Guidance

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.

From:: UK Visas and Immigration and Home Office
Published: 3 May 2022
Last updated: 719 December 2023 — See all updates

The UK has put 3 different Ukraine schemes in place to support those who wish to either come to or remain in the UK. You should consider which scheme you apply to before making an application. Once you have made an application you should avoid applying to another scheme as this may delay the decision.

Ukraine Family Scheme

If you have family who are settled in the UK, you may be able to apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Homes for Ukraine

If you want to be sponsored by a UK household for 6 months, you may be able to apply to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Ukraine Extension Scheme

You can apply to the Ukraine Extension 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; or
you previously had permission to be in the UK and that permission expired on or after 1 January 2022

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
you are applying to the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme

This route does not require a UK-based sponsor.

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’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 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
you are applying to the Ukraine Family Scheme or 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.

Apply now

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

Going to the UKVCAS service point

You will need to give your fingerprints and a photograph (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