The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals currently in the UK to extend their stay for up to 18 months. Applications must be made online.

PBIC can provide technical and language support throughout the application process. However, we do not offer immigration advice. If you require legal guidance, we can assist with a referral to an appropriate immigration service.

When to Apply

To avoid issues with your application, follow these guidelines:

✅ Apply when you have 28 days or less remaining before your current permission expires.

❌ Do not apply too early – If submitted more than 28 days before expiry, your application will be rejected.

❌ Do not apply too late – If your permission expires before applying, you will lose your right to work, rent, or claim benefits until your application is approved. You may also need to repay any benefits received during this period.

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply if you:

• Are already in the UK under one of the following schemes:
  • Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine – HFU)
  • Ukraine Family Scheme
  • Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Have been living in the UK since your permission was granted.
• Meet the requirements for identity verification and proof of residence.

Required Documents

Proof of Identity and Status

• BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) – Original plastic card (expired on 31.12.2024)
• Ukrainian passport or ID card (this does not exclude providing birth certificates for children)
• UKVI account and access to your eVisa – (If you don’t have a UKVI account and need help, PBIC can support with this)

For Children

• Birth Certificate – Original or paper copy/PDF file.
• Certified Translation – If the document is not in English.

Accommodation & Residence History

• Current address in the UK and for those who will need to prove their ties with the UK – All previous addresses in the UK, including:
• Exact move-in/move-out dates.
  • Sponsor details under the HFU scheme (if applicable) – Name, address, and telephone number.
  • Family member details under the Ukraine Family Scheme (if applicable) – Name, address, and telephone number.
  • Past and current landlord details – Name, address, and telephone number.
• Tenancy Agreements – Bring a paper copy or have an electronic version on your phone.
• Current Tenancy agreement/Temporary License/Letter from Sponsor etc and for those who will need to prove their ties with the UK – All proofs of the addresses for all period of time spent in UK including council tax or energy bills and Tenancy Agreements/Letters from landlords etc. – Bring a paper copy or have an electronic version on your phone.

Parental & Travel History

• Names and dates of birth of both parents – Required for all adult applicants.
• Exact dates of travel outside the UK and Ukraine since receiving permission under a Ukraine scheme.
• Proof of ties to the UK during absence – For example, family, property, job, or study in the UK. Bring a paper copy or have an electronic version on your phone.

For those who spent more than temporary periods (12 months or over) in third countries and Ukraine. (Outside of the UK)

• Reason for absence – Provide a description of the circumstances of your time spent outside of the UK

Conditions of Stay

✅ If your application is successful, there will be conditions attached to your leave (your permission to be in the UK). This will include, for example, whether you are able to work in the UK. 

❌ If you stay without permission, you may:

• Be detained.
• Face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
• Be removed and banned from returning to the UK.
• Lose the right to work, rent a home, or claim benefits.
• Be charged for NHS medical treatment.
• Be denied access to a bank account.
• Have your driving licence revoked. 

Applicants must confirm that they understand and accept these conditions before submitting the application for UPE. 

Need Help? Contact PBIC

Our Ukrainian-speaking advisors can assist you with language and technical support throughout your application.

To book an appointment, visit our office at 90-92 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2QH or by contact us on 01234 328100 info@pbic.org.uk

Please note that the exact dates of travel outside the UK and Ukraine must be prepared in advance. The number of advisors providing the language and technical support and the number of free slots for an appointment at PBIC are limited. The lack of the required information on the date of the UPE application does not guarantee that you will be able to book a new appointment with PBIC within the 28 days, which you have for the submission. 

Please also check the expiration dates of your e-visa in advance – the e-visa itself, not the stamps and visas in your passports – because it is from the e-visa dates that the 28 days are deducted for applying for UPE. These dates may be different for you and your children and relatives, even if you entered the UK on the same day.