United Kingdom flag

Introduction

Are you a Ukrainian citizen worried about your visa expiring in the UK? This guide will help you understand your options for extending your stay or switching to a different visa. With various pathways available, including the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, you can find the right solution for your situation. If you need assistance navigating these complex legal matters, Contend offers the easiest legal help in the UK. Our highly trained AI legal experts are here to guide you through the process and help you resolve your legal concerns with confidence.

If you’re from Ukraine and your visa is about to expire, you may be feeling uncertain about your options for staying in the UK. Fortunately, there are several ways you can extend your stay or switch to a different visa. Here’s what you need to know.

What are my options for extending my stay in the UK?

If You Have a Visa Under Ukraine Schemes

If you hold a visa from one of the Ukraine schemes, such as the ‘Homes for Ukraine’, ‘Ukraine Family’, or ‘Ukraine Extension’ schemes, you can apply for an extension under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. This allows you to stay in the UK for an additional 18 months.

When to Apply

You can submit your application up to three months before your current visa expires. However, keep in mind that time spent in the UK under these schemes will not count towards gaining indefinite leave to remain.

Other Options

If you’re looking for alternatives, you might also consider:

  • Applying for the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
  • Switching to a different visa, such as a skilled worker visa or partner visa. Be sure to check your eligibility for these visas and prepare to pay the required fees. You can find more details on available visas here.
How can I switch from a Ukraine scheme visa to a skilled worker visa?
Immigration: UK Visa Extension for Ukrainians: Overcome Expiry Challenges

If You Have a Different Type of Visa

If you’re on a different visa, check if you can extend it. This could help your time in the UK count towards indefinite leave to remain.

If an extension isn’t possible, you can explore these options:

  • Apply to switch to a Ukraine Extension Scheme visa.
  • Switch to a work or study visa.
  • Claim asylum if no other options are available.

If your visa has already expired, don’t worry. You still have some options:

Options After Visa Expiry

  1. Ukraine Extension Scheme Visa: You can apply if your visa ended on or after January 1, 2022. You must submit your application by May 16, 2024.
  2. Extend or Switch Visa: If your visa expired within the last 14 days, you can still apply for an extension or switch to a different visa. You’ll need to explain why you’re applying late, and the Home Office will consider your reasons.
  3. Claim Asylum: You can claim asylum at any time, regardless of when your visa expired.
What should I do if my visa expired more than 14 days ago?

How to Apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme Visa

To apply for the Ukraine Extension Scheme Visa, you must be in the UK and have had permission to stay that ended on or after January 1, 2022. The application is free, and it must be submitted by May 16, 2024. If you have children born in the UK after March 18, 2022, you can apply for them after this date.

Eligibility

You can apply if you are a Ukrainian citizen or if your partner is a Ukrainian citizen and you were granted permission to stay as their partner. Your partner must be:

  • Your husband, wife, or fiancé(e).
  • Your civil partner or proposed civil partner.
  • Any partner you’ve lived with for at least two years.

Rights Under the Extension Scheme

If granted the extension scheme visa, you can stay in the UK for 18 months. You will have the right to work, study, and claim benefits, but this visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Can I apply if my partner’s visa expired before January 1, 2022?

For Those Under 18

If you’re under 18 and a Ukrainian citizen, you can apply if at least one of your parents is a Ukrainian citizen and you had permission to stay in the UK. If your parent is applying, they can include you in their application. If they aren’t applying, they need to give you written permission unless there are valid reasons for not being able to do so.

Do I need additional documents if my parent can’t give written permission?

Switching to a Work or Study Visa

If you were legally in the UK before February 24, 2022, or applied to enter the UK before that date, you may find it easier to switch to a work or study visa. You can usually switch without leaving the UK, but you must qualify for the visa and pay the fees.

Important Note

When applying, make sure to ask the Home Office to apply a concession that allows you to switch without leaving the UK due to the conflict in Ukraine. You can mention this request in your application or include a letter explaining your situation.

For more information on work visas, visit this link, and for study visas, check here.

How do I request the concession from the Home Office in my application?

Claiming Asylum

If you have no other options to stay in the UK, you can claim asylum. For guidance on the asylum process, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat for personalized assistance. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.

Navigating visa issues can be overwhelming, but understanding your options is the first step toward finding a solution. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

For more info, check out some of our related articles:


Check if Contend can help you with your issue

Solve your legal question quickly
and easily with Contend.



This material is for general information only and does not constitute
tax, legal or any other form of advice. You should not rely on any
information contained herein to make (or refrain from making) any
decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your
own particular situation. Contend Inc is not regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority.