Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE)
Ukrainians who came to the UK through our Ukraine schemes can apply for Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE). This allows them to live in the UK for another 18 months after their initial visa has expired.
The UPE scheme:
- provides 18 more months of permission to stay in the UK
- gives the same entitlements as the other schemes to access work, benefits, healthcare and education
- is free to apply for.
Eligibility
The UPE scheme is available to those who have come to the UK through our Ukraine schemes.
This usually means someone who has permission to remain in the UK under the:
- Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
- Ukraine Family Scheme
- Ukraine Extension Scheme.
You may also be eligible if you had permission to remain under a Ukraine scheme but now hold a valid visa to remain.
When to apply
Applications opened from early 2025.
You are now able to apply within the last 3 months of your existing visa. For example, if your existing visa is due to expire in May 2025, you will be able to apply from March 2025.