Visas and immigration for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
Information on Visas and immigration rules, including the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme, and applying for a family migration visa.
On this page, you can find information for the following (click to jump to the section):
Guidance for visa holders to sponsor their children
Homes for Ukraine scheme
The Homes for Ukraine scheme lets Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members, who lived in Ukraine before 1 January 2022, apply to come to the UK and stay with a sponsor. Sponsors can live anywhere in the UK. Starting 19 February 2024, sponsors must be British or Irish citizens or have settled status in the UK.
From 31 January 2025, a parent or legal guardian with permission under any of the Ukraine Schemes can sponsor their child. Applications submitted after 19 February 2024 will get an 18-month visa, which includes access to healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language courses. Applications made before 19 February 2024 will still get a 36-month visa in the UK.
The application is free of charge and can be completed by either the sponsor or the person seeking sponsorship. Each person must submit a separate application form. Security checks will be conducted for both the Ukrainian applicants and the UK sponsors as part of the visa application process.
Since December 2023, applicants must book an appointment for their photograph and fingerprinting at a visa application centre (VAC) to complete their process.
If you went to your appointment in Kyiv and your visa application is successful, you’ll need to travel to the VAC in Warsaw with a valid international passport to get a sticker in your passport. This is called a visa vignette. If you had an appointment in another country, you’ll need to collect your visa vignette at the same VAC where you submitted your photograph and fingerprint.
Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken. Children will still need to book and attend a VAC appointment and have a photograph taken.
The scheme is also open to unaccompanied children under 18. The sponsor must have parental consent and permission from the local council before applying for a visa.
For more information:
Guidelines for Ukrainian Visa Holders Sponsoring Their Children
Holders of any Ukraine scheme visas (including those with Leave Outside the Rules) can sponsor their children to join them in the UK, provided all other requirements of the Homes for Ukraine scheme are met.
Children sponsored by their parents or legal guardians will get permission to live in the UK for up to 18 months, in line with their parents’ or legal guardians’ permission. They will have access to education, healthcare, benefits, and employment. Parents or legal guardians sponsoring their child will not qualify for thank you payments from the Council.
Local authorities in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland should check their respective guidance for additional information: the Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland..
The parent or legal guardian should complete the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme visa application form on behalf of their child, naming themselves as ‘sponsor’. For further details, see Children being sponsored by a parent or legal guardian: Homes for Ukraine.
Find out more information about the scheme:
- Подання заяви на отримання візи за Українською спонсорською схемою («Дім для українців»)
- Guidance on support available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members.
Getting your eVisa
If your application is successful, you’ll need to create an account to get an eVisa. An eVisa isan online record of your immigration status. Your decision email or letter will tell you how to access your eVisa.
With your eVisa, you can prove your immigration status to others, for example, employers and landlords, using the view and prove service.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed on 4 February 2025.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
People living in the UK who have been given visas under the Ukraine schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Visa Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme), including those granted leave outside the rules in certain circumstances, can apply for an additional 18 months of permission to stay in the UK..
This application is free, and people eligible can apply 28 days or less before their current visa expires. Applicants must be in the UK to apply and must not leave the UK while the application is being processed.
Applications made outside of the UK will not be valid and may be rejected by the Home Office.
Children born in the UK to Ukraine visa holders
Ukrainian parents can apply for permission to stay for their children born in the UK after 18 March 2022 under the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme.
The UPE does not need a UK-based sponsor and does not currently lead to settlement. This means that time spent in the UK with this visa may not support an application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK in the future.
Find out more UPE guidance:
- UPE scheme guidance and how to apply
Other visas you may apply for
You may be eligible to make an application under other immigration routes.
Supporting non-British family members in Ukraine
Applying for a family migration visa
Family members of British nationals can apply for a family migration visa to come to the UK.
Some of the normal eligibility criteria has been removed for family members including language requirements and salary.
See guidance on supporting family members of British nationals.
How to claim asylum in the UK as a Ukrainian
Ukrainians refugees already in the UK may be able to claim asylum. You should seek immigration advice before making an asylum claim. Find out more about the asylum process.
The British Red Cross can provide support to refugees and asylum seekers. Find out more on how to Get help as a refugee or asylum seeker.
Legal advice
People are strongly recommended to seek legal advice before applying for visas or seeking asylum. You can seek further assistance at the following places:
- Settled is a charity that provides immigration advice to Ukrainians who want to travel to UK, and also Ukrainians who are already in the UK and need support. You can contact them via email ukraineadvice@settled.org.uk
- Ukraine Advice Project UK is an initiative by qualified lawyers, led by law firm DLA Piper who are providing free legal information on UK visas and refugee rules. You can find out more about the initiative on the Ukraine Advice Project UK website.
- You can find a solicitor in the UK on the Law Society website. Search “Legal Issue & Changing Countries”, and enter your postcode, town or city.
Support for Ukrainian family members arriving in Wales
The British Red Cross supports reunited families, including Ukrainian family members arriving in Wales through the Ukraine Family Scheme. Please contact us via email FamilyReunionCymru@redcross.org.uk or phone 01633 720 00, option 3.
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