The UK has simplified visa rules for Ukrainian children: what has changed?

Starting from 31 January, parents or legal guardians can again apply for visas for their children. Find out under what conditions

Legal counselling on migration issues

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On 31 January, the UK authorities renewed a programme that simplifies visa rules for Ukrainian children to enter the country. These changes apply to families where the parents or legal guardians already have the right to stay in the UK under one of the Ukrainian schemes and want to invite their child to join them.

What has changed?

According to the updated rules of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, parents or legal guardians who have permission to stay in the UK under any of the Ukrainian programmes can now apply to sponsor their child under the Homes for Ukraine programme.

The agency notes that children sponsored by their parents (or legal guardians) will receive an 18-month residence permit in the UK. At the same time, they will have access to:

- Education;

- Healthcare;

- Social benefits;

- Employment (in accordance with British law).

In order to obtain a visa under the Home to Ukraine programme, both the applicant child and the sponsoring parents must meet all the requirements of this scheme.

💡Need help with entering any country?

Visit Ukraine lawyers will explain the rules and help you collect the necessary documents on an individual basis. In addition, using the services of migration specialists, you will receive support at every stage of legalising your status abroad.

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Background

Earlier, in February 2024, the British government restricted the number of people who could sponsor the Homes for Ukraine programme. Prior to that, both British and Irish citizens and foreigners legally residing in the UK could invite Ukrainians who fled the country due to the war to stay with them. Last year, however, the conditions were changed, and only British or Irish citizens, as well as those with permanent residence permits, retained the right to sponsor Ukrainian refugees.

In addition, the Ukrainian Family Programme, which allowed Ukrainians to join family members who had already obtained permanent residence in the UK, was closed.

These restrictions were criticised because many Ukrainians, without permanent residence, could not sponsor their relatives. Now, the Home for Ukraine programme is being expanded again, enabling Ukrainian children to be reunited with their parents or legal guardians residing in the UK under one of the previously issued visa schemes.

Contact Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers for assistance and make your preparations for moving to another country as easy as possible.

We remind you! Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are at risk of losing their jobs and homes due to new visa rules in the UK. The UPE programme, which is supposed to help, creates new bureaucratic obstacles, making it more difficult to find employment and adapt.

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