The UK will extend visas for Ukrainians: details of the second stage of the Ukrainian Permission Extension have been announced

The UK government has announced details of the second extension of visas for Ukrainians under the Ukrainian Permission Extension program. Find out who will be eligible for an additional 24 months of stay and what conditions will apply

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The UK government has released new details regarding the second visa extension for Ukrainians under the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) program. This involves an additional 24 months of stay in the country for those who have already taken advantage of the first extension.

How long can you stay in the UK?

According to the details released:

● Ukrainians will be able to obtain an additional 24 months of stay;

● the total period of residence under Ukrainian programs can reach up to 6.5 years;

● only those who have already received the first 18-month extension will be able to apply for the second extension;

● the application is submitted online.

Thus, this is not an automatic extension, but a new procedure for submitting documents.

When can you submit your documents

An important change is the deadline for submitting the application. Documents for the second extension must be submitted within the last 90 days of the current visa's validity. This is a significant extension compared to the first stage of the extension, when applicants had only 28 days.

The exact date for the start of accepting applications for the second extension has not yet been announced.

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Conditions for continuous residence

One of the key requirements remains continuous residence in the UK throughout the entire period of participation in Ukrainian programs.

However, there is an exception: absence from the country for up to 12 consecutive months or in total will not be considered a violation of this requirement.

This means that short-term or even long-term trips outside the UK will not automatically disqualify you from renewal if the total period of absence does not exceed the established limits.

Will participation in the program affect the granting of permanent residence?

The document specifically emphasizes that participation in Ukrainian programs in the UK does not count toward the period required to obtain permanent residence status.

The government notes that this position remains unchanged. It is consistent with the Ukrainian state's intention to encourage citizens to return home once it is safe to do so and to participate in the country's recovery.

Thus, even after 6.5 years of staying under the Ukrainian support programs, there is no automatic transition to permanent resident status.

What Ukrainians in the UK should consider

Since applications can only be submitted during a specific period — the last 90 days of the current visa — it is important for Ukrainians to check the validity of their documents in advance.

It is also important to confirm continuous residence and prepare the correct set of documents for the online application.

In complex situations, particularly if there are questions about residence status, periods of absence, or eligibility for the program, it is advisable to consult with specialists. Ukrainians can contact immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine, who will help assess their individual situation and prepare for the submission of documents.

We remind you! The United Kingdom is discussing a review of the rules for obtaining permanent residence permits. The authorities intend to tighten the criteria for migrants, focusing on knowledge of English, financial independence, and real contribution to society. Read about what changes are being considered and how they may affect future applicants.

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