The Ukraine Family Scheme is a UK immigration route created in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. It allows certain family members of British citizens and settled persons in the UK to join or remain with their relatives. The scheme is part of the UK government’s humanitarian response and provides a means for Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members to enter or stay in the UK without having to meet the usual visa fees or sponsorship requirements under the standard Immigration Rules.
What this article is about: This guide explains the Ukraine Family Scheme in full, from who is eligible and how to apply, to the rights you gain once in the UK and the long-term immigration considerations for applicants and sponsors. It is written for both individuals seeking to apply and for UK-based sponsors who want to understand their obligations. We will cover the application process, required documents, conditions of stay, and the legal implications of switching routes or extending your stay beyond the scheme’s duration.
The scheme is free to apply for and offers permission to stay in the UK for up to three years. During that time, holders have the right to work, study, and access public funds. However, unlike some other visa categories, the Ukraine Family Scheme does not lead directly to settlement, so applicants must plan ahead for their immigration status at the end of the permission period.
Given its humanitarian nature, the scheme’s rules differ from standard family immigration routes, but applicants must still provide sufficient evidence to meet the eligibility requirements. Understanding these requirements and preparing your application correctly will be crucial to avoid delays or refusal.
Section A: Eligibility Requirements
The Ukraine Family Scheme has its own eligibility framework, designed to enable family members of British citizens and settled individuals to come to or remain in the UK. Understanding exactly who qualifies is crucial before making an application.
1. Definition of eligible family relationships
Applicants must be either an immediate family member or an extended family member of a qualifying UK-based sponsor. Immediate family members include:
- A spouse or civil partner
- An unmarried partner (where you have been living together in a relationship for at least two years)
- A child aged under 18
- A parent (if the applicant is under 18)
Extended family members include:
- Adult children and their partners
- Parents of adult children
- Grandparents
- Siblings and their immediate family members
- Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws
In all cases, you must be able to prove your relationship with documentary evidence, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners. Extended family members must have been resident in Ukraine on or before 1 January 2022, unless they are already in the UK with lawful status.
2. Nationality and residence requirements for the applicant
To be eligible, you must be either:
- A Ukrainian national; or
- An immediate family member of a Ukrainian national applying under the scheme; or
- The family member of a British citizen or person settled in the UK, where the family member was normally resident in Ukraine before 1 January 2022.
Normal residence in Ukraine before the cut-off date is usually proven through official documents, such as utility bills, tenancy agreements, or government-issued certificates.
3. Sponsor eligibility — who can act as a sponsor
A sponsor must be:
- A British citizen; or
- A person settled in the UK (holding ILR or permanent residence); or
- A person with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
The sponsor must be willing to accommodate and support the applicant for the duration of their stay, although there is no formal maintenance requirement like in standard family visas.
4. Immigration status requirements for sponsors
Where the sponsor holds limited leave to remain (other than refugee status or humanitarian protection), they will not qualify to sponsor under this scheme. Sponsors must hold an eligible status on the date the application is made.
5. Evidence needed to prove eligibility
The evidence will vary depending on the relationship and nationality but typically includes:
- Proof of identity (passport, biometric residence permit, or national identity card)
- Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate, adoption papers, etc.)
- Proof of residence in Ukraine before 1 January 2022 (official documents)
- Evidence of the sponsor’s immigration status in the UK (passport, biometric residence permit, Home Office status letter)
Providing clear and consistent documentation will help avoid processing delays. In cases where official documents are missing due to the conflict, the Home Office may accept alternative evidence, but this must still be credible and supported where possible.
Section Summary
The Ukraine Family Scheme has broader eligibility than many other UK immigration routes, allowing both immediate and extended family members to join their relatives in the UK. Applicants must meet specific nationality and relationship criteria, and sponsors must hold an eligible immigration status. Strong documentary evidence is essential, but the Home Office has made some concessions in recognition of the difficulties applicants may face in obtaining original documents due to the war.
Section B: Application Process
Applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme is free of charge, but the process must still be completed carefully to avoid delays or refusal. The application can be made from inside or outside the UK, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
1. Applying from outside the UK — online application process
Applicants outside the UK must apply online via the official Ukraine Family Scheme visa application page on GOV.UK. You will need to create an account, complete the online form, and upload supporting evidence. After submission, you may need to book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometric information, unless you are eligible for a concession.
Applicants applying from overseas should check whether the nearest VAC is open and operational, as some locations have been affected by the conflict. In some cases, biometrics can be deferred, meaning you can travel to the UK and provide them later.
2. Applying from within the UK — switching routes where allowed
If you are already in the UK, you may apply to switch to the Ukraine Family Scheme from another immigration category, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes visitors, students, workers, overstayers, and those on immigration bail, reflecting the scheme’s humanitarian purpose.
3. Documents and supporting evidence required
Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passport, Ukrainian ID card, or other travel document
- Proof of relationship to the sponsor
- Proof of residence in Ukraine on or before 1 January 2022
- Evidence of the sponsor’s immigration status in the UK
Documents should be translated into English or Welsh if not already in one of these languages. Electronic copies are usually accepted, but they must be legible and complete.
4. Biometric enrolment requirements and exemptions
Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a facial photograph as part of the application process. As of August 2025, Ukrainian nationals may still be eligible for biometric deferral, allowing them to submit biometrics after arrival in the UK. This concession is intended to speed up entry in urgent cases but may be withdrawn at short notice. Applicants using biometric deferral will still be required to attend an appointment in the UK at a later date.
5. Priority processing and expected timelines
The Home Office aims to process Ukraine Family Scheme applications as quickly as possible. While there is no official service standard, many applications are decided within days to weeks. However, processing times can vary depending on volume, complexity, and completeness of documentation.
Section Summary
The Ukraine Family Scheme application process is streamlined compared to standard immigration routes and is free to apply for. Applicants can apply from inside or outside the UK, with some concessions available for biometric enrolment and evidence provision. Ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and supported by clear documentation will help minimise delays.
Section C: Conditions of Stay and Rights in the UK
Successful applicants under the Ukraine Family Scheme are granted permission to stay in the UK for up to three years. This period is designed to give families stability and the ability to live, work, and study in safety while the conflict in Ukraine continues.
1. Length of permission granted under the scheme
All successful applicants receive up to three years’ leave to remain, regardless of whether they applied from inside or outside the UK. There is no requirement to extend during this time, but applicants must consider their next immigration steps before the end of the three-year period, as the route does not directly lead to settlement.
2. Right to work in the UK — sectors and limitations
Holders of Ukraine Family Scheme leave have unrestricted permission to work in the UK, including both employment and self-employment. There are no limits on the number of hours worked, and employers do not need to hold a sponsor licence to employ someone with this visa. However, standard employment law, right to work checks, and any relevant professional licensing requirements still apply.
3. Access to public funds and benefits eligibility
This scheme grants full access to public funds under paragraph 14.1 of Appendix Ukraine Scheme. This means holders can claim benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and housing assistance if they meet the usual eligibility criteria for those benefits. Local councils also provide additional support to Ukrainian nationals under the scheme.
4. Healthcare access — NHS entitlement
Ukraine Family Scheme visa holders are entitled to free NHS healthcare on the same basis as UK residents. This includes GP services, hospital treatment, and prescriptions. Applicants are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying.
5. Education rights for children and adults
Children under 18 can access free state education in the UK. Schools are expected to admit Ukrainian children promptly, and local authorities can assist in securing a school place. Adults can access further and higher education, but may be subject to international student fees unless eligible for home fee status through other means.
Section Summary
The Ukraine Family Scheme provides a generous set of rights compared to many UK visa categories, including the ability to work in any sector, full access to public funds, and NHS healthcare without payment of the IHS. The permission period is fixed at up to three years, so holders should plan well in advance for their future immigration status.
Section D: Legal Considerations and Future Planning
While the Ukraine Family Scheme offers generous conditions of stay, it does not provide a direct route to settlement. This means applicants and sponsors should consider longer-term immigration planning well before the three-year permission expires.
1. Interaction with other UK immigration routes
Holders of Ukraine Family Scheme leave may be eligible to switch into another UK immigration category, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Family visa under Appendix FM, or a student visa, if they meet the relevant requirements. Switching is not automatic; applicants must make a new application and meet all eligibility criteria for the chosen route.
2. Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Time spent on the Ukraine Family Scheme does not count towards the qualifying residence period for ILR under standard routes. Switching into a qualifying route will reset the ILR qualifying period from the date the new leave is granted.
3. Switching to a different immigration category
Applicants considering switching routes should check the eligibility rules early to ensure they can meet the necessary requirements, such as English language ability, minimum income thresholds, or sponsorship by an employer. Early planning allows time to gather evidence and meet criteria without facing a gap in lawful status.
4. Sponsor responsibilities and legal obligations
Sponsors are not subject to the same formal obligations as in work or study routes, but they are expected to provide accommodation and support. If a sponsor withdraws support or the applicant’s circumstances change, this does not necessarily affect their visa, but it may impact the applicant’s living arrangements. Sponsors may also wish to seek advice on housing, benefits, and safeguarding considerations when accommodating family members.
5. Risks of overstaying and maintaining lawful status
Overstaying in the UK after the expiry of Ukraine Family Scheme permission can have serious consequences, including loss of work rights, difficulties securing a future visa, and potential re-entry bans. Applicants should plan their immigration options well before their leave expires, ensuring they apply in time if switching routes. Visa holders should also carry proof of their status when travelling, as some airlines and border officials may request evidence for re-entry.
Section Summary
The Ukraine Family Scheme offers temporary but secure residence in the UK. However, as it does not lead directly to settlement, applicants and sponsors must take a proactive approach to future immigration planning. This may involve switching into a different route, meeting new eligibility requirements, and ensuring that lawful status is maintained to avoid adverse consequences.
FAQs
Can I apply if my family member in the UK is not a British citizen?
Yes, you can still apply if your UK-based family member holds indefinite leave to remain (ILR), settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or has refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
How long does the Ukraine Family Scheme take to process?
Processing times vary, but the Home Office aims to make decisions as quickly as possible. Many applications are decided within days or weeks, although complex cases or incomplete documentation can cause delays.
Can I bring dependants who are not Ukrainian nationals?
Yes, if they are your immediate family members and you are eligible under the scheme. They do not have to be Ukrainian nationals themselves, but they must be related to you in a qualifying way.
Does this visa lead to settlement in the UK?
No, time spent under the Ukraine Family Scheme does not count towards the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You will need to switch to a different immigration route if you want to settle in the UK.
Can I travel in and out of the UK while on the scheme?
Yes, holders of Ukraine Family Scheme leave can travel freely in and out of the UK during their permission period. However, lengthy absences could affect eligibility if you later switch into a route that requires continuous residence for settlement. You should also keep proof of your UK immigration status for re-entry.
Conclusion
The Ukraine Family Scheme provides a vital pathway for Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members to live in the UK during a time of conflict. It offers broad eligibility, free application, and generous rights, including the ability to work in any sector, access public funds, and use NHS healthcare without charge.
However, its temporary nature means that applicants and sponsors must plan ahead. The scheme does not lead directly to settlement, so it is important to review long-term immigration options well before the three-year period ends. Switching into a different visa route that allows settlement may require meeting new eligibility criteria, such as income thresholds or sponsorship by an employer, which can take time to arrange.
By preparing a well-documented application and understanding both the benefits and limitations of the scheme, families can make the most of the stability it provides while safeguarding their future immigration position in the UK.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ukraine Family Scheme | A UK immigration route allowing certain family members of British citizens and settled persons to join or stay with their relatives in the UK in response to the conflict in Ukraine. |
| Sponsor | The UK-based family member who meets the eligibility requirements to support the applicant’s visa under the scheme. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent immigration status in the UK allowing a person to live and work without time restrictions. |
| Public Funds | State benefits and housing assistance available to those who meet the eligibility requirements, such as Universal Credit and Child Benefit. |
| Biometric Enrolment | The process of providing fingerprints and a photograph as part of a UK visa application. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Ukraine Family Scheme guidance | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa |
| GOV.UK – Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa | https://www.gov.uk/ukraine-family-scheme |
| GOV.UK – Ukraine schemes eligibility and application process | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukraine-sponsorship-scheme-apply-for-a-visa |
| DavidsonMorris – Ukraine Family Scheme Visa | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/ukraine-family-scheme-visa/ |
