Ukraine Extension Scheme [Extend Your Stay Under The Ukraine Extension Scheme]
Ukrainian nationals and their close family members can apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme if they meet specific criteria. If you were present in the UK with valid immigration permission between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023, or if your most recent immigration status expired on or after 1 January 2022, you are eligible to apply. Ensure that applications are submitted by the deadline of 16 November 2023. Applications must comply with the stipulations outlined in Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules.
The Ukraine Extension Scheme permits Ukrainians and their close family members to live, work, and study in the UK. Eligibility criteria include:
- Holding valid immigration permission in the UK at any time between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023, even if it was not continuous.
- Having previously held UK immigration permission that expired on or after 1 January 2022.
When deciding whether to maintain your current visa or switch to the Ukraine Extension Scheme, consider that this route does not currently lead to settlement. Consequently, time spent in the UK under this visa may not contribute towards an application for indefinite leave to remain in the future.
Additionally, partners or children of Ukrainian nationals qualifying under the Ukraine Extension Scheme who are not Ukrainian themselves may also be eligible for this scheme.
For expert guidance and assistance with your application, consult Aden & Co Solicitors, renowned for their expertise in immigration matters.
Aden & Co Solicitors stands out as a distinguished UK immigration law firm, renowned for delivering exceptional visa and immigration services. Our esteemed team of highly qualified and experienced immigration solicitors consistently earns praise, as evidenced by a remarkable 5-star rating on Google Reviews from 99% of our satisfied clients.
Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers complimentary online immigration consultations specifically for extending your stay under the Ukraine Extension Scheme. You can request expert advice by posing a question online or schedule a detailed consultation with one of our seasoned immigration solicitors. Our team is dedicated to providing precise guidance and support for your application extension under this scheme.
Requirements for the Ukraine Extension Scheme
To qualify for an extension of stay under the Ukraine Extension Scheme, applicants must meet the criteria detailed in Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules:
Valid Application Applications for an extension under the Ukraine Extension Scheme must be valid and submitted in line with the requirements specified in Appendix Ukraine of the Immigration Rules.
Immigration Status Requirement Applicants must have held permission to enter or remain in the UK between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023. The permission does not need to cover the entire period unless:
- They had permission before 1 January that has since expired, or
- They are a child born in the UK to a qualifying parent.
Suitability Requirements Applicants must not be subject to refusal under any of the following grounds from Part 9: Grounds for Refusal:
- 2.1 to 9.2.2 (exclusion or deportation orders)
- 3.1 to 9.3.2 (non-conducive)
- 4.1 to 9.4.5 (criminality)
- 5.1 to 9.5.2 (exclusion from asylum or humanitarian protection)
- 6.1 to 9.6.2 (sham marriages or civil partnerships)
- 7.1 to 9.7.3 (false representations and deception)
- 10.1 to 9.10.2 (admissibility to the Common Travel Area or other countries)
- 14.1 to 9.20.2 and 9.23.1 to 9.24.1 (refusal and cancellation grounds on arrival)
Nationality Requirement Applicants must be:
- A Ukrainian national, or
- A person who has or had permission as:
- A partner of a Ukrainian national,
- A child of a Ukrainian national,
- A child of a Ukrainian national born in the UK after 18 March 2022.
Relationship Requirement for a Partner Applicants who are partners must satisfy the criteria outlined in Appendix Relationship with Partner. Children born in the UK must present a full UK birth certificate.
Parental Consent Requirement for a Child For applicants under 18, written consent is required if they are not applying with their parents. Consent must come from:
- Both parents, or
- One parent with sole legal responsibility, or
- The applicant’s legal guardian,
unless it is deemed reasonable by the decision-maker to proceed without such consent. The consent must affirm:
- Support for the application, and
- Confirmation of the applicant’s living and care arrangements in the UK.
Care Requirement for a Child Applicants under 18 must have appropriate care and accommodation arrangements in the UK, compliant with relevant UK legislation and regulations.
Period and Conditions of Grant Permission will be granted for the shorter of:
- 36 months, or
- A period ensuring the total under the Ukraine Scheme does not exceed 36 months.
Conditions include:
- Access to public funds permitted,
- Work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted,
- Study permitted, subject to the ATAS condition in Appendix ATAS.
How Can We Assist?
Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors offers tailored immigration advice and legal representation on a fixed fee basis for applications under the Ukraine Extension Scheme. This fee covers all work related to your application until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI. Our services include:
- Advisory Services: Guidance on the requirements for a successful application under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
- Document Preparation: Provision of a comprehensive list of supporting documents needed for your application.
- Document Assessment: Review of documents to ensure they meet Immigration Rules standards.
- Application Form Completion: Accurate completion of the relevant application form.
- Priority or Super Priority Service: Submission of your application through priority or super priority service for expedited processing.
- Appointment Booking: Scheduling an appointment with the application centre for biometrics enrollment.
- Cover Letter Preparation: Crafting a detailed cover letter outlining how the legal requirements are met.
- Document Uploading: Uploading supporting documents online before biometrics enrollment.
- Follow-Up Work: Handling all follow-up tasks until a decision is made by Home Office UKVI.
One-Off Services for Your Applications
We also offer a range of one-off legal services for Ukraine family scheme visa applications, including:
Fixed Fees for Your Application Our fixed fees for applications under the Ukraine Extension Scheme range from £1,000 to £2,000 (excluding VAT), depending on the complexity and workload of the application. Obtain a fixed fee quote online for your Ukraine Extension Scheme application.
FAQs – Extension of Stay Under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
Who is eligible to apply under the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme includes the following criteria:
- You must have held UK permission to stay between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023. The permission does not need to cover the entire period.
- You previously held UK permission that expired on or after 1 January 2022.
Can I transition from my current visa to the Ukraine Extension Scheme while in the UK?
Yes, you can transition from your existing visa to the Ukraine Extension Scheme. However, you should weigh the option of retaining your current visa versus switching to this scheme. Note that this route does not currently lead to settlement, and any time spent in the UK on this visa may not contribute to an application for indefinite leave to remain in the future.
Is there a fee to apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
There is no fee to apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme; the application is free of charge.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
To apply, you must be either:
- A Ukrainian national or an immediate family member of a Ukrainian national.
Eligibility specifics include:
- Having held permission to be in the UK between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023 (full coverage of this period is not required).
- Having previously held permission to stay in the UK that expired on or after 1 January 2022.
All applications will be subject to security checks.
Who qualifies as an immediate family member for the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
If you are not Ukrainian but are related to a Ukrainian national, you may apply if you are their:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Unmarried partner (with at least 2 years of cohabitation)
- Child under 18
- Parent (if you are under 18)
What is the duration of stay permitted under the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
The permitted stay under the Ukraine Extension Scheme is the shorter of:
- 36 months, or
- A period that ensures you do not exceed a total of 36 months under the scheme.
How can I apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
Applications for the Ukraine Extension Scheme can be submitted online.
What are the immigration status requirements for an extension under this scheme?
To qualify for an extension, the applicant must have held permission to enter or remain in the UK at any point between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023. This permission does not need to cover the entire period. However, exceptions apply if:
- The applicant had valid permission to stay in the UK immediately before 1 January 2022, but that permission has since expired.
- The applicant is a child born in the UK to a parent who meets the eligibility criteria under this provision.
What are the nationality requirements for the Ukraine Extension Scheme?
Applicants must be:
- A Ukrainian national, or
- A person who previously held permission as:
- A partner of a Ukrainian national
- A child of a Ukrainian national
- A child of a Ukrainian national born in the UK after 18 March 2022
For expert guidance and assistance with your application, consider reaching out to Aden & Co Solicitors.