Entry Clearance For Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK
You may be eligible to apply for entry clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa if you are an eligible family member of a UK-based sponsor who is currently residing in the United Kingdom. Applicants intending to enter the UK through this route must first obtain entry clearance and must have either:
- Been granted permission under the Ukraine Scheme, or
- Received an official letter from the UK Home Office confirming that they are authorised to travel to the UK under the Ukraine Scheme
prior to their arrival in the United Kingdom.
Applications for entry clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme are processed in accordance with the Immigration Rules Appendix Ukraine Scheme. Once your application is successfully approved, you will be permitted to live, work, and study in the UK, as well as access public funds.
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our immigration experts provide comprehensive legal assistance throughout the application process, ensuring full compliance with Home Office requirements and maximising your chances of success under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK.
Aden & Co Solicitors are leading UK immigration specialists, widely recognised for delivering exceptional visa and immigration legal services. Our reputation for excellence is reflected through consistent 5-star Google Reviews, with 99% of our clients expressing complete satisfaction. Our dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors ensures every client receives tailored, reliable, and professional legal support for all UK immigration matters.
Under the Ukraine Family Scheme, a Ukrainian national may be eligible to apply if they are a family member (as defined under the scheme) of a UK-based sponsor. This sponsor must be either a British citizen, an individual settled in the UK, a person granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, or an EEA or Swiss citizen with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (provided the residence was established before the end of the Brexit transition period).
The scheme recognises immediate family members such as a partner, fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, child under 18, or the parent of a child under 18. It also extends eligibility to extended family members, including parents, grandparents, grandchildren, adult children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins — as well as the immediate family of these extended relatives.
Moreover, non-Ukrainian family members of a UK-based sponsor may also qualify under the Ukraine Family Scheme, provided that at least one member of the sponsor’s immediate family is a Ukrainian national. In essence, any Ukrainian national related to a UK-based qualifying sponsor may be eligible to apply under this immigration route.
Complimentary Immigration Consultation for Ukraine Family Scheme Visa (UK Entry Clearance Application)
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our highly experienced team of immigration lawyers offers free initial immigration advice for individuals applying under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa for UK entry clearance. You can easily connect with our legal experts online to receive professional guidance regarding your application process. Whether you wish to ask a question directly or schedule a detailed consultation, our immigration solicitors are available to provide tailored advice, ensuring your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application is prepared accurately and efficiently.
Submit your query online to our expert team of spouse visa solicitors at Aden & Co Solicitors for free professional immigration advice. You can also schedule an online consultation for comprehensive immigration guidance with one of our experienced family visa lawyers, specifically regarding your UK entry clearance application under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Entry Clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK
(Drafted by Aden & Co Solicitors — Your Trusted Immigration Experts)
Applicants seeking entry clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK in accordance with Appendix Ukraine of the UK Immigration Rules must comply with specific eligibility and suitability requirements. Below is a detailed overview of the mandatory criteria for successful application submission.
Valid Application Requirement
To be eligible, an applicant must submit a valid entry clearance application for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK in line with the procedural and documentary requirements stipulated under Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules. All application details must be accurate, complete, and submitted through the appropriate channels to ensure validity.
Suitability Requirements under the Ukraine Family Scheme
The applicant must not be subject to refusal under Part 9 – Grounds for Refusal of the Immigration Rules. Specifically, the applicant should not fall under any of the following provisions:
- Paragraphs 9.2.1 – 9.2.2 (Exclusion or deportation orders)
- Paragraphs 9.3.1 – 9.3.2 (Non-conducive to the public good)
- Paragraphs 9.4.1 – 9.4.5 (Criminality grounds)
- Paragraphs 9.5.1 – 9.5.2 (Exclusion from asylum or humanitarian protection)
- Paragraphs 9.6.1 – 9.6.2 (Involvement in sham marriage or civil partnership)
- Paragraphs 9.7.1 – 9.7.3 (False representation or deception)
- Paragraphs 9.10.1 – 9.10.2 (Admissibility to the Common Travel Area or other countries)
- Paragraphs 9.14.1 – 9.20.2 & 9.23.1 – 9.24.1 (Refusal or cancellation on arrival)
Meeting these suitability conditions is crucial for the consideration of the application.
Residence Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they were ordinarily resident in Ukraine immediately before 1 January 2022, except in cases where the applicant is a child born on or after that date. This requirement confirms the applicant’s connection to Ukraine prior to the escalation of the conflict.
Relationship Requirement for Family Members
The applicant must be a family member (as defined in paragraph UKR 6.2) of a UK-based sponsor who is one of the following:
- A British citizen;
- A settled person in the UK;
- A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK; or
- An EEA national with pre-settled status granted under Appendix EU (based on residence in the UK before 23:00 GMT, 31 December 2020).
Under paragraph UKR 6.1, eligible family relationships include:
Immediate family members:
- The partner of the UK-based sponsor;
- A child under 18 of the sponsor or the sponsor’s partner;
- A parent of a child under 18, where the child is the UK-based sponsor;
- A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of the sponsor.
Extended family members:
- The parent, grandparent, sibling, adult child, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, or nephew of the sponsor or their partner;
- A parent of the sponsor’s child (if the child is under 18).
Immediate family members of extended family members may also qualify, including:
- The partner of an extended family member;
- A child under 18 of an extended family member;
- A parent of a child (under 18) who is an extended family member;
- A fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of an extended family member.
Applicants applying as a partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner must prove that their relationship is genuine and subsisting and that it commenced before 1 January 2022. Partners must also meet the standards outlined in Appendix Relationship with Partner of the Immigration Rules.
Eligibility Criteria for UK-Based Sponsors – Aden & Co Solicitors
When assessing the suitability of a UK-based sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, it is essential that the sponsor (as defined in UKR 6.1) has not previously failed to meet the eligibility standards for sponsorship approval. This requirement is outlined in the official 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.” Compliance with this condition ensures that sponsors demonstrate reliability, safeguarding standards, and adherence to the Home Office’s expectations for hosting vulnerable applicants.
Nationality Requirement – Ukraine Family Scheme
To qualify under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the applicant must satisfy the nationality criteria. The applicant must either be:
- A Ukrainian national; or
- A member of a family group (as defined in UKR 6.2) that includes an immediate family member of the UK-based sponsor who is a Ukrainian national eligible under this scheme, regardless of whether that individual is submitting an application at the same time.
This provision ensures that family unity and humanitarian considerations remain at the forefront of the UK’s immigration response to the Ukrainian crisis.
Parental Consent Requirement for Child Applicants – Ukraine Family Scheme
Where the applicant is under 18 years of age at the time of application and is not accompanied by, or joining, a parent in the UK, they must obtain written consent from:
- Both parents; or
- One parent who holds sole legal responsibility for the child; or
- The child’s legal guardian.
However, if the Home Office decision-maker determines that it is reasonable to grant entry clearance or permission without such consent, an exemption may apply.
The written consent must explicitly confirm agreement and support for:
- The child’s immigration application;
- The proposed living and care arrangements in the UK; and
- Where applicable, the child’s travel and reception arrangements upon arrival in the UK.
Variation of Entry Clearance Application After Arrival
An individual who has submitted an entry clearance application that remains pending, and has received written confirmation from the Home Office authorising travel to the United Kingdom, may be eligible for a variation in their application status upon arrival. If such a person is granted permission to enter the UK and subsequently provides their biometric information after arrival, the Secretary of State may exercise discretion to convert or vary the pending entry clearance application into an application for permission to stay.
This process ensures that applicants who have legitimately entered the UK under official approval can transition their immigration status without reapplying from overseas. At Aden & Co Solicitors, our immigration professionals provide expert assistance in managing such complex applications, ensuring compliance with all procedural requirements and maximising the likelihood of a favourable decision.
Period and Conditions of Grant under the Ukraine Family Scheme
Under the Ukraine Family Scheme, successful applicants are granted permission to remain in the UK for a period determined by whichever is shorter:
- 36 months, or
- A duration that ensures the applicant’s total permission under the Ukraine Scheme does not exceed 36 months in total.
This grant of leave is accompanied by the following entitlements and conditions:
- Access to public funds is permitted.
- Employment, including self-employment and voluntary work, is fully authorised.
- Study is allowed, provided the applicant complies with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirements set out in Appendix ATAS.
How Can We Help You?
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our highly experienced team of family visa solicitors provides comprehensive immigration advice and professional legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa (UK) entry clearance application. Our transparent fixed fee ensures that all legal work — from the initial consultation to the final decision by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) — is fully covered, with no hidden costs.
Our dedicated immigration solicitors manage every stage of your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application with precision and expertise, including:
- Expert Legal Guidance:
Our solicitors will provide in-depth advice on the eligibility criteria and legal requirements necessary for a successful application under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK. - Document Preparation:
We will prepare and send you a comprehensive checklist of supporting documents required to strengthen your application and ensure full compliance with UK immigration rules. - Document Review and Assessment:
Our legal team will thoroughly assess your documentation to verify that each piece of evidence aligns with the immigration requirements and effectively supports your case. - Application Completion:
Our family visa solicitors will complete and review your application forms to ensure accuracy and consistency before submission. - Priority or Super Priority Submission:
Where applicable, our solicitors will process your application using the Priority or Super Priority Service, helping you secure a faster decision on your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK. - Appointment Coordination:
After submitting your application, we will book your biometrics appointment at the visa application centre, ensuring all logistical steps are efficiently handled. - Cover Letter Preparation:
Our legal experts will draft a detailed legal representation letter, outlining how your case satisfies all relevant immigration requirements, significantly enhancing your chances of approval. - Online Document Upload:
Before your biometrics appointment, our solicitors will upload all necessary supporting documents online to ensure a smooth review process by the Home Office. - Continuous Case Monitoring:
From start to finish, our immigration solicitors will carry out all follow-up communication and updates with the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) until a final decision is issued on your application.
Our Exclusive One-Off Services for UK Entry Clearance Applications
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert immigration team provides a comprehensive range of specialized one-off legal services tailored for UK visa entry clearance applications. These services are ideal for individuals who prefer professional assistance without opting for a full legal representation package. Our one-off solutions ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency throughout your visa process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays.
Our Fixed Fees for Ukraine Family Scheme Visa Entry Clearance Application
At Aden & Co Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for handling your Ukraine Family Scheme Visa Entry Clearance Application, ranging from £1,000 to £2,000 (excluding VAT). The final agreed fee is determined by the complexity of your case, the documentation required, and the overall workload involved in preparing and submitting your application.
FAQs – Entry Clearance for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa UK
Is there any fee payable to the UK Home Office (UKVI) when applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa?
There is no fee required when applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa. The application process is completely free of charge. Applicants are also exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the biometric enrolment fee, making the scheme financially accessible to all eligible individuals.
How can I submit an application for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa from outside the UK?
Applicants residing outside the United Kingdom can conveniently apply online for entry clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme. The online application process ensures efficiency, transparency, and timely submission of all required documentation.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying to the Ukraine Family Scheme from outside the UK?
To qualify for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- You must be applying to join or accompany a family member who is currently based in the UK.
- You must be a Ukrainian national or an eligible family member of a Ukrainian citizen applying under the same scheme to reunite with their immediate UK-based relative.
- You must have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022, even if you have since left the country.
Who is considered an immediate family member for the purpose of the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa?
An immediate family member refers to the applicant’s or the UK-based sponsor’s:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (provided that the couple has lived together in a genuine relationship for a minimum of two years)
- Child under the age of 18
- Parent (if the applicant is under 18)
- Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
Who is eligible to apply for Entry Clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa as an extended family member?
Under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa, extended family members of a UK-based sponsor may include:
- Parents (if the applicant is over 18)
- Adult children (over 18)
- Grandparents or grandchildren (including those of a partner)
- Siblings (brother or sister)
- Aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews
- Cousins
- In-laws, such as mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparent-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law
If your UK-based family member is your spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e), or proposed civil partner (or that of an extended family member), the relationship must have commenced before 1 January 2022. In exceptional circumstances, other family relationships may also be considered.
What is the duration of stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa?
Successful applicants under the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa can reside in the UK for up to three years, granting them permission to live, work, and study during this period.
Who is eligible to sponsor a family member under the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme?
A sponsor must be a British citizen, an individual settled in the UK, a refugee, a person granted humanitarian protection, or an EEA or Swiss national with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, provided their residence in the UK began before the end of the Brexit transition period.
Can an Entry Clearance application under the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme be varied to Leave to Remain after arrival in the UK?
Yes. An individual may vary their entry clearance application to an application for leave to remain if:
- The entry clearance application is still pending;
- The Home Office has issued a travel authorisation letter allowing entry to the UK;
- The individual was granted permission to enter upon arrival; and
- Biometrics were provided after entering the UK.
In such cases, the Secretary of State may consider the application for entry clearance as an application for permission to stay in the UK.
What are the residence eligibility requirements for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa?
To qualify for entry clearance under the Ukraine Family Scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they were ordinarily residing in Ukraine immediately before 1 January 2022. However, this condition does not apply to children who were born on or after that date.
What are the nationality eligibility criteria for the Ukraine Family Scheme Visa?
To be eligible, the applicant must either:
- Hold Ukrainian nationality, or
- Be a member of a family group, as defined in section UKR 6.2, that includes an immediate family member of the UK-based sponsor who is a Ukrainian national and meets the scheme’s qualifying conditions—regardless of whether that family member is applying concurrently or separately.