The Ukraine Family Visa Scheme
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The Ukraine Family Visa Scheme
PLEASE NOTE:
As of the 19 February 2024 Statement of Changes from the UK Government, the Ukraine Family Scheme no longer exists. Instead, you will need to use the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. If you need any help regarding the scheme, then you can contact us for assistance.
The Ukraine Family Visa Scheme was introduced by the UK Government as part of its response to the ongoing Ukrainian refugee crisis.
Ukrainian nationals have been fleeing Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022.
In response to the conflict, many countries have pledged their support to Ukraine and its people. Many of them, including the UK, have sent several forms of aid to Ukraine as well as actioning plans to allow those fleeing the Ukraine access to their safe borders.
The Ukraine Family Visa Scheme allows applicants to join their family members or extend their stay in the UK.
Requirements
There are requirements that must be met by you in order for you to be eligible for the scheme. For this particular scheme, applicants must:
- Be applying to join their UK-based family member
- Be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme
- Have been residing in Ukraine on or just before 1 January 2022 (this includes individuals who have now left Ukraine)
You can apply for this scheme if you have already arrived in the UK and meet the outlined requirements.
Your UK-based family member also has to meet certain requirements. They must be one of the following:
- A British national
- Someone with settled status in the UK
- Someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
How long can you stay?
Individuals who come to the UK under the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme will be able to stay for three years. This is providing you supply your Biometrics within six months of arriving in the UK.
How to apply
Like other Ukrainian schemes in the UK, you must apply for the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme online. Your application also doubles as an application for your biometric document.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide proof that your UK-based family member is one of the following:
- An immediate member of your family
- An extended member of your family
- An immediate family member of an extended family member
You will need to provide a copy of an official document that confirms your relationship to your UK-based family member. This could be a marriage or birth certificate, for example.
You are still able to apply for the visa if you are unable to provide such documents, but must explain why this is the case.
More clarification on who qualifies as an immediate or extended family member can be found here.
Once your application has been processed you will receive a permission letter from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) that confirms you can travel to the UK. Keep this letter safe.
More information about the application process can be found on the UK’s official website, while all developments with the UK’s Ukrainian refugee response can be found here.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions about the changes or want legal advice, contact
Woodcock Law & Notary Public today. Contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or
by email at info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
