UNITED KINGDOM: Further Guidance on Ukraine Family Scheme Visa

March 4, 2022


The Home Office has published further guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons (including individuals holding indefinite leave to remain and settled status) and certain others to come or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, which is available here.

An extended group of family members of those eligible settled persons who “have been residing in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022″, is now able to apply under the Ukraine Family Scheme visa. This also includes those who left Ukraine since the conflict began. The definition of family member now includes:

Immediate family members:

  • 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

Extended family members:

  • parent (if sponsor is over 18)
  • child who is over 18
  • grandparent
  • grandchild or your partner’s grandchild
  • brother or sister

Immediate family members of an extended family member:

  • 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

There is no charge for this visa route, which can be applied for online. The visa will last up to 3 years.

Visa Application Process

The applicants will need to have their photograph and fingerprints taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as part of the application process. Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken but will still need to attend the VAC and have a digital photograph taken.

They will need to submit their passport to be scanned or explain they are unable to provide it.

The VAC in Kyiv is closed and all UK visa services in Kyiv are suspended.

There are temporary VACs for people applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme in:

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

Ukrainians can apply at a VAC in any country if they are able to travel safely. We expect guidance on how to apply to the scheme from inside the UK to be published shortly.

Please also take note of the 24/7 Ukraine helpline, which is now free: +44(0)808 164 8810

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.