News

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme opens today: What You Need To Know

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) opens today, allowing Ukrainian citizens and their families who are in the UK under one of the Ukrainian schemes to extend their stay for another 18 months.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for UPE, applicants must hold valid permission to stay in the UK under one of the following schemes:

  • Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
  • Ukraine Family Scheme
  • Ukraine Extension Scheme

Applicants must be in the UK at the time of application and have been residing in the country since they were granted permission under one of the above schemes. Minor children born in the UK after March 18, 2022, are also eligible for the scheme.

When to Apply?

We remind you that the first applicants will be those whose visas expire in March 2025. Others must wait for their turn — applications will not be considered if submitted more than 28 days before your visa expires.

To help calculate the exact date when you should apply for an extension, OPORA has created a convenient calculator. You can use it via this link: OPORA UPE Calculator.

How to Apply?

The application process includes:

  1. Identity verification
  2. Proof of residence in the UK
  3. Providing information about your current immigration status
  4. Providing details of your UK residence
  5. Submitting information about any periods spent outside the UK or Ukraine since obtaining permission

The application is submitted online and is free of charge.

After Submitting the Application

Decisions are usually made within 8 weeks. If your current permission expires before a decision is made, it will automatically be extended until the decision is issued. During this period, applicants retain full rights to work, rent accommodation, and access social benefits.

It is strongly recommended not to leave the UK until a decision is made, as this could lead to the automatic withdrawal of your application.

More Information

For full details visit our webpage: Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The website administration is not responsible for any potential changes in legislation, government decisions, or individual circumstances of applicants. For official information, please refer to government resources or seek advice from qualified legal professionals.