The UK government has announced significant updates to its Ukraine Scheme, introducing a new system for Ukrainian nationals seeking to remain in the UK.
One of the most pressing updates is the end of the concession allowing Ukrainians to travel to the UK without the requirement for biometrics enrolment. This temporary measure, introduced in March 2022 as part of the UK’s response to ease the immigration process for Ukrainians applying from outside the UK, will come to an end on 18 December 2024.
On 4 February 2025, the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) will open, offering Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members the opportunity to extend their stay in the UK for an additional 18 months. Those granted UPE will retain the right to work, access benefits, healthcare and education, in line with their current permissions under the Ukraine Scheme.
Importantly, time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes will not count toward the 10-year Long Residence visa route, as discussed in a recent blog by our team.
Another key change involves the closure of the Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES). This temporary immigration scheme was introduced to support individuals affected by the Ukraine crisis and is currently only open to UK-born children of Ukrainian nationals who already hold permission under the Ukraine Scheme. From 4 February 2025, UES will be replaced by the UPE, simplifying the application process and consolidating the routes into one unified scheme.
A further significant update concerns the Permission to Travel (PTT) letters, which were introduced as part of an exceptional biometric deferral process to allow Ukrainians fleeing the country to quickly reach the UK. Moving forward, all Ukraine Scheme applicants must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometrics before travelling. Ukrainians who were issued a PTT letter but have not yet travelled will be informed that their PTT can no longer be used. These individuals will need to apply under the Homes for Ukraine scheme for future travel. The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open and uncapped, ensuring continued support for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Additionally, new provisions will be introduced under Paragraph 39E(6) of the Immigration Rules, outlining that applicants who apply for permission to stay under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will not be penalised for overstaying if their application is submitted within 90 days of their permission expiring, between 4 February 2025 and 4 August 2025.
At Gherson Solicitors LLP, we are closely monitoring these updates from UK Visas and Immigration. These changes reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine nationals while ensuring a more streamlined immigration process for those affected by the crisis.
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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.
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