Ukraine Permission Extension scheme

The Ukraine Permission Extension scheme (UPE) enables you to apply to extend your stay in the UK for a further 18 months after your Homes for Ukraine, or other valid Ukrainian visa expires. 

It is free to apply for the UPE scheme. If your application is successful, you will be able to continue to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds. 

See further guidance on applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme. 

You must have been granted permission under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Ukraine family scheme, or Ukraine extension scheme to apply for the UPE scheme. 

On 1 September 2025, the UK announced that guests will be able to apply for a second Ukraine Permission Extension visa (UPE2), extending their leave to remain by a further 2 years. Applications to UPE2 must also be made in the 90 day window before a guest’s UPE1 visa expires. 

When to apply 

You may apply to the UPE scheme 90 days before your current eVisa ends. You must have a UKVI account and access to your eVisa. You must be in the UK when you apply. Applications will not be valid and may be rejected if you apply from outside the UK. 

What you will need to apply

To apply you will need to: 

  • prove your identity 
  • confirm you are in the UK when you apply 
  • confirm you have permission to be in the UK on a Ukraine scheme 
  • provide information about your accommodation in the UK 
  • provide information about any time you have spent living outside of the UK or Ukraine since you were granted permission under the Ukraine schemes 

To prove your identity, you will need a passport or eVisa. If you have a biometric residents permit (BRP), you must ensure you keep hold of this as it will be requested as part of the UPE scheme application process. 

To apply for a child under 18 you will need to provide: 

  • the child’s full birth or adoption certificate which shows their parents’ details 
  • evidence of the child’s parent or legal guardian’s nationality or identity document 
  • evidence of the parent or legal guardian’s immigration status, for example their passport number or Unique Application Number (UAN) 

What happens after you apply

After you apply:

  • you should receive a decision on your UPE application within 8 weeks of applying 
  • you should not travel outside of the UK or any other part of the Common Travel Area (this includes Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man) whilst waiting for a decision on your application - if you do travel, your application will be withdrawn and will not be considered 

If your current permission expires before a decision is made on your UPE application you do not need to take any action, as your current permission will continue under section 3C leave. The purpose of section 3C leave is to prevent a person who makes an in-time application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer while they are awaiting a decision on that application. 

Immigration advice  

Get immigration information for Ukrainians, British nationals and their family members.