Ukrainians, British nationals and their family members (accessible)

Updated 22 February 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-information-for-ukrainians-in-the-uk-british-nationals-and-their-family-members/immigration-information-for-ukrainians-in-the-uk-british-nationals-and-their-family-members

The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme are all open for applications to provide individuals with a pathway to come to, or remain in, the UK.

For more information on arriving in the UK and life in the UK, visit GOV.UK

The Ukraine Family Scheme

  • The Ukraine Family Scheme allows immediate and extended family members of British nationals, people settled in the UK, and certain others resident here, to come to, or remain in the UK.
  • Individuals arriving under this scheme are able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education and other support.
  • The scheme is free and does not include any salary or language requirements.
  • Those applying to the Ukraine Family Scheme:
    • must be applying to join or accompany a UK-based family member.
    • must be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme. A definition of immediate family members is available on GOV.UK.
    • must have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine).
  • Individuals with a valid Ukrainian international passport can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app when applying for their visa, to prove their identity and provide their biometric information. As part of this digital application process, they will be granted with an eVisa to evidence their immigration status in the UK.
  • Further information about the next steps individuals need to take once they are in the UK and how to evidence their immigration status is available on GOV.UK
  • Individuals can apply if they have already arrived in the UK and meet the requirements above.
  • Applications made under the Ukraine Family Scheme will be prioritised by the Home Office.
  • Application forms must be completed for each family member, including one application per child.
  • It is crucial that customers provide a valid e-mail address when submitting their online application, as we will need to contact them with more guidance.
  • Those applying from outside the UK, should await a decision before travelling to the UK.
  • All applications will be subject to security checks.
  • Applications are being fast tracked and additional staff have been surged across our Visa Application Centres (VAC) in Europe to process applications.
  • Guidance on how to make an application to the Ukraine Family Scheme and which family members are eligible can be found on GOV.UK
  • To access our helpline call +44 (0)808 164 8810 – select option 1.

Homes for Ukraine scheme

Ukraine Extension Scheme

  • Ukrainian nationals in the UK who have temporary visas, including work, study or visit visas can apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme free of charge.
  • Any Ukrainian who holds permission to stay in the UK on or between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023 will be eligible to apply for three year’s leave through the Ukraine Extension Scheme. The permission does not need to cover the whole period of time, and Ukrainian’s whose permission to stay in the UK expired on or after 1 January 2022 may qualify for three year’s leave. Their partner and children can also apply if they are already in the UK as ‘dependants’.
  • Under the Ukraine Extension Scheme, individuals will get three years leave to remain in the UK and will have the right to work, study and access public funds.
  • This scheme is currently not a route to settlement. Individuals who have leave on a route to settlement should consider carefully whether the Ukraine Extension Scheme would be the right route for them to apply for.
  • Ukrainian nationals on work, study or visit visas in the UK are also able to switch onto different visa routes, such as the Ukraine Family Scheme.
  • Ukrainians who are in the UK but have not made an application to the Homes for Ukraine or Ukraine Family Scheme, and who have been given six months leave must make an application to extend their stay and should consider the Ukraine Extension Scheme
  • To access our helpline call (+44 (0)808 164 8810 – select option 1).
  • Guidance on how to apply is on GOV.UK

Further information on applying to come to the UK from Europe

  • Ukrainian nationals have visa free access to Schengen states, which enables them to reach safe neighbouring countries from which they can make their applications to come to the UK.
  • The Home Office also has several other safe and legal routes under the points-based immigration system which could be used by Ukrainian nationals to reach the UK.
  • Ukrainian nationals can get visas to work and study in the UK through the points-based immigration system, such as via the Skilled Worker, Student or Graduate routes or the Health and Care Worker visa.
  • Further information can be found on GOV.UK

Further support

Further information can be found on GOV.UK.

Helpline

+44 (0) 808 164 8810

select option 1

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