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UNITED KINGDOM: Eligible Ukrainians with Passports Can Apply for Digital Visas to Come to the UK
March 10, 2022
The Home Secretary has this morning announced a significant change to the visa process for those applying under the Ukraine Family Scheme. Following pressure to address delays and the limited availability of biometric appointments in the region, from March 15th Ukrainians with passports will now have access to a fully digital application process. Applicants to the Ukraine Family Scheme will no longer need to attend a scheduled visa centre appointment or to enroll biometric data before being granted entry clearance for the UK.
The Home Office has confirmed that once the application has been considered and appropriate checks completed, individuals will receive direct digital notification of their eligibility and can then travel to the UK. This digital status will be recognised by air carriers and Immigration Officials at the UK ports of entry. Once in the UK, individuals who have applied via the digital route will be required to provide biometric data to complete the process.
This is a welcomed move that is expected to considerably reduce the wait time for UK status for applicants to the scheme. While the concession currently applies only to the Ukraine Family Scheme, we anticipate improved appointment availability for those applying via other routes as a result.
As yet instructions have not been released for those with pending appointments or applications however Newland Chase will provide updates as information becomes available. Please do get in contact if you have any questions or require our assistance.
Global Information
Newland Chase’s daily visa and immigration update examines the immigration news each day, provides specific and detailed updates from both the EU and the UK, as well as global perspectives, together with information as to our upcoming webinars on the mobility issues in both Ukraine and Russia. As a consequence of most news coming from the EU at present, the daily blog is updated each evening, UK time; once the EU’s business has completed.
We’ll also discuss recent updates in our next live webinar on Friday 11th March – please see the following link for full information and registration details;
Ukraine and Russia: Mobility and Immigration Impacts – 11 March Updates
Further Assistance
We are absolutely committed to supporting our clients with any and all questions arising from this situation, providing assistance for the UK and across the globe.
Individuals impacted by these developments are encouraged to contact their Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.
