Ukraine Family Scheme
The Ukraine Family Scheme is a special visa programme for Ukrainians that allows Ukrainian citizens to join their immediate and extended relatives in the UK for up to 3 years.
Eligibility requirements
The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific aspects of a particular case. The applicant meets the following criteria:
- be a Ukrainian national;
- have a relative who is a British citizen or settled in the UK;
- live in Ukraine before the beginning of 2022.
The relative in the UK must be one of the next:
- a citizen of Britain;
- a person with settled status;
- a refugee or humanitarian status holder.
Immediate & Extended relatives
Under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, immediate relatives include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and children under the age of 18. Extended relatives include:
- one of parents (straight or in-law);
- child 18+;
- grandmother or grandfather (native or in-law);
- grandchild (native or in-law);
- brother or sister (sibling or in-law);
- aunt or uncle;
- niece or nephew;
- cousin.
For extended relatives the applicant must demonstrate that there are exceptional circumstances that warrant the issuance of the visa. The decision on whether to grant a visa to an extended relative is at the discretion of the UK government and is based on the specific circumstances of the case.
How to apply to the Scheme?
The applicant must gather all the necessary supporting documents, such as their passport, evidence of their relationship with the family member in the UK. The applicant must complete an online application blank and provide the required documents.
The application is absolutely free, you do not even need to pay an immigration medical or biometrics fees. The processing time for this visa type is typically around 15 working days.
The visa application process can be complex, and seeking legal advice from specialists can be helpful to ensure that the application is properly prepared and presented to the UK government.
How long can you stay in the UK?
Under this type of UK visa for Ukrainian citizens a person can stay in the UK for a period of up to 3 years. You need to give your biometrics within half a year of arriving in the country.
It’s important to note that the UK immigration policies are subject to change, and it is recommended to stay up to day with the latest regulations by seeking legal advice from an immigration lawyer.
How can we help?
“Sterling Law” specializes in immigration law. We can assist with all aspects of the visa application, including eligibility assessment, document preparation and submission of the application. Our team of immigration lawyers can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring a successful outcome.
Guaranteed benefits of seeking legal assistance from Sterling Law:
- access to experienced immigration lawyers who are knowledgeable about UK immigration rules and regulations;
- personalized service tailored to your unique circumstances and needs;
- legal representation in the event of any challenges or appeals related to Ukraine Family Scheme visa application;
- peace of mind knowing that your application is in the hands of experienced and dedicated immigration lawyers.
Remember that immigration rules and policies are subject to change, so it’s important to stay up-to-date and seek professional legal advice. Taking action now can help you achieve your goals of moving to the UK to join your relatives.
