UK Visas for Ukrainians
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK Visas and Immigration (the UKVI) has introduced ‘The Ukraine Family Scheme’.
The scheme allows Ukrainian citizens to join their family members in the UK. If Ukrainian citizens are already in the UK, this scheme allows them to extend their stay in the UK.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if:
- you are a Ukrainian citizen (or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian citizen); and
- you will be joining or accompanying your UK family members; and
- you have been residing in Ukraine before 1 January 2022.
Immigration Status of UK Resident
At present only the following categories of UK-based family members can qualify:
- a British citizen;
- UK residents with Indefinite leave to remain or settled status under the EU settlement scheme
- EEA nationals with pre-settled status in the UK
- Those with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK.
UK-Based Family Members
The following categories are included in the definition of UK-Based family members:
-
An immediate family member
This includes spouses or civil partners, unmarried partners (if lived together for two years), children under 18, parents (if you are under 18), fiancé(e)s or proposed civil partner.
-
Extended family members
This includes parents (if you are over 18), children over 18, grandparents, grandchildren or your partner’s grandchildren, brothers or sisters.
-
Immediate family member of an extended family member
This includes spouses or civil partners of extended family members, children under 18 of an extended family member, parents of a child under 18 who is an extended family member, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of extended family members. Please note that if your UK-based family member is your (or an extended family member’s) spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner the relationship must have started before 1 January 2022.
Exceptional Circumstances
The UKVI stated that if you do not fall into any of the above categories, you can still apply, but you’ll need to prove the ‘exceptional circumstances of your case.
How Much?
The application is free of charge.
The Procedure
Step 1:
You need to complete the online application form.
Step 2:
After completing the form, you need to book and attend an appointment at one of the following Visa Application Centres.
Please note that all Visa Application Centres in Ukraine are now closed.
Can You Apply without a Passport?
The Home Office confirmed that they would be able to accept applications without passports. However, they’ll need the applicants to provide ‘valid reasons’ for doing so.
How You Can Help
You can help by making donations to the Refugee Action House Charity.
Alternatively, you can donate items to the Richmond donation centre.
I attach a list of desperately needed items for donations at the Richmond donation centre.
The donation centre is located at The Prosperity (Ukrainian restaurant), 59 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3LP. From 5pm, parking is free at Richmond Civic Centre (44 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3BZ) – just opposite the donation centre.
The list of items includes:
Gloves
Tea/coffee
torches
phone adapters
headlights
elastic bands
batteries (AA/AAA)
instant soups
Power banks (for phone charging)
Large and medium size backpacks
Male socks
Camping mats
Sleeping bags
Protein bars/ energy bars
Anti-flu medicine (Lemsips etc)
Wound dressing materials
First aid kits
Warm blankets
Thermals/ base/ fleece layers
Hot water bottles
Insulated flasks
Baby food
Nappies (children and adults)
Feminine sanitary products
towels