Visas and residence permits
eVisas
From 31 December, people on the Homes for Ukraine scheme are required to prove their immigration status electronically with an eVisa.
The eVisa replaces physical documents with an online record of a guest’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
A guest must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing previous documents with:
- biometric residence permits (BRP)
- biometric residence cards (BRC)
- passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
- vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes
What is an eVisa?
Guests can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with their current passport, which must be linked to their UKVI account.
They should also get a share code to prove their immigration status before travelling. The guests carrier may ask for it. A share code is valid for 90 days.
It’s also important to know that:
- creating a UKVI account does not change, or remove your current immigration status, or your rights in the UK
- you must keep your UKVI account up to date with your latest passport/travel document and contact details.
- you’ll need your in-date physical immigration documents when you travel internationally. You will not be permitted to travel without a valid passport
- If your passport is due to expire, it is your responsibility to apply for renewal. You should contact the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Edinburgh https://uk.mfa.gov.ua/en for advice on how to do this.
The benefits of eVisas
- they are secure and cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, unlike a physical document
- you will not need to wait for, or collect, a physical document after your application is decided – you might still need to provide biometric information in person, and we will tell you if you need to do this
- it will be quicker and easier to prove your status at the UK border, and share your status with third parties like employers and landlords
Providing your biometric information in the UK
You need to apply to provide your biometric information as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.
Your decision letter will include information on how to do this.
Apply to provide your biometric information
You can start the application to provide your biometric information by completing the online form.
You will then book and attend an appointment at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. The link provides information on the process and what you need to do.
Contact UK Visas and Immigration
If you need help, contact UK Visas and Immigration.
Visas
There are different schemes in place to support those Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who wish to either come to or remain in the UK.
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
If a guest wants to be sponsored by a UK household for six months, you may be able to apply under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme to come to the UK.
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Extension Scheme closed for most new applications on 16 May 2024.
The Ukrainian Extension Scheme remained open after 16 May 2024 for children who were born in the UK to apply for permission to stay.
Read more information about applying to the Ukraine Extension Scheme.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
The Ukraine Permission Extension scheme can give guests a further 18 months permission to stay in the UK.
The scheme is for guests who have previously been given permission to be in the UK under one of the Ukraine Schemes.
The scheme will open to applications on 4 February 2025.
Other visas you may apply for
You may be eligible to make an application under other immigration routes.