Special visa schemes for Ukrainians

The UK’s response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 included special visa schemes for Ukrainians. Around 234,000 people have come to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme or the (now closed) Ukraine Family Scheme, the majority in 2022.

People here under the Ukraine schemes have the right to work, claim benefits and use the NHS. They can extend their initial visa by 18 months, and now for another 24 months, but there is no pathway to permanent residence.

The main Homes for Ukraine scheme involves Ukrainians living with host families

In the days following the Russian assault, amid widespread public and political pressure, the Johnson government announced a major relaxation of immigration rules for Ukrainians and their families. This included a Ukraine Family Scheme allowing British citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a wide range of relatives for visas.

The biggest scheme, Homes for Ukraine, allows Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family to live in the UK temporarily if a sponsor offers suitable accommodation. The scheme is uncapped and remains open for applications.

The Sunak government significantly tightened the schemes in 2024

In February 2024, the government closed the Family Scheme to new applicants. It also tightened the eligibility to become a Homes for Ukraine sponsor, from anyone with permission to live in the UK for six months to only British citizens and permanent residents. This means that in most cases it is no longer possible for Ukrainians in the UK without permanent residence to sponsor relatives to join them, except for their own children aged under 18.

New Homes for Ukraine visas are also being issued for 18 months rather than three years. The Home Office said this would make the UK’s offer more like the EU Temporary Protection Directive.

Visa extensions are allowed, but not permanent residence

People can apply to renew their initial visa for another 18 months through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme. Towards the end of that 18 months, they can apply for a second extension of 24 months. This second round of extensions opened for applications on 8 April 2026.

Permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) is not allowed. This makes the schemes different from standard visas or grants of refugee status, which do allow permanent residence after a given period. Both Conservative and Labour governments have said Ukraine will be safe to return to and the visas are therefore temporary, in line with the wishes of the Ukrainian authorities.

Most Ukrainians in the UK do want to stay long-term, even if their home country were safe to return to.

Despite challenges, the Ukraine schemes are seen as a possible model for other conflicts

The visa schemes have been generally considered an effective response but there are concerns about housing as Homes for Ukraine placements end. The British Red Cross has reported that “while the Ukraine response successfully delivered safety at scale, some new arrivals have experienced challenges with unsuitable accommodation, precarious housing and homelessness”.

Some charities and politicians have called for similar schemes for other nationalities, such as Palestinians.