If you are a family member of a UK-based sponsor who is a resident in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme visa while remaining inside the UK. The applicant must hold valid immigration permission, unless their previous visa or permission expired after January 1, 2022. The application process for switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme visa follows the requirements outlined in Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules. Upon approval, the applicant will be granted the right to live, work, and study in the UK, along with access to public funds.

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A Ukrainian national is eligible under the Ukraine Family Scheme if they are a close relative (as defined) of a UK-based sponsor who is a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, a refugee, someone with humanitarian protection, or an EEA or Swiss citizen holding pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (based on residence in the UK before the end of the transition period).

For the purposes of this Scheme, family members include immediate relatives such as a partner, child under 18, a parent of a child aged under 18, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner. Extended family members of the UK-based sponsor or their partner are also eligible. These include parents, grandparents, grandchildren, adult children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Additionally, immediate family members of extended family members of the UK-based sponsor or their partner can qualify.

Even family members of a UK-based sponsor who are not Ukrainian nationals may qualify under the Ukraine Family Scheme, provided that at least one member of the sponsor’s immediate family is a Ukrainian national. Thus, a Ukrainian national can also qualify under the Ukraine Family Scheme if they are a family member of a qualifying UK-based sponsor.

Complimentary Immigration Consultation for Switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK

Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers complimentary online immigration consultations for individuals seeking to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK. You can submit your queries online to receive free advice from our experienced immigration solicitors. Alternatively, book a detailed consultation to discuss your application for switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa, where one of our specialists will provide in-depth guidance and professional support tailored to your specific immigration needs.

Requirements for Switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK

To switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa under Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules, applicants must fulfill the following essential criteria:

Valid Application Submission
The applicant is required to submit a valid application to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa while within the UK. The application must comply with all stipulations outlined in Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules to ensure it is considered valid.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ukraine Family Scheme: Ensuring Compliance

To qualify for the Ukraine Family Scheme, applicants must meet specific suitability requirements and must not fall under any of the refusal grounds outlined in Part 9. These grounds include:

• Exclusion or Deportation Orders (Paragraphs 9.2.1 to 9.2.2) – Applicants with active exclusion or deportation orders will be refused entry.
• Non-Conducive Grounds (Paragraphs 9.3.1 to 9.3.2) – Applications from individuals deemed a risk to public safety or national security will not be accepted.
• Criminality (Paragraphs 9.4.1 to 9.4.5) – Applicants with a criminal background may be disqualified from the scheme.
• Exclusion from Asylum or Humanitarian Protection (Paragraphs 9.5.1 to 9.5.2) – Individuals previously excluded from asylum or humanitarian protections will be ineligible.
• Involvement in Sham Marriages or Civil Partnerships (Paragraphs 9.6.1 to 9.6.2) – Applicants found guilty of participating in fraudulent marriages or civil partnerships will be refused.
• False Representations and Deception (Paragraphs 9.7.1 to 9.7.3) – Applicants who provide false information or attempt to deceive the authorities will not be accepted.
• Admissibility to the Common Travel Area or Other Countries (Paragraphs 9.10.1 to 9.10.2) – Those barred from entering the Common Travel Area or other countries due to inadmissibility will be refused under the scheme.
• Refusal and Cancellation on Arrival (Paragraphs 9.14.1 to 9.20.2 and 9.23.1 to 9.24.1) – Applicants who have their entry or stay canceled on arrival due to any grounds will not be permitted under the scheme.

Residence Requirement for the Ukraine Family Scheme: A Comprehensive Overview

To be eligible for permission to remain under the Ukraine Family Scheme, applicants must be physically present in the UK and meet one of the following conditions:

• Hold valid permission to stay in the UK; or
• Have held valid permission prior to 1 January 2022, even if it has since expired.

It is important to note that visitor permission granted after 18 March 2022 does not qualify as valid permission for fulfilling the residence requirement under this scheme.

Relationship Requirements for a Family Member Under the Ukraine Family Scheme

To qualify as a family member under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the applicant must be related to a UK-based sponsor who holds one of the following statuses:

• A British citizen
• A person settled in the UK
• A refugee or individual granted humanitarian protection within the UK
• An EEA national in the UK with limited leave, as per paragraph EU3 of Appendix EU, having pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, granted before 31 December 2020, 23:00 GMT.

For those applying under UKR 6.1., applicants must be a family member in one of the following relationships. If the applicant is not Ukrainian, at least one immediate family member must be a Ukrainian national as outlined in UKR 7.1:

• Immediate Family Members:

• • Partner of the UK-based sponsor
  • Child under 18 at the time of application, either of the UK-based sponsor or their partner
  • Parent of a child under 18, where the child is the UK-based sponsor
  • Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of the UK-based sponsor

• Extended Family Members:

• • Parent of the UK-based sponsor or their partner (if the sponsor or partner is 18 or older at the time of application)
  • Parent of a child under 18, where the child is the sponsor or their partner’s child
  • Grandparent of the sponsor or their partner
  • Grandchild of the sponsor or their partner
  • Sibling of the sponsor or their partner
  • Adult child (18+) of the sponsor or their partner
  • Aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, or nephew of the sponsor

• Immediate family member of an extended family member, including:

• 1. • Partner of the extended family member
     • Child under 18 of the extended family member
     • Parent of a child under 18, where the child is the extended family member
     • Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of the extended family member

Applicants seeking to join as a partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with the UK-based sponsor or extended family member, which must have commenced before 1 January 2022. Those applying as a partner must fulfill the criteria outlined in the Appendix Relationship with Partner.

Eligibility for UK-Based Sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

For applicants who are children, the UK-based sponsor (as per UKR 6.1) must have a history of meeting the sponsor requirements under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Specifically, they must not have previously failed to meet the approval criteria for sponsorship under the guidance titled “Homes for Ukraine – Applications to Homes for Ukraine for children who are not travelling or reuniting with their parent or legal guardian: Guidance for Councils.”

Nationality Criteria for the Ukraine Family Scheme

To be eligible under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the applicant must satisfy one of the following conditions:

• Be a Ukrainian national, or
• Be part of a family group (defined under UKR 6.2) that includes an immediate family member who is a Ukrainian national and qualifies under the scheme. This qualification holds regardless of whether the family member is applying at the same time as the applicant.

Parental Consent Requirement for Children Applying Under the Ukraine Family Scheme

When a child under the age of 18 applies under the Ukraine Family Scheme, parental consent is mandatory unless they are accompanied by or joining a parent in the UK. The necessary consent must come from one of the following:

• Both parents
• One parent, if that parent holds sole legal responsibility for the child
• The child’s legal guardian

This requirement can be waived only if the decision-maker deems it reasonable under the specific circumstances to grant entry clearance or permission without parental consent.

The written consent must include confirmation of support for the following:

• The child’s application for entry
• The child’s living and care arrangements once in the UK
• In cases of entry clearance, confirmation of the child’s travel and reception plans upon arrival in the UK

Terms and Conditions of Grant under the Ukraine Family Scheme

Under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the applicant will receive permission for the shorter duration between the following two options:

• A period of 36 months; or
• A timeframe that ensures the applicant’s total stay does not exceed 36 months under the Ukraine Scheme.

This permission is granted under the following terms and conditions:

• Full access to public funds is permitted;
• Employment, including self-employment and voluntary work, is allowed;
• Educational pursuits are permitted, subject to the ATAS condition outlined in Appendix ATAS.

How We Can Assist You

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our team of expert family visa solicitors is dedicated to offering comprehensive immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your application to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK. Our fixed fee encompasses all aspects of your case, ensuring complete support until the Home Office UKVI renders a decision on your application. The services provided by our family visa solicitors for your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application include the following:

• Guidance on Eligibility Requirements: Our solicitors will thoroughly advise you on the necessary criteria that must be met for a successful application to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK.
• Document Preparation Assistance: You will receive a detailed list of required supporting documents that must be submitted with your application. Our solicitors will assist you every step of the way to ensure you meet all necessary documentation requirements.
• Document Evaluation: We will meticulously review all your submitted documents to ensure they align with the immigration rules and fulfill all necessary requirements for your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application.
• Completion of Application Form: Our expert team will complete the relevant application form for your switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the latest guidelines.
• Fast-Track Application Submission: Where applicable, we will submit your online application through the Priority or Super Priority Service, enabling a faster decision on your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application.
• Appointment Scheduling: After your online application is submitted, we will arrange your appointment at the application centre for biometrics enrolment, ensuring all steps are handled promptly.
• Comprehensive Cover Letter Preparation: Our solicitors will draft a detailed cover letter outlining how your application meets all legal criteria, supporting the success of your switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK.
• Online Document Submission: Prior to your biometrics appointment, we will upload all supporting documents to the online portal, ensuring that your application is complete and ready for consideration.
• Follow-up and Monitoring: Our team will handle all follow-up actions until the Home Office UKVI reaches a final decision on your application, providing continuous updates and support throughout the process.

Exclusive One-Time Legal Services for Your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer an array of tailored one-off legal services designed to support your application under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK. These services cater to individuals who prefer a more flexible approach rather than opting for our full service. Our expert legal team is here to assist with the following one-time services to ensure the smooth processing of your visa application:

Fixed Fees for Switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa – Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer a transparent fixed fee structure for individuals applying to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK. Our fees range from £1,000 to £2,000 (excluding VAT), tailored to the specific details of your case. The final fee will be determined based on the complexity of your application and the workload associated with processing it. For an accurate, personalized quote for your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa switch application, you can request a fixed fee estimate online with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Switching to the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa in the UK