UK Immigration Rules: New Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme set to launch in February
In a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 26 November, the UK government has confirmed that a new Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme will open at 9:00 GMT on 4 February 2025.
The change is being made to streamline and simplify the in-country Ukraine routes into one single scheme.
The UPE will allow Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members living in the UK with existing permission under the Ukraine schemes to apply for further permission to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months.
UK born children of a Ukrainian national parent who holds Ukraine scheme permission will be eligible to apply for their own permission through the new UPE scheme.
Individuals may also be eligible if they previously held permission under a Ukraine scheme and now hold another type of permission to remain in the UK.
During the 18-month extension period, Ukrainians will have the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as they currently have.
The existing Ukraine Extension Scheme will consequentially close at 9:00 GMT on 4 February 2025, when the new UPE scheme opens.
Ending use of open-ended permission to travel (PTT) letters
In addition, changes to the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship rules will end the use of open-ended permission to travel (PTT) letters that enable travel to the UK by deferring biometrics till arrival in lieu of entry clearance.
Some Ukrainians granted permission under the Ukraine schemes have been issued permission to travel (PTT) letters in lieu of permission. This was part of a temporary concession in response to the war in Ukraine and was intended to allow individuals seeking sanctuary in the UK to travel to safety quickly.
PTT letters were always intended to be used as part of the immediate response and were not intended to be in place indefinitely. These documents are therefore being retired from use to ensure fairness with new applicants who are issued a Ukraine scheme visa.
Once 90 days’ notice has been provided to individuals issued with a PTT letter who have not travelled to the UK, and changes to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme Entry Requirements have been implemented on 13 February 2025, PTT letters presented without any accompanying permission will no longer be valid for travel to, or entry into, the UK.
Changes to the Long Residence route
The government has always been clear that the Ukraine schemes were introduced to provide temporary sanctuary for Ukrainians whilst the conflict continues, and that permission to stay in the UK under these schemes does not provide a route to settlement.
To reflect this longstanding position, the Statement of Changes also sets out updates being made to the eligibility requirements for the ‘Long Residence’ route, which allows individuals to combine time spent in the UK with valid permission to remain under a variety of different routes, toward an overall 10-year residence period.
The changes being made to the rules will make it explicit that permission to stay in the UK under the Ukraine schemes, including the new UPE, cannot be used towards the qualifying period needed to qualify for permission to stay or settlement under the Long Residence route.
Find out more
More information on the UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members is available on the GOV.UK website here. If you require support with a UK visa application, please contact Smith Stone Walters.
