Immigration information for Ukrainians

You can find detailed advice on what you need to show that you can live, work and access benefits in the UK for up to 4.5 years on the immigration information for Ukrainians webpage on GOV.UK.

eVisas

People on the Homes for Ukraine scheme are required to prove their immigration status electronically with an eVisa.

The eVisa replaces physical documents with an online record of a guest’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.

A guest must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.  

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing previous documents with:

What an eVisa is 

Guests can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with their current passport, which must be linked to their UKVI account.

They should also get a share code to prove their immigration status before travelling. The guests carrier may ask for it. A share code is valid for 90 days.

It’s also important to know that:

  • creating a UKVI account does not change, or remove your current immigration status, or your rights in the UK 
  • you must keep your UKVI account up to date with your latest passport/travel document and contact details.
  • you’ll need your in-date physical immigration documents when you travel internationally. You will not be permitted to travel without a valid passport
  • if your passport is due to expire, it is your responsibility to apply for renewal. You should contact the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Edinburgh for advice on how to do this.

The benefits of eVisas

The benefits are that:

  • they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document 
  • you will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this 
  • it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords  

Ukraine Permission Extension scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (UPE) enables you to apply to extend your stay in the UK for a further 18 months after your Homes for Ukraine, or other valid Ukrainian visa expires.

It is free to apply for the UPE scheme. If your application is successful, you will be able to continue to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.

See further guidance on applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

You must have been granted permission under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Ukraine family scheme, or Ukraine extension scheme to apply for the UPE scheme.

When to apply

You may apply to the UPE scheme 28 days before your current eVisa ends. You must have a UKVI account and access to your eVisa. You must be in the UK when you apply. Applications will not be valid and may be rejected if you apply from outside the UK.

To apply you will need to:

  • prove your identity
  • confirm you are in the UK when you apply
  • confirm you have permission to be in the UK on a Ukraine scheme
  • provide information about your accommodation in the UK
  • provide information about any time you have spent living outside of the UK or Ukraine since you were granted permission under the Ukraine schemes

To prove your identity, you will need a passport or a biometric residence permit card (BRP). You can use a BRP to prove your identity when applying for the UPE scheme, even when it has expired.

To apply for a child under 18 you will need to provide:

  • the child’s full birth or adoption certificate which shows their parents’ details
  • evidence of the child’s parent or legal guardian’s nationality or identity document
  • evidence of the parent or legal guardian’s immigration status, for example their passport number or Unique Application Number (UAN)

After you apply:

  • you should receive a decision on your UPE application within 8 weeks of applying
  • you should not travel outside of the UK or any other part of the Common Travel Area (this includes Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man) whilst waiting for a decision on your application - if you do travel, your application will be withdrawn and will not be considered

If your current permission expires before a decision is made on your UPE application you do not need to take any action, as your current permission will continue under section 3C leave. The purpose of section 3C leave is to prevent a person who makes an in-time application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer while they are awaiting a decision on that application. 

Immigration advice  

Get immigration information for Ukrainians, British nationals and their family members.