Ukraine Visas

My office staff and I continue to work with the many constituents keen to host Ukrainian refugees. In some cases, this is taking longer than desired and I have been in touch with the Home Office to ensure everything possible is being done to smooth this path.

Please do get in touch with me and my team if you are experiencing any delays to your application(s) with details including your name & postal address as well as the applicant(s) name(s) & their 'GWF' reference number and we will engage with the Home Office directly to help expedite the process.

Thank you
Office of Rebecca Pow MP

01823 443 062 / rebecca.pow.mp@parliament.uk

Ukrainian Family Scheme

The expansive Ukrainian Family Scheme - which allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come or stay in the UK - is a welcome step. Those joining the Scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work, study and access public funds. The Scheme is also free and does not include any salary or language requirements.

Ukrainians already in the UK can either extend their visa or switch to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so. The Ukraine Extension Scheme, which has now formally launched, allows Ukrainian nationals (or a family member) to live, work and study in the UK. Individuals can apply to the scheme if they hold any valid UK visa, or held one that expired on or after 1 January 2022.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Furthermore, I warmly welcome the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme which allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety - including those with no family ties with the UK. Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month. Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted three years' leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

Detailed guidance on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members can be found at this address: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-natio…