Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme 2026 Guide

Section A: Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme Changes 2026

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE Scheme) allows Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members to extend their permission to stay in the UK after an initial grant under the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme. The scheme continues to operate as a temporary protection route.

The Government has confirmed changes affecting the UPE Scheme, including an earlier announcement on 1 September 2025 extending the overall duration of UPE permission and a February 2026 announcement widening the application window for extension applications.

1. Extension of permission under UPE

On 1 September 2025, the Government confirmed that the UPE Scheme would be extended by a further 24 months. Individuals may now be granted further permission under UPE, with the overall maximum period under the scheme extended to up to 3.5 years in total.

This does not replace the original schemes. It provides further temporary permission for those who remain eligible and who apply before their current permission expires.

2. Expansion of the application window

The application window is being expanded from 28 days before expiry to 90 days before expiry. Once operational, this change will allow applicants to submit their extension application earlier and plan ahead with greater certainty.

Applicants should confirm that the 90-day window is formally in force before applying earlier than 28 days prior to expiry. Applications submitted too early may risk refusal if they do not meet the timing requirements in force at the date of application.

3. What has not changed

The core structure of the UPE Scheme remains the same. Applications continue to be free of charge. Successful applicants retain the right to work and access public funds, healthcare and education.

The February 2026 statement also reaffirmed that permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes, including UPE, does not count towards settlement in the UK. Time spent under these routes does not contribute towards the 10-year long residence requirement.

Section B: Who Can Apply for a UPE Extension?

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme is available to individuals who already hold permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes and who continue to meet the residence conditions. An extension is not automatic. An application must be submitted online before current permission expires.

1. Previous permission under a Ukraine Scheme

An applicant must currently hold permission granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme, or the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme itself. The UPE route operates as a continuation mechanism for those who remain within the Ukraine protection framework.

The scheme is not available to individuals who have already obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain or who have switched into a different immigration category.

2. Physical presence requirement

An applicant must be physically present in the UK at the date of application. Applications submitted while outside the UK will not meet the requirements of the scheme.

3. Residence and absence limits

An applicant must have been living in the UK since being granted permission under the Ukraine Schemes. Temporary absences are permitted, provided total time spent outside the UK does not exceed 12 months, does not exceed 12 months in total, in aggregate.

Absences beyond this threshold may affect eligibility. Applicants should review their travel history carefully before applying.

4. Dependants and children

The scheme is available to principal applicants and their eligible family members who hold permission under the Ukraine Schemes. Where a child holds permission alongside a parent or legal guardian, their extension will normally be aligned with that of the parent or guardian.

Children born in the UK to a parent with permission under the Ukraine Schemes may also apply under UPE, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Section C: How and When to Apply for a UPE Extension

An application under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme must be submitted online before current permission expires. The responsibility for applying rests with the individual. There is no automatic renewal of status.

1. When to apply

Under the previous rules, applications could be submitted within the final 28 days before permission expired. The Government has announced that this window will be expanded to 90 days before expiry once the change is operational.

Applicants should confirm that the 90-day window is formally in force before submitting an application earlier than 28 days prior to expiry. Applying too early, before the revised window is implemented, may result in refusal if the timing requirements are not met.

2. Applying before permission expires

If a valid application is submitted before current permission expires, existing leave continues under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 while the application remains pending. During this period, the applicant retains the same conditions of stay, including the right to work and access public services.

Applicants should retain confirmation of submission and any reference numbers issued, as this may be required to evidence continued lawful status while a decision is awaited.

3. Consequences of applying late

If permission expires before an application is submitted, lawful status ends. The individual will lose the right to work and access associated entitlements. Section 3C protection does not apply where no valid in-time application has been made.

Late applications may be refused and may create future immigration difficulties. Applicants should therefore monitor their expiry date carefully and prepare in advance.

4. Application process and digital status

Applications are made online through the Home Office portal. Status under the Ukraine Schemes is evidenced digitally. Successful applicants will receive confirmation through the eVisa system rather than a physical document.

Applicants should ensure that their UKVI account details are accurate and that they can access their digital status following approval.

Section D: Settlement Position and Long-Term Immigration Options

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme provides temporary protection. It does not create a pathway to settlement through time accrued under the scheme.

1. Does UPE lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes, including the UPE Scheme, does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. The February 2026 ministerial statement reaffirmed that time spent under these routes does not build towards settlement.

Applicants should not assume that remaining in the UK under UPE will, by itself, result in permanent residence.

2. Long residence clarification

Time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes does not count towards the continuous lawful residence requirement under the 10-year long residence route. Even where an individual has been lawfully present in the UK throughout, time under the Ukraine Schemes is excluded from that calculation.

3. Switching into other immigration routes

Some individuals may consider switching into other immigration categories if they meet the relevant requirements. This may include work-based routes such as Skilled Worker, or family-based routes where eligibility criteria are satisfied.

Switching into another route requires a separate application and compliance with the Immigration Rules in force at the date of application. Permission under UPE remains valid until its expiry date. If a switching application is submitted before expiry, section 3C leave will extend existing permission while the application is pending.

4. Future policy announcements

The Government has indicated that a further statement outlining the longer-term position for Ukrainians in the UK will be issued later this year. Until that position is clarified, the UPE Scheme continues to operate as an extended but temporary protection route.

Section E: Employer Responsibilities and Right to Work Compliance

Employers engaging individuals with permission under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme must ensure that right to work requirements are met throughout employment. Permission under UPE carries the right to work, but that right is time-limited and subject to continued lawful status.

1. Right to work checks following a UPE extension

Where an individual is granted further permission under UPE, their status is evidenced digitally through the Home Office online system. Employers must conduct an online right to work check using the employee’s share code and record the date on which the check was carried out. Retaining confirmation of the online check establishes a statutory excuse against a civil penalty, provided the check is compliant.

Employers should not rely on historic physical documents where digital status applies.

2. In-time applications and section 3C protection

If an employee submits a valid extension application before their existing permission expires, their leave continues under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 while the application is pending. During this period, the employee retains the same conditions of stay, including the right to work.

Employers should verify that an in-time application has been made and retain evidence of continued right to work through the appropriate Home Office checking service.

3. Civil penalties and statutory excuse

Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, employers may face substantial civil penalties if they employ an individual who does not have valid permission to work. The maximum penalty can reach £60,000 per illegal worker for repeat breaches. A statutory excuse is only maintained where compliant right to work checks have been conducted and properly recorded.

Employers must not continue employment where permission has expired and no valid in-time application has been submitted.

4. Sponsor licence considerations

Most individuals holding permission under UPE do not require sponsorship. Where a Ukrainian national switches into a sponsored route such as Skilled Worker, the employer must comply with all sponsor licence duties, including reporting relevant changes through the Sponsor Management System within required timeframes.

Failure to monitor immigration status or to report changes accurately may be identified during compliance action and may affect sponsor licence standing.

5. Internal monitoring and record-keeping

Employers should maintain accurate records of immigration expiry dates and schedule follow-up right to work checks before permission expires. Digital confirmation of status checks should be stored securely and retained for the duration of employment and for two years thereafter.

A consistent and documented approach to immigration compliance reduces exposure to enforcement action and supports lawful workforce management.

Summary

The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme continues to provide temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members in the UK. Following the February 2026 announcement, applicants may benefit from up to 3.5 years’ total permission under UPE, and the application window is being expanded to 90 days before expiry once operational. Applications must be submitted before current permission expires. Time spent under the Ukraine Schemes does not count towards settlement or long residence. Individuals should monitor expiry dates carefully and review longer-term immigration options where permanent residence in the UK is intended.

FAQs

Who can apply under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme?

The scheme is open to individuals who currently hold permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, including the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme or UPE itself. The applicant must be physically present in the UK at the date of application and must have been living in the UK since being granted permission, subject to permitted absences of no more than 12 months in total.

When can I apply for a UPE extension?

An application must be submitted before current permission expires. The Government has announced that the application window will expand to 90 days before expiry once operational. Until that change is confirmed as in force, applicants should ensure they meet the timing requirements applicable at the date of submission.

What happens if I apply before my visa expires?

If a valid application is submitted before expiry, existing permission continues under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 while the application remains pending. During this period, the same conditions of stay apply, including the right to work.

What happens if I apply late?

If permission expires before a valid application is submitted, lawful status ends and the right to work ceases. Section 3C protection does not apply where no in-time application has been made.

Does the UPE Scheme lead to settlement?

Permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes, including UPE, does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain and does not contribute towards the 10-year long residence requirement.

Do employers need to carry out a new right to work check after a UPE extension?

Where further permission is granted, an online right to work check should be conducted using the Home Office system and recorded in order to maintain a statutory excuse.

Can an employee continue working while a UPE application is pending?

Yes, provided a valid application was submitted before existing permission expired. In those circumstances, leave continues under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 and the right to work remains in place while a decision is awaited.

Is there a fee to apply under the UPE Scheme?

Applications under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme are free of charge and no Immigration Health Surcharge is payable.

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