Ukraine Family Scheme Visa

On 4 March 2022, the Home Office opened the Ukraine Family Scheme visa route.

This route is for those who are Ukrainian nationals, or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, who are applying to join their UK-based family member.

At present, this route is only available to those applying from outside of the UK. The Home Office has stated that it will shortly be providing information for those wishing to apply under this route from within the UK.

Applicants must have been residing in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022. This includes those who have now departed Ukraine.

A UK based family member is defined as:

• A British national;
• Someone settled in the UK, for example who holds Indefinite Leave to Remain, or Settled Status, or proof of permanent residency in the UK;
• Someone who holds pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme AND started living in the UK before 1 January 2021;
• Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.

The applicant’s UK- based family member must be either:

• an immediate family member of the applicant;
• an extended family member of the applicant;
• an immediate family member of an extended family member, of the applicant.

This relationship must be suitable evidenced with, for example, marriage and birth certificates. Should this not be possible, a full explanation of why it is not possible should be provided.

Duration of visa

Should the visa application be successful, this visa will result in a grant of leave of up to three years in the UK.

Fees

There is currently no Home Office fee associated with this application. There is also no Immigration Health Surcharge associated with this application.

Timeframe

The Home Office has published that they will prioritize these applications, and aim to make decisions as quickly as possible.

How to apply

Those applying must still attend a biometrics appointment after their application has been submitted. Currently there are Visa Application Centers open in:

• Hungary
• Moldova
• Poland
• Romania
• Paris, France

Temporary Visa Application Centers for this visa scheme are currently open in:

• The Lemberg Business Centre in Lviv, Ukraine
• Rzeszow, Poland

The Home Office is expected to continue to update their guidance in relation to this visa route and further information.

Further information regarding Home Office support for Ukrainian nationals can be found here.

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

View all news & Insights