Help United Kingdom / Information for Ukrainians

Information for Ukrainians

Please note that UNHCR UK does not manage UK visa schemes.

The UK Government offers several visa and protection options for Ukrainian nationals. Below is an overview of the main routes and related advice.

Coming to the UK

Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme

  • Open for new applications  from Ukrainian nationals who lived in Ukraine before 1 January 2022, and to their immediate family members (for example spouse/partner and children under 18) who may be other nationalities.
  • Requires a UK-based sponsor who can provide accommodation for at least 6 months. The sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen or settled in the UK (having Indefinite Leave to Remain) unless the sponsor is a parent or legal guardian seeking to host their child, provided they hold permission under any of the Ukraine Schemes.
  • Grants permission to live, work, study, and access to public services.
  • Current grants are for 18 months (previously 3 years for applications before February 2024).

Ukraine Family Scheme

  • Closed to new applicants in February 2024.
  • Existing beneficiaries keep their leave but cannot sponsor new applications.

Extending Your Stay

Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) and Further 24‑Month Extension (UPE2)

  • People already in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to extend their permission to remain through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE). The initial UPE grant provides 18 months of further permission. The UK Government has now confirmed (on 24 February 2026) an additional 24 month extension, allowing eligible individuals to benefit from up to 3.5 years of permission in total under UPE.
  • Applicants must apply from within the UK and must not leave the UK while their application is being processed.
  • Applications submitted from outside the UK are not valid and may be rejected by the Home Office.
  • Current rules require applicants to apply within 28 days before their existing permission expires. Although the Government has announced an upcoming extension of the application window to 90 days, this has not yet come into force as of 24 February 2026. Applying earlier than 28 days before expiry may lead to delay or refusal under the current rules.
  • There is no application fee and no immigration health surcharge for applications under the UPE.
  • Applicants may apply for UPE2 and will be able to apply up to 90 days before their permission under UPE expires, giving more flexibility and helping maintain lawful status.
  • UPE2 remains free of charge. Those granted permission continue to have the right to work, study, and access benefits, healthcare, and education.
  • Time spent in the UK under these schemes does not count towards permanent settlement.

Future Policy Direction

  • The Government stated on 24 February 2026 that they recognise the importance of providing long-term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK. They have further confirmed their commitment to setting out the future arrangements clearly, and announced that a further statement outlining the long-term position will be issued towards the end of 2026.

Other Options

  • Ukrainians may apply for standard UK visas (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student, Family) if they meet requirements.
  • If eligible for visa schemes, you are expected to use those routes.
  • The asylum system is separate from visa schemes.

Returning to Ukraine

For information on short-term and long term-visits to Ukraine and how they affect your status, voluntary return to Ukraine and available assistance please visit Ukraine is Home platform.

Pension Verification Requirement for Ukrainian Refugees

Due to recent legislative changes in Ukraine, all Ukrainian pensioners residing abroad must complete a verification procedure in order to continue receiving pension payments.

How to Complete Verification

You can complete the procedure through one of the following modalities:

1. Via the Diia Application

Via Diia Signature on the PFU web portal or the PFU mobile app (video guide is available here)

2. Videoconference Verification via PFU Portal

You may request a video call via the PFU portal or by calling the hotline: 0800 503 753.
Calls are usually scheduled within 10–30 days and conducted via Google Meet, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, or Zoom.
You will be asked to present your original passport/ID and pension certificate during the call.

3. Verification at a Ukrainian Consulate

Visit the nearest Ukrainian consulate to confirm your identity and place of residence.
You will receive a certificate of identity, which you can upload via the PFU portal to complete verification.

4. In‑Person Verification in Ukraine

If you are currently in Ukraine, you can visit any PFU service centre.
Please note: Due to the suspension of thousands of pensions in January 2026, long queues are currently reported nationwide.

Additional Requirement for Pensioners from Temporarily Occupied Territories (ToTs)

If you are from the ToTs, you must confirm that you are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation, by doing one of the following:

  • Selecting the relevant declaration box in your PFU online account; and
  • Stating this explicitly during videoconference verification; and
  • Sending a written declaration by email or postal mail to the PFU.

After completing all steps, please verify that your PFU personal account reflects the correct date of verification and declaration. You may check this online or by contacting the PFU hotline (0800 503 753).

Need More Help?

For more information and technical support completing the verification process through the Diia app or PFU portal please contact the UNHCR Regional Contact Centre (RCC). Additional information will also soon be available via Ukraine is Home

Updated in February 2026