The United Kingdom (UK) Government has announced the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme.
The new visa extension scheme for Ukrainians currently in the UK will begin accepting applications on 4 February 2025.
This offers Ukrainian nationals and their family members a chance to extend their stay in the UK as the conflict in their country continues.
Home Secretary Yvette Copper affirmed the new UPE scheme’s rollout date in a letter to Parliament on 26 November 2024.
“We continue to stand firm with the people of Ukraine and show that those who need our help are still warmly welcomed in the UK,” she said.
The previous Conservative Government first announced the 18-month extension scheme in February 2024.
Closing the Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES)
As the new UPE scheme will be available next year, the UK is completely closing the Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES) for all individuals.
The UES scheme remained available for UK-born children whose parent has, or previously had, permission under the Ukraine scheme.
These children will now instead apply through the UPE and will not need to have had prior permission to qualify.
This change is designed to streamline processes and make it easier for Ukrainians to extend their stay without navigating multiple pathways.
The UPE scheme consolidates existing routes into one program, reducing confusion and ensuring consistent support for applicants.
What is the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme?
The UPE scheme provides an 18-month visa extension to Ukrainian nationals and eligible family members currently in the UK under specific visa programs.
These specific visa programs were offered to them when the conflict in their country started. These include:
- The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
- The Ukraine Family Scheme
- The Ukraine Extension Scheme
The goal is to simplify visa extensions and ensure that Ukrainians can remain in the UK legally without disruptions.
It will grant them the same rights to work, benefits, healthcare, and education as Ukrainians have under current schemes.
The UPE scheme will also be free, with applications accepted within the last 28 days of their permission expiring.
This will ensure that Ukrainians have sufficient time to apply for the scheme.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for the UPE scheme, Ukrainians must meet the following conditions:
- Be physically in the UK at the time of the application.
- Already hold permission under one of the Ukraine visa programs mentioned above.
- Have been living in the UK or Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man since receiving their current visa.
Family members, such as spouses and children, may also apply if they meet specific requirements.
For example, non-Ukrainian spouses must still be in a recognized relationship with the Ukrainian national applying.
Additionally, children born in the UK after 18 March 2022 are eligible if their parent is part of one of the Ukraine visa schemes.
It’s also important to note that time spent under the UPE scheme will not count toward the qualifying period for settlement under the Long Residence route.
This means that while the UPE provides temporary security, it does not lead directly to permanent residency.
When to apply
The UPE scheme will open in February 2024. Still, there is a specific window for Ukrainians to apply depending on when their current permission ends.
Applicants should check their UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) account to determine when their current permission will expire.
They must apply for the UPE scheme during the 28 days before their current permission expires.
Applying earlier may result in a rejection. On the other hand, applying after their current visa expires could flag them as overstayers.
This could lead to Ukrainians losing their rights to work, study, access healthcare, or claim public funds.
Why this matters
The UPE scheme is part of the UK Government’s broader effort to support Ukrainians displaced by war.
Since the conflict began in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainians have sought refuge in the UK under various visa schemes.
The streamlined UPE program offers continuity and reassurance to those affected.
This allows families to remain in the UK legally while they await better circumstances in their home country.
Ukrainian nationals currently in the UK under a qualifying visa scheme should begin preparing to apply for the UPE program.
Ensuring that their documents are in order, monitoring updates, and applying promptly can help avoid any disruption to their status.
By preparing early and staying informed, eligible applicants can ensure that they remain protected under this new visa scheme.