Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme allowed you to stay in the UK if you were Ukrainian or the close family member of a Ukrainian national.
This is not guidance for the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme. Find out about extending your permission under UPE.
There are different schemes in place to support Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who wish to either come to or remain in the UK.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
If you want to be sponsored by a UK household for 6 months, you may be able to apply under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme if you have an approved sponsor to come to the UK.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed for most new applications on 16 May 2024.
The Ukraine Extension Scheme remained open after 16 May 2024 for children who are born in the UK to apply for permission to stay.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
If you have been given permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes, you may be able to apply for a further 18 months permission to stay in the UK under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. The scheme will open to applications on 4 February 2025.
Overview
The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed for most new applications on 16 May 2024. Applications submitted after 23:59 on 16 May 2024 will not be considered.
However, the Ukraine Extension Scheme is still open after 16 May 2024 for children who are born in the UK to apply for permission to stay.
When the new Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme opens on 4 February 2025, the Ukraine Extension Scheme will close and eligible children will instead be able to apply to UPE. Read our UPE guide for further information.
Eligibility
You can apply for your child to have permission under the Ukraine Extension Scheme if both of the following is true:
- you have permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes (including the Ukraine Family Scheme)
- your child was born in the UK
Your child must be in the UK when the application is made.
How long you can stay
You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
Fees
It is free to apply.
You do not need to pay the immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fee.
Apply
You must apply online.
You will then book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
Uploading your documents
When you apply you’ll need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity. You will also need to demonstrate that you have permission to be in the UK under the Ukraine schemes. You can show your biometric residence permit or visa in your passport to do this
You will also need to provide a valid passport or other travel document for your child that shows their identity. You will also need to show that they were born in the UK.
You can provide either their:
- international passport
- birth certificate
Going to the UKVCAS service point
Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken but will still need to book and attend the UKVCAS service point and have a digital photograph taken.
Some services at UKVCAS service points have a fee. You do not need to use these services, such as document scanning, to complete your application.
If you want to use any of these services at a UKVCAS service point during your appointment, you will not need to pay a fee for them and you should not pay for them in advance.
How long it takes
We aim to make a decision as quickly as possible.
You will be contacted when a decision has been made.
Contact UKVI
If you need help, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
Telephone: + 44 808 164 8810 – select option 1
Calls are free of charge
Updates to this page
Published 3 May 2022Last updated 16 December 2024 + show all updates
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Linked to Christmas opening hours.
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Published updated Ukrainian and Russian translations.
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Updated to let applicants know that the the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme will open on 4 February 2025. Once this scheme opens, the Ukraine Extension Scheme will close.
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Updated information about using an eVisa to prove your immigration status and conditions.
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Updated information on the Ukraine Extension Scheme. The scheme closed for most new applicants on 16 May 2024 but remains open for children born in the UK.
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Updated information about the closing of the Ukraine Extension Scheme on 16 May 2024.
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The helpline is closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.
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Added eligibility criteria for children born in the UK, and updated the opening hours for the UK Visas and Immigration phone number.
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Eligibility extended to include people with permission to be in the UK any time between 16 May 2023 and 16 November 2023.
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Updated information on extending the eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
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Removal of redundant 'Stay up to date' call out.
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Updated helpline opening hours.
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Updated helpline opening hours.
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Amended opening hours over the holiday period.
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Added a concession to introduce a new eligibility period for the Ukraine Extension Scheme and information about the 3 different Ukraine Schemes available. Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has now been extended to allow those who have and continue to arrive after 18 March 2022, until 16 May 2023, to apply.
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Updated opening hours for the contact centre.
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Added translation