Changes have been made to the immigration rules around Homes for Ukraine. The Home Office have introduced a second Ukrainian Permission Extension visa (UPE).
The UPE extension allows Ukrainian nationals the right to stay in the UK. It is not an automatic extension. It is very important to make sure you apply before your permission runs out. This makes sure your rights and entitlements will continue.
If you apply after your permission has expired, even if your UPE application is approved later, you'll lose access to public funds. You will also lose your right to work, study, rent, and claim benefits, until a decision is made. You may also need to repay any benefits received during this time. A positive decision on a late application is not guaranteed.
On 1 September 2025, the Government confirmed that the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme will be extended for 24 months. This is in addition to the initial 18‑months of the visa extension. This means eligible Ukrainians will be able to stay in the UK for:
up to six and a half years for those with an initial three-year visa; and
five years for those whose initial visa was issued for 18 months
From spring 2026, applicants will also be able to apply for UPE up to 90 days before their current Ukraine Scheme permission expires. This applies to both first‑time applicants and those extending their permission.
Applying early within the new 90‑day window will not reduce the total time granted. Any remaining time on an individual’s current permission will be added to the new period once their application is approved
Find out more and apply for the UPE Extension visa
Biometric data
Before you apply to the scheme, please make sure you:
have created a UKVI account and have access to your eVisa
have your expired biometric residence permit (BRP), if you have one, as it may
be required as part of your application process
apply within 28 days of your current permission expiring.
If you do not have your BRP, or you did not provide biometric information under your current permission, you may need to book an appointment to have your facial image and fingerprints (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre (VAC) in the UK as part of your application. Free appointment slots are available but they are harder to find and are often far ahead - this is why it is best to apply as soon as your 90-day window opens.
Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken. They will still need to book and attend an appointment at a VAC to have their digital photograph taken.
At your appointment, you’ll need to prove your identity with a valid international passport. This is unless you have a reasonable explanation for why you do not have one. Your passport must be valid at the time of application and the biometric appointment. It does not need to be valid for the whole duration of the visa extension you are applying for.
Links to additional guidance around the changes from the government: