Immigration questions.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
(Last updated December 2024)
What is the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)?
In February 2024, the UK government announced an extension scheme for those that are in the UK with permission to stay under one of the Ukrainian Schemes. The application under this scheme is free and will be made online.
When will this Scheme open?
The UPE has not yet opened. It will open on 4th of February 2025 for applications.
Who can apply under this Scheme?
Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members in the UK with permission to stay (leave to remain) under the Home for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme.
Children born in the UK after 18 March 2022 to Ukrainian nationals who have permission under Appendix Ukraine Scheme are eligible to apply under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.
When can I apply under this Scheme?
You should only make an application when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expire. But, you must make an application before your current permission expires.
You must be inside the UK when making an application to UPE.
How do I know when my current permission to stay expires?
All Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) include an expiration date of 31/12/2024 as this is when the Home Office is moving to a digital system (known as ‘eVisas’). This is not necessarily the expiry date of your current permission to stay. If you are unsure when your current permission ends sign into your UKVI account (go down the page and click the green button "Start now") to find out.
What permission to stay will I be granted under this Scheme?
You will be granted further 18 months permission to stay under the same conditions as your current leave. This means you will be allowed to continue to work, study, rent property (in England) and receive public funds for a further 18 months from the date of decision.
Can I travel whilst my application under this Scheme is pending?
You are not allowed to travel whilst your application is pending and until you get a decision.
Can I still apply under this Scheme if I have visited Ukraine?
The law states that you will need to show that you have been living in the UK since you arrived in the UK/since granted permission (if already living in the UK) under one of the Ukraine Schemes. However, temporary periods spent in Ukraine will not be regarded as living outside of the UK.
How can I stay updated about this Scheme?
Updates will be published at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-to-the-ukraine-permission-extension-scheme. You can sign up for updates on the link above and you will be notified via email once the Scheme is opened.
Will I be able to apply for settlement (Indefinite leave to remain)?
The Home Office has stated permission to stay under any of the Ukraine Schemes is not a route to settlement. Further, the Home Office is introducing changes to make clear that time spent in the UK with permission under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be used toward the qualifying period for a Long Residence application (settlement application after 10 years of continuous lawful residence).
This briefing is provided by RMC is for information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you seek expert legal advice if any of the above applies to you.
A share-code creation.
To confirm your immigration status, some organizations, such as your employer, place of study, Airlines, Bank, and others, may ask you to provide a Share-code.
To do this, you need to go to the site www.gov.uk, to The View and prove your immigration status page, click on the Green Start Now button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. To do this, you need to have your documents (passport or BRP card) with you. You can immediately send the generated share-code to the email address of the organization that requested it from you.