How to apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme
On Friday 4 March, the Ukraine Family Scheme visa opened for applications. This bespoke immigration category has been specifically designed by the UK government to offer Ukrainian nationals a safe and legal route into the UK in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukraine Family Scheme is open to immediate and extended family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others. Under the scheme, eligible applicants will be able to live, work and study in the UK as well as access public funds for up to three years. It is free to apply to the scheme, and applicants will not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If you require advice or support in applying to the scheme, you can contact the UKVI by telephoning +44 808 164 8810 – select option 1 (0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK – select option 1). This is a free telephone number, and lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who is eligible for the Ukraine Family Scheme?
In order to apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa, you must:
- be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member; and
- be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian nationals who is applying to the scheme; and
- have been residing in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine).
All applicants to the scheme will be subject to security checks as standard for other categories of UK visa application.
Your UK-based family members
In order to qualify for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa, your UK-based family member must be either:
- A British national
- Someone settled in the UK (for example, someone with Indefinite Leave to Remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence)
- Someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
You will also need to provide evidence that your UK-based family member is either an immediate family member, an extended family member, or an immediate family member of an extended family member.
An immediate family member is your:
- spouse or civil partner
- unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least two years)
- child who is under 18
- parent (if you are under 18)
- fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
An extended family member is your:
- parent (if you are over 18)
- child who is over 18
- grandparent
- grandchild or your partner’s grandchild
- brother or sister
- aunt or uncle
- niece or nephew
- cousin
- mother-in-law or father-in-law
- grandparent-in-law
- brother or sister-in-law
An immediate family member of an extended family member is the:
- spouse or civil partner of an extended family member
- child under 18 of an extended family member
- parent of a child under 18 who is an extended family member
- fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of an extended family member
Other family members will be considered where there are exceptional circumstances.
When you apply, you will be asked to provide proof of your relationship to your UK-based family member, such as a marriage or birth certificate if you have one. You can still apply if you do not have an official document, but you must explain why you are unable to provide one.
How to apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme
You will need to apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme.
You will then need to attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your passport for scanning and to submit your biometric information. Children under the age of 5 will not need to have their fingerprints taken but will still need to attend the VAC and have a digital photograph taken.
Once you have applied, you will need to wait for a decision from UKVI on your application before travelling. Applications under the Ukraine Family Scheme are being treated as a priority and UKVI aims to reach a decision as quickly as possible. You will be contacted when a decision has been made.
Find a UK Visa Application Centre
Applicants should note that the UK VAC in Kyiv is currently closed and all UK visa services in Kyiv are suspended. However, there is a temporary VAC for people applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme in Rzeszow, Poland.
You can also apply at a VAC in any country you are able to travel to safely. VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including the following locations:
You can also apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme from inside the UK. Guidance on how to apply in-country will be available soon.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
If you have a family member from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who is living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you might also be eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.
You can choose to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit instead of the Ukraine Family Scheme if you are eligible, but you should not apply to both. Regardless of which scheme you apply to, if you’re eligible you’ll be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once you’re in the UK.
UK immigration advice for Ukrainian nationals
Smith Stone Walters is on hand to provide advice and support to Ukrainian nationals on applying to the Ukraine Family Scheme. To speak to a qualified immigration advisor, please contact us today.
