Applications Are Open For The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opened to applications on 4 February 2025. 

Ukrainian nationals, or their family members, who are living in the UK with existing permission on one of the Ukraine schemes, may be eligible to apply for Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) to continue living in the UK. 

The UPE Scheme will allow people to extend their stay for 18 months.

Applicants should only make an application to the UPE scheme within 28 days of their current permission expiring. If someone is unsure when their current visa expires, they can find this information by logging in to their UKVI account and checking their eVisa.

Applications for UPE must be made before the current permission expires, or applicants will lose all entitlement to work and benefits for the period between expiry of their visa and new application granted.

If an application is made too early, it may be rejected and not considered. If this happens, the applicant will need to reapply when their current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.  

Applications need to be made from inside the UK. It is important that applicants don’t plan a long trip out of the UK in the 28 days before their visa expires, otherwise they will need to reapply for entry clearance to come back to the UK. Applicants should not travel outside of the UK whilst waiting for a decision on their application.

The Home Office currently says that decisions are usually made within 8 weeks, but some decisions may take longer.

If an applicant travels outside the UK while their application is pending, then the application will be withdrawn and will not be considered. 

Further guidance is available at the GOV.UK website.