United Kingdom•Europe

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Ukraine Scheme visa

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

18 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,000

Quality of Life

174/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Free humanitarian UK visa for Ukrainian nationals and immediate family displaced since before 2022, sponsored by a vetted UK-based individual.

The UK Ukraine Scheme visa is a free humanitarian visa for Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who resided in Ukraine before 1 January 2022. Applicants must have a named UK-based sponsor who is a British or Irish citizen or settled in the UK, and must apply from outside the UK.

Successful applicants can live, work, study, and access public funds in the UK for an initial 18 months. The stay can be extended under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme — first by 18 months, then by a further 24 months — giving a potential total of around 3.5 years. There is no direct route to settlement.

This visa is ideal for Ukrainians or close family members of Ukrainians who have fled the conflict and have a vetted UK sponsor offering accommodation.

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Explore Guide

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1.5 years

Eligible Nationalities (1)

Ukraine

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

United Kingdom

Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months

Processing2 months – 1 year

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Ukrainian national or immediate family member of a Ukrainian national

Resided in Ukraine immediately before 1 January 2022

Have a named UK-based sponsor qualifying for the Homes for Ukraine scheme

Must be outside the UK at the time of application

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Right to live, work, and study in the UK
Access to public funds, healthcare, and employment support
No immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fees

Worth Knowing

Requires a pre-arranged UK-based sponsor
This is a temporary humanitarian route and does not provide a direct pathway to permanent settlement
Applicants must be outside the UK when applying