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Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme

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Scheme overview

On 18 February 2024, the UK Government announced the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme.

If you are a Ukrainian national, or the family member of a Ukrainian national, and are living in the UK with existing permission on one of the Ukraine schemes, you may be eligible to apply for UPE to continue living in the UK for up to a further 18 months.

It is free to apply. 

Who can apply

View guidance on who can apply to the UPE Scheme on the GOV.UK website.

To apply to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme, you must have already been granted permission under one of the other Ukraine schemes. This means that you must have been granted permission to stay in the UK under either the:

  • Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
  • Ukraine Family Scheme
  • Ukraine Extension Scheme

You may also be eligible to apply to the UPE scheme if you have been granted permission to stay in certain circumstances.

You must also:

  • Be in the UK when making an application
  • Have been living in the UK (and Islands, which includes Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) since you were granted, or arrived in the UK, with permission under the Ukraine Schemes

If you are a non-Ukrainian national applying as a partner, you will generally need to continue to be in an eligible relationship with a Ukrainian national.

When to apply

View guidance on when to apply to the UPE Scheme on the GOV.UK website.

You should only make an application when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.

If you apply too early, your application may be rejected and not considered. If this happens, you will need to reapply when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.

What you need to apply

View guidance on what you need to apply to the UPE Scheme on the GOV.UK website.

Before you apply to the scheme, please make sure:

  • You have created a UKVI account and have access to your eVisa
  • You check that your UKVI account is updated with the identity documents you will use for your application, for example your passport - if you need to add or update your identity documents you need to do this before you make your application
  • You have your expired biometric residence permits (BRP) card, as it may be required
  • You apply within 28 days of your current permission expiring

If you apply using your BRP, you may be able to reuse previously submitted biometrics (fingerprint and photograph) and may not need to attend a UK Visas and Citizenship Application (UKVCAS) service point. See proof of identity guidance on the GOV.UK website.

How to apply

Apply for the UPE Scheme on the GOV.UK website.

You should only make an application to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme when your current permission has 28 days or less remaining until it expires.

Before you apply, you should:

  • Check when your current permission expires by signing into your UKVI account and plan for when it is the right time to make an application
  • You check that your UKVI account is updated with the identity documents you will use for your application, for example your passport - if you need to add or update your identity documents you need to do this before you make your application
  • Ensure you are inside the UK when you apply
  • Not travel outside the UK while your application is being considered
  • Ensure that you have

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Last updated: 15 May 2025