Nearly three years on from the Russian invasion, significant changes have been made to the options available to Ukrainians in the UK. 

For an outline of the three schemes (Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme) launched to enable Ukrainians to come to the UK following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, read our previous legal update blog. The blog also covered the February 2024 Statement of Changes which abruptly ended the Ukraine Family Scheme without notice. 

It is important to note the current status of each of the schemes:

• Ukraine Family Scheme (launched on 30 March 2022 and ended on 19 February 2024)
• Ukraine Extension Scheme (launched on 3 May 2022 and ended on 4 February 2025)
• Homes for Ukraine (launched on 18 March 2022, still active but narrowed in scope)

Each of the above schemes granted Ukrainians protection and rights in the UK for a period of 3 years, which is set to expire soon as we approach the third anniversary of the war on Ukraine. This makes their temporary nature more distressing, and it is important to be aware of the updates outlined in this blog. 

What has changed?

The following changes have been made. It is important to note that many of these changes and rights are not automatically granted, you may have to make an application to obtain them.

Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

Applications to this Scheme, for those who hold leave under Appendix Ukraine Scheme (includes leave granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Ukraine Extension Scheme and Homes for Ukraine) that will expire soon, opened on 4 February 2025. It is important to note that extensions of leave are not automatic, you will need to apply before your current leave expires or face the risk or losing benefits such as the right to work, rent, and healthcare.

Key information on how to apply is as follows: 

• People should only apply for the Scheme within the last 28 days of their leave. Applications made earlier than this period risk being rejected. 
• The applicant must be in the UK when the application is submitted and must also provide their biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and identity documents.
• Applicants are expected to hold an eVisa, so you should either log into your UKVI account or check your original grant letter to confirm exactly when your leave expires. You can learn more about eVisas in our legal update here and in our Key Guide here. 
• There is no application fee or immigration health surcharge.
• Applicants with an outstanding application cannot leave the UK until a decision has been made and further leave granted. If you travel outside of the UK while your application is pending, it will be deemed withdrawn. 

If your application under the extension Scheme is successful, you will be granted a further 18 months’ leave to remain in the UK. 

If your application is refused, the guidance states that there is no right of appeal or administrative review.

Another significant change regarding this Scheme is the fact that from 12 February 2025, Ukrainians arriving in the UK are no longer able to use previously granted Permission to Travel Letters (PTLs). Arrivals after this date may be refused entry and face removal. You will instead need to apply to the above Scheme instead to receive digital confirmation of your immigration status in the UK. 

More information on the Scheme, exceptions, and how to apply are on the government website and this blog published by Free Movement.

Sponsoring a child under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

On 31 January, new guidance was published to enable parents or legal guardians holding permission under any of the Ukraine Schemes to sponsor their child under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This route enables parents and guardians to reunite safely with their children.

The following are key points from the guidance, outlined by our colleagues at Settled:

• Children can be granted up to 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK, with access to education, healthcare, benefits, and employment (if eligible).
• Parents do not need settled status but must hold permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes.
• A birth/adoption certificate or legal guardianship document is required as proof of relationship.
• No “thank you” payments will be provided to parents sponsoring their own children.
• Local councils will conduct safeguarding and accommodation checks after arrival.
• If a child does not meet the criteria, Leave Outside the Rules (LOTR) may be granted in exceptional cases.
• Local authorities will receive £5,900 per child under this scheme.

Further helpful resources and organisations

Opora

Opora is a registered charity which provides information and a support hub to Ukrainians in the UK (in English and Ukrainian). They provide information on topics such as the Ukraine schemes, children, housing, employment, and mental health support. You can access their website here.

Ukraine Advice Project UK

The Ukraine Advice Project helps to connect Ukrainians (both those inside and outside of the UK) with lawyers who provide free advice. Crucially, the resource operates only in English – so if you cannot speak English, you will need a friend to help you get in touch. Also, the lawyers are not able to provide advice on how to get out of Ukraine to get to the UK.  

You can access their website here.

Settled

Settled is a charity which was founded in 2019 to support EU nationals in the UK to help them access their rights post-Brexit. They have a dedicated Ukraine Advice Service which provides the following services: 

• Where appropriate we escalate complex or very delayed cases to the UK Home Office.
• Free one-on-one advice in Ukrainian or English. To access this service, email ukraineadvice@settled.org.uk. If necessary, Settled can call you internationally.
• Access Settled’s Ukrainian-language Facebook group here for answers to general questions.

You can access Settled’s information pages on Homes for Ukraine, Extension schemes, and more by clicking here.