Home Office introduces fee exemption for family visa applications made by non-British family members of British nationals in Ukraine.

Immigration Update: In response to the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine, the Home Office has published updated guidance addressing non-British family members of British nationals in Ukraine.

This guidance specifies that such individuals are able to apply for a family migration visa with no associated Home Office fees charged.

This applies to British nationals who have family members in Ukraine who are their:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• Parent (if the British citizen is under the age of 18)
• Child under the age of 18
• Adult relative to who lives with and is cared for by the British national due to a medical condition

Prior to making an application, one should contact UKVI directly:

• Telephone: +44 300 3032785 (select option 1)
• Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
• Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm
• This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.

Information about yourself and your family members, as well as contact details must be provided. UKVI will then confirm whether you are eligible for a family migration visa and share details of the gratis (free) application process.

The application process remains the same as when one normally applies under the family route, however in this circumstance, the Home Office is aiming to provide a decision within 24 hours of attendance of a biometrics appointment, and waiving the associated fees.

It is important to note that the Home Office has not altered the requirements that must be met under the various visa types within the family route.

This is a fluid situation, and further updates from the Home Office should be expected.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law. If you have any queries relating to the blogs published or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2022