Ukraine Students
The Home Office published new guidance for Ukraine nationals studying in the UK and their dependents, as a result of the developing situation in Ukraine.
This guidance provides the following two concessions to the Immigration Rules:
- To allow Ukrainian nationals and their dependants to switch in the UK from temporary routes (such as the Visitor route), to a number of other immigration routes (including the Student route) where this would not normally be possible.
- To waive the requirement to submit documentary evidence with a permission to stay application in a number of immigration routes (including the Student route) in the UK.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.
It is free to apply and they will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds. They also will not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge or biometric enrolment fee for this scheme.
Students on this scheme will be given access to home fee tuition and living cost support if they are commencing on a new course of study from academic year 2022/23. Please see information below under ‘Tuition fee and living cost support for displaced Ukrainian students’ available to existing students on their current course of study.
Eligibility
To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme applicants must:
- be applying to join or accompany their UK-based family member; and
- be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme; and
- have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)
They can also apply if they have already arrived in the UK and meet the requirements above.
UK-based family member
Their family member must be one of the following:
- a British national
- someone settled in the UK - for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
- someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
- someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK
They must provide evidence that their UK-based family member is one of the following:
- an immediate family member
- an extended family member
- an immediate family member of an extended family member
They will be asked to provide a copy of an official document that confirms their relationship to their UK-based family member (ie a marriage or birth certificate if they have one). They can still apply if they are unable to provide this document, explaining why they are unable to do so.
Immediate family members
An immediate family member is their or their UK-based family member’s:
- spouse or civil partner
- unmarried partner (they must have been living together in a relationship for at least two years)
- child who is under 18
- parent (if they are under 18)
- fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
Extended family members
An extended family member is their UK-based family member’s:
- parent (if they are over 18)
- child who is over 18
- grandparent
- grandchild or their partner’s grandchild
- brother or sister
- aunt or uncle
- niece or nephew
- cousin
- mother-in-law or father-in-law
- grandparent-in-law
- brother-in-law or sister-in-law
Immediate family member of an extended family member
An immediate family member of an extended family is the:
- 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
If their UK-based family member is their (or an extended family member’s) spouse, civil partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner the relationship must have started before 1 January 2022.
Other family members will be considered where there are exceptional circumstances.
If they have a family member from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
They might also be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit if they are the family member of someone who is living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme who is from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
They can choose which scheme they apply for but must not apply to both the Ukraine Family Scheme and the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit.
They must be outside of the UK to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit. Regardless of which scheme they apply to, if they’re eligible they’ll be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once they’ve arrived in the UK.
How long can they stay
They can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
Apply from outside the UK
They must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme if they are outside the UK.
Uploading their documents
They must upload a copy of the photograph page of their valid or expired Ukrainian international passport.
If they are applying with an expired Ukrainian international passport they must upload a copy of the page where the formal extension stamp issued by the Ukrainian government is shown.
If they have them, they should also provide any documents that show:
- their relationship to their UK-based family member
- they were residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022
Official permission letter
Once their application has been processed they will receive an official permission letter from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) confirming that they can travel to the UK. This letter will allow them to board a plane of or other form or transport to the UK. Border Force, airlines and carriers will be informed that those who have been accepted under the Ukraine Family Scheme will be issued with this letter confirming they have permission to travel to the UK without a UK visa in their passport. Once they arrive in the UK, their passport will be endorsed with a 6 month entry stamp which is evidence of their right to work, study and claim benefits in the UK. They should not travel to the UK until they have received this letter.
Extending their stay in the UK
They will need to submit their biometrics within 6 months of arriving in the UK to extend their stay for up to 3 years and be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP) as evidence of their immigration status and this should be done by completing the online form. Once the Home Office we have received their details, they will tell them how to provide their biometric information. This might by providing them with a digitised facial image using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by visiting one of the application centres in the UK to provide a facial photograph and their fingerprints.
They do not need to do this as soon as they reach the UK, but they do need to make sure that they have provided their biometrics before the 6 months ends.
If they do not hold a valid Ukrainian international passport
They will need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. Also if they have a Ukrainian domestic passport or ID card, they will need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. They do not need to book an appointment at a VAC to provide biometrics if they hold a valid Ukrainian international passport.
Visa application centre availability
VACs in Ukraine are currently closed but they can apply at a VAC in any country if they are able to travel safely.
There is a temporary VAC for people applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme in Rzeszow, Poland. They’ll need to complete their online application and book an appointment before attending the Rzeszow VAC - walk-in appointments are no longer accepted.
VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including:
How long it takes
The Home Office are prioritising Ukraine Family Scheme applications and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible. Applicants will be contacted when a decision has been made with more guidance on the travel process.
If they are granted permission under the Ukraine Family Scheme they will receive either:
- an official letter of permission (if they hold a valid Ukrainian international passport)
- a visa (if they attended a VAC to give their biometrics)
Applicants are advised not to attend the VAC to collect their visa until they have been contacted.
Apply from inside the UK
They must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme if they are in the UK and they will then book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
How long it takes
The Home Office will prioritise their application and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible and they will be contacted when a decision has been made.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme visa allows Ukrainian nationals or the family member of someone who is Ukranian to live, work and study in the UK. They can apply to this scheme if they hold any valid UK visa, or held one that expired on or after 1 January 2022.
It is free to apply and they do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge or biometric enrolment fee. This route does not currently lead to settlement. They can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
Students on this scheme will be given access to Home fee tuition and living cost support if they are commencing on a new course of study from academic year 2022/23. Please see information below under ‘Tuition fee and living cost support for displaced Ukrainian students’ available to 2existing students on their current course of study.
Eligibility
To apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme they must:
- be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme
- have had permission to be in the UK (for example a visa) on 18 March 2022
If they previously had permission to stay in the UK but it expired on or after 1 January 2022 they will also be eligible to apply.
Immediate family members of Ukrainian nationals
If the student is not Ukrainian but their family member is, they can apply if their family member is their:
- spouse or civil partner
- unmarried partner (they must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
- child aged under 18
- parent (if you are under 18)
Uploading their documents
When they apply, they willl need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows their identity.
They will also need to show that they have (or had) permission to be in the UK. For example:
- a biometric residence permit
- a visa or vignette in your passport
- a Home Office document showing their permission to enter or remain in the UK
If they are the the non-Ukrainian family member of a Ukrainian national, they will also need to provide evidence of their relationship to them. They can show their biometric residence permit or visa in their passport if they are in the UK as their dependant. If you do not have one of these documents, they can provide:
- a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate if their family member is their spouse or civil partner
- evidence that they have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years if their family member is their unmarried partner
- a birth certificate if their family member is your child or parent
How long it takes
The Home Office will prioritise their application and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible and they will be contacted when a decision has been made.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they don’t have family in the UK, if they have a named sponsor who can provide accommodation.
They will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds and can stay in the UK for up to 3 years.
It is free to apply and they do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge or biometric enrolment fee.
Students on this scheme will be given access to Home fee tuition and living cost support if they are commencing on a new course of study from academic year 2022/23. Please see information below under ‘Tuition fee and living cost support for displaced Ukrainian students’ available to existing students on their current course of study.
Eligibility
To apply to the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme they must be Ukrainian, or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, and either be:
- 18 or older on the date of application
- under 18 years old and applying with their parent or legal guardian, or to join them in the UK
They must also:
- have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine)
- be outside of the UK
- have an eligible UK-based sponsor
Immediate family member:
- spouse or civil partner
- unmarried partner (they must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
- child who is under 18
- parent (if they are under 18)
- fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner
Official permission letter
Once their application has been processed they will receive an official permission letter from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) confirming that they can travel to the UK. This letter will allow them to board a plane of or other form or transport to the UK. Border Force, airlines and carriers will be informed that those who have been accepted under the Ukraine Family Scheme will be issued with this letter confirming they have permission to travel to the UK without a UK visa in their passport. Once they arrive in the UK, their passport will be endorsed with a 6 month entry stamp which is evidence of their right to work, study and claim benefits in the UK. They should not travel to the UK until they have received this letter.
Extending their stay in the UK once arrived
They will need to submit their biometrics within 6 months of arriving in the UK to extend their stay for up to 3 years and be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP) as evidence of their immigration status and this should be done by completing the online form. Once the Home Office we have received their details, they will tell them how to provide their biometric information. This might by providing them with a digitised facial image using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by visiting one of the application centres in the UK to provide a facial photograph and their fingerprints.
Uploading documents
During the application process, they will be asked to provide one or more of the following:
- Ukrainian National identity card
- a combination of official documents – for example, a photo driving licence and birth certificate
- an emergency certificate issued by a Ukrainian authority since March 2022
They must also provide documents that show the identity of their UK-based sponsor. This can be a:
- UK or Irish passport or Irish passport card
- biometric residence permit or biometric residence card
- refugee travel document
- a photo driving licence issued by the UK, Ireland, or the Crown Dependencies
If their sponsor has a UKVI account, they can use the online View and prove service to show their identity.
It is not mandatory to provide these documents but it may help support their application if they are able to.
Visa application centre availability
VACs in Ukraine are currently closed but they can apply at a VAC in any country if they are able to travel safely.
There is a temporary VAC for people applying for the Ukraine Family Scheme in Rzeszow, Poland. They’ll need to complete their online application and book an appointment before attending the Rzeszow VAC - walk-in appointments are no longer accepted.
VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including:
How long it takes
The Home Office are prioritising Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme applications and aim to make a decision as quickly as possible. Applicants will be contacted when a decision has been made with more guidance on the travel process.
If they are granted permission under the Ukraine Family Scheme they will receive either:
- an official letter of permission (if they hold a valid Ukrainian international passport)
- a visa (if they attended a VAC to give their biometrics)
Applicants are advised not to attend the VAC to collect their visa until they have been contacted.
Student Visa
Document Flexibility Under The Concession
Due to the current situation in Ukraine, an applicant may be unable to provide the full range of documents required under the route under which they are applying. If so, an applicant must explain why they cannot provide a normally required document when they make their application. They can do this by drafting a letter setting out their reasons and using the document upload function when completing their application.
The decision maker does not require detailed evidence as to why a document is not available. They can instead be satisfied with a reasonable written explanation provided with the application as to why the document cannot be obtained.
A sufficient and reasonable explanation may for example be that it is not possible to obtain a document from an institution as it is not functioning or is not offering its full range of services due to current circumstances.
Another sufficient and reasonable explanation may, for example, be that the document can only be obtained in person, no one else in Ukraine can reasonably be expected to obtain it on the applicant’s behalf and it is not reasonable to expect the applicant to travel to the location in Ukraine it needs to be obtained from as it may be unsafe.
If the Home Office is satisfied that due to the situation in Ukraine a document required by the Immigration Rules cannot reasonably be obtained from Ukraine, the requirement to provide that document may be waived. All applications will be considered on a case by case basis, taking into account all of the circumstances.
For example, if an applicant would meet the 12-month financial requirement under the relevant routes they will not need to submit evidence in any case. Otherwise, the decision maker must be satisfied that the requirement would likely be met if documents could be provided were it not for the circumstances.
Tuition Fee And Living Costs Support For Displaced Ukrainian Students
Displaced Ukrainian students settling in Scotland will be given access to free tuition and living cost support, subject to parliamentary approval.
Under the new proposals from the Scottish Government, Ukrainians wishing to embark on a further or higher education course from 2022/3, will be eligible for free tuition and living cost support, providing they have submitted an application to either the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.
Existing Ukrainian students who have previously started courses in Scotland and who are experiencing hardship will be eligible to apply for immediate financial assistance through a newly created £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund.
Background 
The proposals mean a change to the residency criteria in Scotland in the fees and student support regulations will be applied to those individuals who are eligible and have applied to the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.
Ukrainian students already undertaking higher or further education courses who apply to the Ukraine Extension scheme will be eligible for support via the International Students’ Emergency Fund, should they be facing financial hardship. Those seeking to apply should contact their institution for more information.