The conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
In response, the UK Government has introduced several UK immigration visa schemes for Ukrainian refugees, each tailored to meet different needs and circumstances and designed to provide refuge and support to those affected.
These initiatives include the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, which allows UK residents to sponsor Ukrainian nationals and their families; the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme, specifically designed to reunite Ukrainian families; the Ukraine Extension Scheme, which offers extended stay options for those already in the UK; and the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, allowing for further extensions under certain conditions.
The routes have been subject to change as the government adapts to the shifting geopolitical landscape and the changing needs of the Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
In this guide, we explain the current position of the UK’s visa schemes for Ukrainian nationals, detailing the immigration options for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK and to extend their permission to stay while the conflict remains ongoing.
Section A: Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme was launched by the UK government to provide a direct route for Ukrainian refugees seeking sanctuary from the ongoing conflict in their homeland.
This initiative allows UK residents (‘sponsors’) to open their homes to Ukrainians, including their immediate family members, offering them a place to stay.
The scheme is designed not only to provide immediate safety and shelter but also to support the integration of Ukrainians into local communities across the UK.
1. Eligibility Requirements
The scheme is intended for Ukrainian nationals and their family members who need international protection and have been displaced due to the conflict. It is also for UK residents who wish to offer sponsorship, regardless of whether they have a prior relationship with the refugees.
a. Criteria for Ukrainian Refugees
To be eligible under the scheme, applicants must be Ukrainian nationals or a close family member of one. They must also have been residing in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022.
Applicant must also have found a qualifying sponsor in the UK.
b. Sponsor Criteria
Sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme must be over 18 years of age and be based in the UK with permission to reside here for at least six months.
They must agree to provide accommodation for a minimum of six months in the form of a spare room or separate, unoccupied, self-contained residential accommodation. The accommodation must be suitable for people to live in and adequate for the number of people to be accommodated.
Importantly, sponsors must pass identity and background checks conducted by the Home Office.
2. Rights under the Scheme
Individuals with status under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are granted permission to live and work in the UK for up to three years. During this time, they can access public services such as healthcare, education, and public funds, as well as integration support services.
Sponsors receive a payment of £350 per month from the government to help cover costs associated with hosting. They can also access support services and resources to assist with the integration of their guests.
3. How to Apply
UK residents interested in becoming sponsors can register through the official government portal.
Sponsors and Ukrainian refugees can find matches independently or through government-approved matching services.
Once a match is confirmed, refugees need to apply for a visa under the scheme, providing details of their UK sponsor.
Background checks are conducted for both sponsors and refugees to ensure safety and security.
After approval, refugees can travel to the UK and begin their settlement with the support of their sponsors.
The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the specifics of each case. Typically, it can take a few weeks from the application to the approval and arrangement of travel.
Read our detailed guide to the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme here >>
Section B: Ukraine Extension Scheme [Closing 16 May 2024 to Adult Applicants]
The Ukraine Extension Scheme was introduced by the UK government as a part of its ongoing support for Ukrainian nationals already residing in the UK under existing visa schemes.
The extension typically grants an additional stay of up to three years, allowing applicants to maintain their resident status in the UK.
The scheme was designed to alleviate the pressure of having to return to a conflict zone and to support the long-term integration of Ukrainian nationals into British society.
1. Eligibility Requirements
The Extension Scheme was aimed at current holders of a Ukrainian visa under the initial relief schemes such as the Ukraine Family Visa or the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
To be eligible, one of the following had to apply: either the applicant 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 they previously had permission to be in the UK, and that permission expired on or after 1 January 2022.
Applicants were also required to demonstrate a continued need for protection or an inability to return to Ukraine safely.
This scheme aimed to provide a route for these individuals to extend their stay in the UK, ensuring they continue to have legal status and access to services amid ongoing instability in Ukraine.
2. Rights Under the Scheme
The Extension Scheme afforded individuals an extension in their lawful status in the UK. During this period, they have the right to work and study, as well as access public healthcare via the NHS. They also have continued access to public funds and social services if previously eligible.
3. How to Apply
Individuals applying to the scheme before its closure on 16 May 2024 were required to complete an online application form and submit supporting documents. This included providing proof of their current visa status under one of the eligible categories.
Supporting documents could include proof of identity (such as a passport), current visa documentation, and any evidence supporting the need for an extension (e.g., information on the situation in Ukraine).
Applications under the scheme had to be made from within the UK.
The Home Office then reviewed the application and supporting documents to assess eligibility and the necessity of an extension.
Applicants were informed of the decision via email or through their account on the Home Office portal.
4. Applications for Children After 16 May 2024
The Extension Scheme will remain open to eligible children after 16 May 2024. Full eligibility and application details are yet to be released. To date, it has been confirmed that the scheme will be available to children born in the UK after 18 May 2022 to parents who have permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes and that under the scheme, these children can be granted leave in line with their parent(s).
Read our detailed guide to the Ukraine Extension Scheme here >>
Section C: Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
Announced in February 2024, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme is set to open in 2025 and will allow those with status under a Ukrainian visa scheme to extend their stay for a further 18 months at no cost.
The scheme aims to provide a much-needed buffer, allowing individuals and families to continue building their lives in the UK without the immediate worry of losing their legal status.
1. Eligibility Requirements
The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) has been designed to further assist Ukrainian nationals in the UK whose initial visas under schemes like the Ukraine Family Visa or Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme are nearing expiration.
This specific extension was designed to offer a streamlined and simplified process for those needing to extend their stay due to ongoing safety concerns in Ukraine, emphasizing ease of renewal and continuous legal residency.
2. Rights Under the Scheme
The Extension Permission Scheme grants the right to reside in the UK for a further 18 months. Individuals under this scheme also retain the right to work and access educational opportunities, the NHS and other essential services, similar to other visa holders.
3. Differences Between This and the Regular Extension Scheme
By extending status by 18 months, this scheme specifically focuses on ensuring that Ukrainian nationals do not have gaps in their legal residency status in the UK, which is crucial for long-term integration and eligibility for certain benefits and rights.
Unlike the previous extension scheme, which may require detailed evidence and documentation, the Permission Extension Scheme is expected to require fewer documents and involve a more straightforward renewal process.
4. How to Apply
Applicants will be able to apply up to 3 months before their leave to remain expires to remain in the UK for up to an additional 18 months.
The scheme is set to open in early 2025, which will coincide with the first visas issued under the Ukraine schemes, which are set to expire in March 2025.
While full eligibility and application details about the UPE scheme have not yet been released, some initial information has been provided by the Home Office.
To be eligible, applicants will need to ensure they are still eligible under the terms of their original entry scheme and the current guidelines of the Permission Extension Scheme. There can also be no previous breaches of immigration laws or failure to provide required information.
Applicants then complete an online application form via the UK Home Office’s official site, specifically for the Permission Extension Scheme.
Information to be provided is expected to include personal details, current visa status, and potentially a basic declaration of continued need for protection.
UPE scheme application processing is expected to be expedited to prevent any lapse in legal status.
Read our detailed guide to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme here >>
Section D: Ukraine Family Visa Scheme [Now Closed]
The Ukraine Family Visa Scheme closed on 19 February 2024. The following information is for reference only.
The UK government launched the Ukraine family Visa scheme to facilitate the safe passage and resettlement of Ukrainian nationals with existing family ties in the UK.
The primary objective of the scheme was to reunite Ukrainian nationals with their family members residing in the UK during the humanitarian crisis, providing them with a secure environment and the support needed to start rebuilding their lives.
Although the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme is no longer accepting new applications, it played a crucial role in providing immediate family reunification opportunities for Ukrainian refugees during the peak of the crisis.
1. Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the scheme had to be shown on the basis of existing familial relationships.
a. Immediate Family Members
Spouses or civil partners, unmarried partners (if in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years), dependent children under the age of 18, and parents if the applicant was under the age of 18.
b. Extended Family Members
Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and other close relatives who could prove their dependency or need for care due to the crisis.
2. Rights under the Scheme
Under the Ukraine Family Scheme, individuals were granted permission to stay in the UK for up to three years, with access to work and study opportunities and eligibility for public funds and healthcare services under the National Health Service (NHS).
They could also access integration support through local councils and community organisations.
3. Application Process
While open, the application process involved applicants confirming their eligibility through the online government portal.
Eligible individuals then completed an application form detailing their circumstances and the nature of their family connections in the UK.
Supporting documents also had to be submitted as part of the application process to verify identity, family relationships, and dependency.
Applications were processed on a priority basis, with efforts made to expedite decisions given the emergency context.
Approved applicants were then able to travel to the UK and join their family members.
Section E: How the Ukrainian Refugee Schemes Differ
Since the conflict broke out in February 2022, the UK has launched a number of different schemes and routes for Ukrainian refugees to allow safe passage and the security and stability to live their lives.
The following is an overview of the features of each of the Ukrainian visa schemes:
1. Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
a. Purpose: Provides temporary housing and support via UK sponsors.
b. Eligibility: Ukrainian nationals and their families, sponsored by UK residents.
c. Application Process: Sponsor and refugee apply together; involves a matching process.
d. Duration: Initially six months of stay, extendable.
e. Benefits: Right to work, access to public funds, healthcare, and education.
2. Ukraine Family Visa Scheme [Now Closed]
a. Purpose: Reunite Ukrainian nationals with family members in the UK.
b. Eligibility: Ukrainians with family already residing in the UK.
c. Application Process: Direct application demonstrating family ties.
d. Duration: Up to 3 years of stay.
e. Benefits: Right to work, access to healthcare, education, and public funds.
3. Ukraine Extension Scheme [Closing to Adult Applicants 16 May 2024]
a. Purpose: Extend the stay of Ukrainians already in the UK on visas.
b. Eligibility: Holders of existing Ukraine-related visas nearing expiry.
c. Application Process: Application for an extension prior to current visa expiry.
d. Duration: Extension typically for up to 3 years.
e. Benefits: Continued right to work, healthcare, and access to public funds.
4. Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme [Opening 2025]
a. Purpose: Simplify and ensure continuous legal residence for Ukrainians.
b. Eligibility: Current Ukrainian visa holders who need further extension.
c. Application Process: Simplified renewal process focused on continued need.
d. Duration: Varies – designed to prevent any lapse in legal status.
e. Benefits: Maintains existing rights like work, education, and healthcare access.
Section F: Choosing the Right Scheme
Each of the different schemes are designed for specific purposes and types of applicant:
1. For Immediate Shelter and Community Support
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme is best suited for those needing immediate safety and housing, particularly if the refugee has no family ties in the UK.
2. For Family Reunification
Although the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme is closed, it was ideal for those with existing family connections in the UK, offering a pathway to live with family members.
The UK continues to offer family visa options for those seeking to come to or remain in the UK on the basis of family relationships.
Read our guide to UK family visas here >>
c. For Extending Your Stay in the UK
The Ukraine Extension Scheme was appropriate for those whose current visas are expiring but who are unable to return to Ukraine due to ongoing instability or personal safety concerns, although this route is closing to new adult applicants from 16 May 2024.
The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme should be considered by those who need to ensure their legal status remains uninterrupted, particularly suitable for those who may not qualify for other forms of visa renewal or extension. The scheme is due to open in 2025.
Section G: Integrating into UK Society
The UK offers a range of integration support services and resources for Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK.
Numerous Ukrainian organisations and charities also offer practical advice and support to displaced Ukrainians, such as the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and Opora.
1. Travel in the UK
The Ukrainian Displaced Persons Travel Scheme allows for free rail journeys across all train operators in England, Scotland, and Wales. Ukrainians who arrive in the UK can access free tickets and complete their journey within 48 hours of arrival.
Similarly, the coach company National Express provides free travel to Ukrainians, allowing them to travel from a UK arrival point to any other location served by their network, provided the journey is made within 48 hours of arriving in the country.
2. Accommodation in the UK
For accommodation and specialist needs, individuals can contact the local authority in the area where they are residing. Additional information on housing and homelessness assistance is available on the Housing Rights Information website under the section “Help for Ukrainian refugees” (housing-rights.info). Government guidance is also available for those renting private accommodation through schemes such as Homes for Ukraine and for those looking to continue living with their host or needing rematching services.
3. Language Skills
Learning English is crucial as it will significantly enhance communication abilities, access to services, and job opportunities. Many community centres and charities offer free English classes specifically tailored for refugees.
4. Cultural Adaptation
Engaging with local communities and participating in local events can help Ukrainian refugees understand British customs and societal norms, facilitating smoother integration.
5. Employment
Refugees with permission under the Ukrainian visa schemes have the right to work in the UK. Seeking employment not only provides financial independence but also helps in building social networks and integrating more deeply into society. Specific job fairs and workshops are being held aimed at helping refugees enter the job market.
6. Social Connections
Building a network through community groups, schools, and places of worship can provide emotional and practical support. Many towns and cities have specific groups dedicated to helping Ukrainian refugees meet locals and other refugees.
Section H: Common Myths
Debunking common myths about the UK’s visa schemes for Ukrainian refugees can help clarify misunderstandings and provide accurate information.
Myth 1: Anyone from Ukraine can apply for any UK visa scheme.
Fact: Each UK visa scheme designed for Ukrainian refugees has specific eligibility criteria. For instance, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme requires Ukrainians to be sponsored by someone in the UK who can provide housing, whereas the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme (now closed) was specifically for those with family already residing in the UK. Not every Ukrainian qualifies for every scheme.
Myth 2: Ukrainian refugees can stay indefinitely in the UK once they arrive.
Fact: The duration of stay for Ukrainian refugees in the UK depends on the specific visa scheme. For example, visas issued under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme typically allow stays of up to three years, subject to conditions and potential extensions based on the ongoing situation and individual circumstances.
Myth 3: The visa application processes are long and complicated.
Fact: The UK government has streamlined the application processes for Ukrainian visa schemes to make them as straightforward and quick as possible, recognizing the urgency of the humanitarian crisis. Processes like the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme have been notably simplified to help Ukrainians extend their stay without cumbersome bureaucracy.
Myth 4: Sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are financially responsible for the refugees for the duration of their stay.
Fact: While sponsors are expected to provide accommodation, they are not required to cover all living expenses for the duration of the stay. The UK government provides a “thank you” payment to sponsors and ensures that Ukrainian refugees have access to public funds and the ability to work, which helps cover their personal expenses.
Myth 5: Refugees lose their rights to healthcare and public services if they switch from one visa scheme to another.
Fact: Ukrainian refugees generally maintain their access to public services such as healthcare and education when they transition from one visa scheme to another. The primary aim of these schemes is to ensure continuous protection and support, and rights like healthcare are preserved across different visa statuses.
Myth 6: The visa schemes are permanent solutions for refugees.
Fact: The visa schemes are intended as temporary protective measures to provide safety and stability for Ukrainian refugees during the conflict. They are not designed as permanent immigration paths but rather as humanitarian responses to an immediate crisis, with the possibility of return or further immigration processing in the future.
Section I: Summary
The UK’s range of visa schemes designed for Ukrainian refugees plays a crucial role in offering sanctuary and support during an extraordinarily difficult time.
These initiatives, from the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme to the various extension schemes, provide not just a safe haven but also a foundation for a new start in the UK.
By facilitating access to housing, employment, healthcare, and education, these schemes address both immediate needs and longer-term integration into British society.
The collective effort of the government, local communities, and various organizations ensures that Ukrainian refugees receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
For those navigating these options, it is essential to stay informed through reliable sources. The UK Home Office website, local councils, and recognized charities are invaluable resources that provide up-to-date information and assistance. Refugees and sponsors alike are encouraged to reach out to these official channels for any queries or additional guidance they may need.
Section J: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process visa applications for Ukrainian refugees?
Processing times can vary depending on the specific visa scheme and the volume of applications received. Generally, the UK government prioritizes applications from Ukrainian refugees, aiming to process them as quickly as possible. Typically, applications under emergency schemes like the Homes for Ukraine are processed within a few weeks.
What can I do if my visa application is denied? Is there an appeal process?
If your visa application is denied, you will receive a decision letter that explains the reason for the denial and the details on whether you can appeal the decision. Not all decisions are appealable; however, you may be able to apply for an administrative review if you believe there has been an error in the processing of your application.
What kind of support is available for dependents under these visa schemes?
Dependents, typically defined as spouses and children under 18, can usually be included in your application for most visa schemes. They are entitled to the same rights as the main applicant, including access to public services such as healthcare, education, and, in some cases, public funds. Specific details depend on the visa type — for instance, the Homes for Ukraine scheme allows sponsors to support entire families.
Can I work in the UK under these visa schemes?
Yes, Ukrainian refugees are generally allowed to work in the UK under these visa schemes. The right to work is a crucial part of the support structure, enabling refugees to support themselves financially and integrate into society.
How can I renew my visa or apply for an extension?
The process for renewing a visa or applying for an extension varies depending on the original visa scheme. For instance, the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme is designed to simplify the process of extending your stay. Typically, you would need to apply before your current visa expires, and you may be required to demonstrate continued eligibility.
Are there specific integration services offered to help refugees adapt to life in the UK?
Yes, several integration services are available, ranging from free English language classes to employment and training programs. Local councils, charities, and NGOs often run these programs. Additionally, the UK government provides resources designed to help refugees understand life in the UK, including rights and responsibilities.
What healthcare services are available to Ukrainian refugees?
Ukrainian refugees are entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS) just like any other resident. This includes access to doctors, hospitals, emergency services, and some types of dental care. Refugees under specific schemes may also be eligible for additional health support services.
Section K: Glossary
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: A visa scheme that allows UK residents to sponsor Ukrainian nationals, providing them with accommodation and support as they resettle in the UK.
Ukraine Family Visa Scheme: This scheme, now closed, was designed to expedite the process for Ukrainian nationals with family members already residing in the UK to join them under family reunification principles.
Ukraine Extension Scheme: A program that allows Ukrainian nationals already in the UK under certain visa schemes to apply for an extension of their stay, ensuring continued legal status and access to resources.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme: An extension process specifically for Ukrainian nationals who require a further extension of their visa to continue their stay in the UK without interruption.
Sponsor: An individual or organization in the UK who offers support, accommodation, or assistance to a Ukrainian refugee under various sponsorship schemes.
Visa: An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.
Public Funds: Various benefits provided by the UK government, which may include housing support, jobseeker’s allowance, or other social security benefits, available to eligible individuals including some refugees.
Administrative Review: A procedure that allows visa applicants to have a decision reviewed if they believe there was an error in the handling of their visa application.
Integration: The process by which refugees become part of community life in the host country, involving access to rights services, and eventually feeling part of the community.
NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation): Private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development.
NHS (National Health Service): The publicly funded healthcare system of the UK, which provides a wide range of healthcare services, including medical care, surgery, and hospital treatment.
Legal Status: The standing or condition of an individual recognized by the law regarding their existence, rights, and duties in a given country.
Section L: Additional Resources
GOV.UK: Ukraine Visa Information
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-processing-times-applications-outside-the-uk
This webpage provides information on general visa processing times for applications submitted outside the UK, including those from Ukrainians.
GOV.UK: Homes for Ukraine Scheme
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guides
This collection of resources offers comprehensive information on the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, including eligibility, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
UNHCR UK (The United Nations Refugee Agency)
https://www.unhcr.org/uk/
The UNHCR provides support and resources for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, including Ukrainians. Their website offers information on various topics, including legal assistance, housing, and healthcare.
Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Citizens Advice is a charity offering free legal advice and information to people in the UK. They have a dedicated section on their website for information on immigration issues, which may be helpful for Ukrainians seeking to enter or remain in the UK.
Opora
https://opora.uk
A registered UK charity supporting Ukrainians in rebuilding their lives sustainably in the UK.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
