- 18-month visa extension available for Ukrainians in the UK who arrived under specific programs.
- Extension provides stability and access to essential services.
- The UK acknowledges and appreciates the public’s generosity in supporting refugees.
Thousands of Ukrainian war refugees who found refuge in the UK after the Russian invasion will be eligible for an 18-month visa extension scheme starting in early 2025.
The Home Office announced this move as the second anniversary of the war approaches.
This extension applies to those who arrived under programs like Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Their initial three-year visas, due to expire in March 2025, can now be extended until September 2026.
This provides “certainty and reassurance” for over 200,000 Ukrainians residing in the UK, granting them continued access to work, benefits, healthcare, and education.
Minister Tom Pursglove praised the “extraordinary generosity” of British families who opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. He emphasized that this extension ensures a “safe haven” for those affected by the ongoing war.
Applications for the extension will open online in early 2025 and can be submitted within the last three months of an existing visa. Individuals who came under various Leave Outside the Rules categories due to the conflict are also eligible.
Housing Minister Felicity Buchan commended the sponsors while encouraging more to come forward. The UK has supported over 283,000 Ukrainians, largely thanks to public generosity.
Eduard Fesko, representing the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK, expressed gratitude for the “continuous support” provided by the UK government and its citizens.
This announcement aligns with the UK’s £11.8 billion support package for Ukraine, encompassing military, humanitarian, and economic aid.
