Guidance

Ukrainian nationals in the UK: visa support

Ukrainians already in the UK with a visa will be able to extend their stay by extending their visa or switching to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so.

Ukraine Extension Scheme

You can apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme if you’re Ukrainian, or you have a Ukrainian family member until it closes on 16 May 2024 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 can apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme for your child if they were born in the UK after 18 March 2022 if one of the following is true:

  • you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
  • you qualify under the Ukraine Extension Scheme

This route does not require a UK-based sponsor.

The Ukraine Extension Scheme will remain open after 16 May 2024 for children who are born in the UK.

Find out more about the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

Other options are available below, depending on what kind of visa you have.

Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

If you have been given permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes, you may be able to apply for a further 18 months permission to stay in the UK under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. You’ll be able to apply 3 months before your existing visa is due to expire.

Visitors

If you are a visitor

If you are in the UK on a visitor visa and cannot return to Ukraine you can apply to switch to another visa. You will need to meet the requirements of that immigration route.

Skilled Workers

If you are here on a Skilled Worker visa

If you are on a Skilled Worker visa that is due to expire you can apply to extend your leave or apply for settlement if you meet the Immigration Rules.

Full details can be found in the Skilled Worker visa guidance.

Students

If you are here on a Student visa

If you are on a Student visa that is due to expire you can apply to extend your leave, switch to a Graduate visa, or switch to another type of visa if you meet the Immigration Rules.

Full details can be found in the Student visa guidance.

Seasonal Workers

If you are here on a Seasonal Worker visa

You must continue working in a job permitted by the Seasonal Worker route, with the same Scheme Operator (your sponsor).

You may be eligible to make an application under other immigration routes before your visa expires.

Check which visas you may be able to apply for.

If you need support

If you are in the UK and need assistance, contact UKVI:

Telephone: 0808 164 8810 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm
Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.

Published 8 March 2022
Last updated 19 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated information on the Ukraine Extension Scheme closing on 16 May 2024 and the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.

  2. Clarified eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme if you apply for your child born in the UK.

  3. Removal of redundant 'Stay up to date' call out.

  4. Added a concession to introduce a new eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has now been extended to allow those who have and continue to arrive after 18 March 2022, until 16 May 2023, to apply.

  5. Added link to Ukraine Extension Scheme guidance.

  6. Added information about the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

  7. First published.