- Settled

Ukraine Extension Scheme

The Ukraine Extension scheme was one of three new visa schemes
introduced by the UK government following the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Government guidance for the Ukraine Extension scheme is here. This contains the most up-to-date information, and has a Ukrainian translation.

Please click on the guidance boxes below for Settled’s practical summaries and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. What is this scheme, and who is eligible?

An application process aimed at Ukrainians who were already in the UK on work, student or visitor visas when the war started in 2022.

People from one of the three criteria below:

Applicants must have had permission to stay in the UK on or between 18 March 2022 and 16 November 2023 – the permission does not need to cover the whole period.
Alternatively, applicants had permission to stay in the UK before 1 January 2022 and that permission has expired.
Alternatively, they are a child born to a parent who qualifies under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

2. Is there a deadline for applying for this visa programme?

The Ukraine Extension Scheme programme had a deadline of 16.11.2023. For those who received a visa before 16 February 2023, the deadline for submission remained unchanged: 16 May 2024.

Children born in the UK in families where the parents have a Ukraine Scheme visa will be eligible for this scheme in the future. The visa will be valid until the date the parents have permission to stay. If the mother and father have different visa expiry dates, the child will be issued a permit until the date with the longer validity.

Please check official sources for the most up-to-date information on the availability of the programme.

3. I am Ukrainian and have lived in the UK illegally since 2020. Can I apply for the Ukraine Extension scheme?

No. Overstayers as of 1 January 2022 are likely to be rejected.

4. Can I apply to the Ukraine Scheme if I’m not Ukrainian?

Applicants to the scheme must be Ukrainian nationals, unless they are applying as part of a family group with their immediate family member who is a Ukrainian national and who qualifies under this scheme.

5. Do I need to upload evidence of my residence in Ukraine?

When you complete the online application form you should provide supporting documents. Applicants to the scheme should upload evidence that they were living in Ukraine before 1st January 2022.

You can upload official documents issued by the Ukrainian authorities, such as utility bills, bank statements, medical letters, mortgage or tenancy agreements, employment letters, or education letters. If you are unable to provide evidence of your residence, you should upload a letter explaining your personal circumstances.

6. How can I get further advice?

Settled provides free advice on all three UK visa schemes for Ukrainians.

We are a trustworthy charity, accredited by the government’s Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner to level 3. Our team speaks Ukrainian and English.

Please contact us in your preferred language: [email protected]