On March 24, 2025, an online forum was held, organized by the Wales Refugee and Asylum Seeker Advocacy Forum, dedicated to the asylum procedure and the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The main speaker was Nicholas Wysoczanskyj, Ukraine Manager at the Welsh Refugee Council, who answered numerous participant questions and provided important information for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.
Key Information About the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme
Viktor Moroz
The UPE scheme allows Ukrainians to extend their visas for 18 months and apply online free of charge. Here are the main points about the extension:
- Who can apply: Anyone on a Ukraine scheme, though family members who are not Ukrainian nationals need to prove their family ties.
- Timing: You must apply within 28 days before your current visa expires.
- Important warning: If you apply too early, your application may be rejected; if your visa expires before you apply, you will lose all current rights in the UK.
- Required documents: UKVI and e-visa access, proof of UK residence (rental contracts, bank statements), birth certificates and proof of marriage for non-Ukrainian partners.
- Children: Applications can include children born after March 18, 2022, who live with you and for whom you are the legal guardian.
- Biometrics: You may use previously provided biometric data or may need to attend a UK Visa Centre to resubmit them.
Understanding Asylum and Humanitarian Protection Options
If you’re considering applying for asylum or humanitarian protection:
- Most Ukrainians who apply for asylum receive humanitarian protection under the European Convention of Human Rights.
- Successful applicants typically receive 5 years leave to remain with full access to work, benefits, social housing, and education.
- Important consideration: If you have a valid Ukrainian scheme visa and apply for asylum, you’ll retain your current rights during the application process.
- Warning: If your visa expires before applying for asylum, you’ll enter the general asylum system with significantly restricted rights (no right to work, no benefits).
- The asylum decision process typically takes 6-12 months, though individual cases may vary considerably.
Important Considerations When Making Decisions
Nicholas Wysoczanskyj emphasized several crucial points:
- Consult an immigration lawyer before making decisions about asylum applications.
- If considering asylum, protect your rights by applying for UPE first while your current visa is valid.
- If granted humanitarian protection, you won’t be able to travel to Ukraine (doing so would nullify your status).
- While traveling to other countries is permitted, not all countries accept the humanitarian travel document.
- The Home Office may retain your passport, though you can request its return after receiving humanitarian protection.
Expert Recommendation
The expert recommended using the simple and free UPE option to extend your stay for 18 months, which gives you time to make more informed decisions about your longer-term options with proper legal advice.
Full materials from the Online Information Forum on Asylum and Permit Extensions for Ukrainians in the UK
Asylum Forum Minutes - Claiming Asylum & UPE 03.2025
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, the authors of this article accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on its content. For personalized advice, please consult a qualified professional.
