Does the UK currently accept Ukrainians?

The UK is gradually changing entry conditions for Ukrainians in 2025. Find out if the UK is currently accepting Ukrainians, what visas are available, how to apply and what restrictions are currently in place

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, the UK has become one of the key destinations for the evacuation of Ukrainians. The Homes for Ukraine program has helped tens of thousands of families evacuate to the UK and find refuge in a safe environment, but as of 2025, the rules have changed. The UK government is gradually winding down humanitarian programs and reviewing migration policy.

In this article, we will tell you whether the UK will accept Ukrainians in 2025, which programs are still in operation, why protection refusals have become more frequent, and how else you can legally get to the UK from Ukraine.

We talked about the tightening of migration requirements in the UK in this article.

Don't know how to act? Contact lawyers Visit Ukraine and get answers to all your questions!

Homes for Ukraine program - what are the rules in 2025?

The Homes for Ukraine 2025 program is still formally in effect, but has been subject to significant restrictions:

- If you have permission to remain in the UK under one of the Ukrainian schemes, you can apply to extend your permission for an additional 18 months under the new Ukrainian Extension Scheme.

- New applications under the Homes for Ukraine scheme were stopped on 4 February 2025.

Eligibility: Who can apply?

Those who already have permission to remain under one of the Ukrainian schemes can apply:

- Homes for Ukraine.

- Family scheme.

- Ukrainian extension scheme.

- Exceptional circumstances leave.

The applicant must also:

- Be resident in the UK (including Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man).

- Have been in the country since the previous permission was granted.

- Confirm family ties if he is not a citizen of Ukraine.

For children born in the UK after 18 March 2022, an application is also possible provided that one of the parents has a valid Ukrainian permit.

When to apply?

The application can only be submitted 28 days before the end of the current permit. Earlier - there will be a refusal. Submission after expiration - temporary loss of the right to work, housing and benefits.

What is needed to apply?

- UKVI account.

- Access to an electronic visa.

- Passport or BRP (even if expired).

- Residential address.

- Data on departures from the UK/UA.

- Documents confirming residence in the UK (rent, school, bills, etc.)

Biometric data will be required. In some cases, they can be reused (if they have already been provided before).

If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria or do not know where to start, contact the migration lawyers of Visit Ukraine, who will help you properly prepare the documents and increase your chances of approval.

Why does the UK refuse protection to Ukrainians?

In 2025, the UK began to refuse asylum to Ukrainians more often, recognizing Kyiv and western Ukraine as “generally safe”.

The refusal letters state that the risks associated with military operations “do not meet the threshold of persecution” under the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees, as applicants can allegedly move to “safer” regions of Ukraine.

Who is affected by refusals of protection in the UK?

Refusals are even granted to women and children who came from front-line areas or regions that have been subjected to rocket attacks. This is despite the fact that the humanitarian situation in many areas remains difficult and the security threat is real.

Those who are denied asylum remain in a vulnerable position. The lack of official status makes it difficult to find work, obtain housing, access social services and psychological support.

Can you appeal a refusal to grant asylum?

Theoretically, yes, the refusal can be appealed in the British immigration court. But this requires a clear strategy, legal reasoning and an appropriate package of evidence - for example, medical certificates, documents about the loss of housing, confirmation of shelling, photo and video evidence.

More details about the main reasons for refusals for Ukrainians in the UK and useful tips in this material. We told you earlier why the UK government does not offer paths to permanent residence.

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What to do if the program is closed or does not suit you?

If you do not fall under the conditions of the Homes for Ukraine program, there are other options for getting to the UK from Ukraine in 2025, including a visa to the UK for Ukrainians.

Alternative options: visa, study, work

Tourist visa (Standard Visitor visa)

Suitable for trips for the purpose of recreation, participation in cultural or sporting events, visiting friends, as well as short-term studies (not language courses). The main requirement is to prove sufficient financial resources for the period of stay.

Family (visitor) visa

Intended for visiting close relatives who legally reside in the UK (parents, children, brothers, sisters). When considering the application, not only your documentation is taken into account, but also the financial situation of the person inviting you. This visa does not give the right to employment or long-term residence.

Long-term visitor visa

Ideal for those planning multiple trips. You can choose the duration - 2, 5 or 10 years, but each separate visit is allowed to stay no more than 6 months.

Important:

- If the applicant is under 18 years of age, the visa will be valid for up to 6 months after reaching the age of majority.

- In case of refusal or reduction of the term - the consular fee is not refunded.

- The visa may be canceled if it turns out that you actually reside in the UK permanently.

Business visa

Intended for business trips: conferences, negotiations, participation in exhibitions or seminars. Also suitable for academic purposes - giving lectures, research activities.

Prohibited: receiving payment from British companies (except for certain scientific cases).

Short-term study visa

Issued for studying English in the UK (from 6 to 11 months). Does not give the right to study at schools or universities. An invitation from an accredited educational institution is required.

Child visa (Child Visitor visa)

Issued to children under 18 years of age. Can be used to visit relatives or participate in short educational programs. It indicates whether the child is traveling with an escort - in case of changes in the accompanying person, a new visa must be issued.

In January 2025, the United Kingdom simplified visa rules for Ukrainian children, read more about the changes at the link.

Standard Visitor Visa

Combines the functions of a tourist, family and business visa. Convenient for travelers with multiple travel purposes (for example, both recreation and negotiations). Often issued for several years.

Submission is made through the new online portal of the UK Border Service, however, the old system with a separate selection of categories is also temporarily operating.

Student Visa

Suitable for studying at universities or language schools. One of the main requirements is to have an invitation from a school or educational institution accredited by the UK government. Important: this visa does not allow you to obtain secondary or higher education.

Skilled Worker visa

Relevant for specialists in medicine, IT, construction. Issued subject to a job offer from a British employer.

A significant number of Ukrainians in the UK have faced job loss and housing problems. Find out what difficulties have arisen and what options are available.

Global Talent, Innovator Founder and other types of visas

Applicants who have a special status or have made investments in the UK economy can receive them.

Read more about how Ukrainians can move to the UK in 2025 in our article on emigration.

You can apply independently through the official website of the British government. However, the procedure is not easy - applications are often rejected due to errors in the forms or lack of documents.

To avoid rejection, contact a Visit Ukraine visa lawyer who will help you choose the right type of visa, prepare a complete package of documents and increase your chances of approval.

British immigration law is considered one of the most complex in Europe, and therefore obtaining a visa or residence permit in the UK is not an easy process. We have already told you what types of visas are available to Ukrainians, how to obtain a residence permit and why legal support significantly increases the chances of success.

Important! A health insurance policy is a mandatory condition for obtaining any type of visa to the UK.

We have already told you in detail who needs to obtain health insurance for the UK.

Advice for those planning to travel to the UK in 2025

Follow official updates

The rules for entering the UK may change. Regularly check official sources: gov.uk and the website of the British Embassy.

Prepare documents in advance

Collecting certificates, financial guarantees, translations and bookings can take time. Start preparing at least 1-2 months before submitting your application.

Get travel or medical insurance

Insurance for traveling abroad is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa, and an important guarantee of your safety outside of Ukraine.

To enter the UK, you need to have medical insurance that covers the main risks during your stay. The lack of an insurance policy may result in a refusal of entry.

Visit Ukraine offers a wide range of reliable insurance programs that meet US requirements and protect your health during your trip and stay.

Get professional advice

If you are planning a long-term stay, study or immigration, you should contact a visa lawyer or legalization specialist. This will help you avoid mistakes and refusals.

Check the validity of your passport

Your passport must be valid for the entire period of your stay in the UK. If there are less than 6 months left before the expiration date, it is better to renew it in advance.

Prepare for your visa interview (if required)

Although interviews are not mandatory for all applicants, sometimes UKVI may invite you for an interview. Be prepared to clearly explain the purpose of your trip, source of income and return plans.

Prepare financial documents

Bank statements, salary certificates, sponsorship letters - all this may be required to prove your financial capacity. It is advisable to show that you have funds for the entire period of your stay + tickets, accommodation, etc.

Book accommodation in advance

The consulate pays attention to your address in the UK. Even if it is a hotel or hostel, booking for the first few days of your stay adds confidence in the successful consideration of your application.

Create an account on UKVI

To apply for a visa online in 2025, the UKVI portal is used. It is recommended to create an account in advance and familiarize yourself with the functionality to avoid mistakes on the day of application.

Ukrainian refugees in the UK in 2025 are a difficult topic. Ukrainians in the UK in 2025 face new challenges due to the reduction of support programs. On the one hand, the Homes for Ukraine 2025 program is still in effect, but is already limited. On the other hand, the British government is gradually reducing support and making access to asylum more difficult. However, there are alternative legalization options - work, study, family reunification. The main thing is to choose the right route and get professional support.

Let us remind you! Ukrainian borders remain open in 2025. We have already told you how to get to Ukraine from the UK in 2025.

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