If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
- For citizens of Ukraine.
- For persons who have a residence permit as refugees or are under additional protection in Ukraine.
- For family members (i.e. spouse, roommates, children under 18 or a qualifying parent of a child under 18) of the individuals listed above.
United Kingdom (UK): Admission information
What documents must be submitted?
The list of documents required to enter the UK or to obtain UK leave will depend on whether you are already in the UK at the time of your application.
A brief description of the procedure for obtaining a visa in both cases is given below. You can get more detailed information on the government website here .
If you are not already in the UK
United Kingdom (UK) has developed two special schemes for Ukrainians who wish to enter the country.
- Assistance program for families from Ukraine; and
- Ukrainian sponsorship scheme.
More information about these schemes is given below. Please note that you must obtain a UK visa before traveling to this country. Entry permission to the UK cannot be requested at the border or at a UK border control post in France or Belgium.
1. Assistance program for families from Ukraine
According to the terms of this program, any British citizen or immigrant living in United Kingdom (UK) can become a sponsor for Ukrainian family members to receive permission to enter United Kingdom (UK). Under this scheme, you will be able to live, work and study in the UK and have access to public funds for the first 6 months, which can be extended for up to 3 years. Submission of applications is free.
Below is a general overview of this scheme. Additional information (including a full list of eligibility criteria) can be viewed here . You can also contact our free 24/7 helpline on 0808 164 8810 for help with any questions you may have about this program.
Criteria
To apply for the Assistance Program for Families from Ukraine, you must:
- submit an application for reunification or cohabitation with a family member who is a resident of United Kingdom (UK);
- be a Ukrainian or a close family member of a citizen of Ukraine who applies for participation in this program;
- live in Ukraine as of January 1, 2022 or immediately before this time (also applies to persons who have currently left Ukraine).
Unfortunately, citizens of Ukraine who have only a temporary residence permit in United Kingdom (UK), in particular on a work or student visa, cannot become sponsors of relatives under the Assistance Program for Families from Ukraine.
Where and how to apply
If you have a valid foreign passport (or a passport that has expired but has been extended, as evidenced by an official stamp from the Ukrainian government), you can apply online. You can apply online here if you are outside the UK and here if you are already in the UK.
A translation of the online application in Ukrainian and Russian can be found here .
If you do not have a valid foreign passport of a citizen of Ukraine (in particular, if you only have an internal passport of a citizen of Ukraine or an identity document), you must first make an appointment at the visa application center (Visa Application Center, VAC ) and provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo). A complete list of VAC centers worldwide can be found here . There are currently no British VAC centers in Ukraine. The closest visa centers to Western Ukraine are located in Poland (Warsaw and Rzeszów).
When you apply, you will also be asked to provide evidence of your relationship with a family member who is in the UK. Your application may be approved even if you have no evidence, but additional information may be required.
Official letter of permission
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an official authorization letter from UK Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirming that you can travel to the UK. Based on this letter, you will be able to board a plane or use another form of transport to travel to United Kingdom (UK).
When you arrive in the country, you will need to present your letter of authorization to border officials, who will stamp your passport with a 6-month entry stamp. This stamp entitles you to work, study and receive benefits in United Kingdom (UK). To extend your stay for 3 years, you must apply for a biometric residence permit before the 6-month residence permit expires by filling out the online form here .
2. Ukrainian sponsorship scheme “Home for Ukrainians”
According to the Ukrainian sponsorship scheme, citizens of Ukraine and their family members can obtain permission to enter United Kingdom (UK) if they have a sponsor under the “Home for Ukrainians” program. Applicants who are approved for this program will be able to live, work and study in the UK, and will have access to government cash assistance for the first 6 months, which can be extended for up to 3 years. Submission of applications is free.
Below is a general overview of this scheme. You can get more detailed information here . You can also contact our free 24/7 helpline on 0808 164 8810 for help with any questions you may have about this program.
Criteria
Citizens of Ukraine or their close relatives can apply for participation in the “Home for Ukrainians” program, in particular:
- persons who have reached the age of 18 at the time of submitting the application;
- under 18s can apply with a parent or legal guardian, or apply to join them in the UK.
You should also:
- live in Ukraine as of January 1, 2022 or immediately before this time (also applies to persons who have currently left Ukraine);
- be outside United Kingdom (UK); and
- have a sponsor in the UK who meets certain requirements.
If you already know that someone wants to be your sponsor or are a sponsor yourself, you can apply for a visa under the “Home for Ukrainians” program. The sponsor can be a British person or an immigrant who has been resident in the UK for at least six months on the basis of an immigration permit.
If you don’t already have a sponsor, there are people willing to sponsor strangers. You may be able to find a sponsor by giving your details to charities such as Room for Refugees or Reset Communities and Refugees , which provide ‘matching’ services.
Where to apply
If you have a valid foreign passport (or one that has expired but has been extended, as evidenced by an official stamp from the Ukrainian government), you can apply online here . A translation of the online application in Ukrainian and Russian can be found here .
If you do not have a valid foreign Ukrainian passport, you must first provide your biometric data at the VAC visa center .
You will also be asked to provide proof of your UK sponsor when you apply.
Official letter of permission
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an official authorization letter from UK Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirming that you can travel to the UK. Based on this letter, you will be able to board a plane or use another form of transport to travel to United Kingdom (UK).
To extend your stay from 6 months to 3 years, you must apply for a biometric residence permit .
3. Other visas
You can apply to come, work, study or join a family in the UK in the normal way if you are not eligible for either of the two schemes above. You can check available visas and criteria on this website .
If you are already in the UK
1. The scheme for extending the period of stay for Ukrainians
Ukrainians or their family members can apply for participation in the scheme for extending the period of stay for Ukrainians. You can apply if you had permission to stay in the UK before 18 March 2022 or if you have a permission to stay which expired on or after 1 January 2022. Applicants who are approved to participate in this program will be able to live, work and study in the UK, and will also have access to public financial assistance for 3 years. Submission of applications is free.
Below is a general overview of this scheme. You can get more detailed information here . You can also contact our free 24/7 helpline on 0808 164 8810 for help with any questions you may have about this program.
Criteria
To submit an application for participation in the scheme for extending the period of stay for Ukrainians, it is necessary:
- be a Ukrainian or a close family member of a citizen of Ukraine who submits an application;
- had permission to stay in the UK (eg a visa) as of 18 March 2022.
If you previously had permission to stay in the UK but it expired on or after 1 January 2022, you are also eligible to apply.
Where to apply
The application must be submitted here . You should then make an appointment and attend an appointment at the UK Visa and Citizenship Service ( UKVCAS ) branch here . You will be contacted when a decision is made.
2. Assistance program for families from Ukraine (applicants within the country)
Citizens of Ukraine and their family members who are already in United Kingdom (UK) and meet the criteria for participation in the program can apply in the country.
Individuals who are eligible for a UK visa must apply online for the Ukraine Family Assistance Program and then make an appointment at the UKVCAS service desk.
3. Guest visas
If you are a citizen of Ukraine and are in the UK on a visitor visa, you can currently change to a skilled worker or family visa without leaving the UK. You will need to meet the requirements of a certain procedure and pay the associated fees. Follow the links for more information on family visas and skilled worker visas.
4. Visas of skilled workers
If you are a citizen of Ukraine with an expiring skilled worker visa, you can apply to extend your stay or settle in the UK and take advantage of document flexibility. Full details can be found in the skilled worker visa guide.
5. Student visas
If you are a citizen of Ukraine who is in the UK on a student visa, you can apply to extend your immigration permit or change your visa if you meet the immigration rules. Full details can be found in the student visa guide.
6. Seasonal work visas
If you are a citizen of Ukraine currently in the UK on a seasonal worker visa, you can extend your visa until 31 December 2022. You can continue to work as a seasonal worker with the same scheme operator (sponsor). Butchers who work with pork can also apply for a skilled worker visa if your employer is willing to sponsor you and you meet the immigration requirements for such a procedure.
7. Visas for truck drivers
Citizens of Ukraine who are currently in the UK as truck drivers can extend their visa until 31 December 2022. They must continue to work in their current occupation with the same sponsor.
How can I enter the country if I do not have a biometric passport?
If you do not have a valid foreign passport of Ukraine (for example, an internal passport or an ID card), you must make an appointment to submit documents to the visa center (VAC). The nearest VAC center can be found here . Currently, there are no open VAC centers in Ukraine. Two VAC centers operate in Poland, in Warsaw and Rzeszów.
After reviewing your visa application, you will be contacted by representatives of the UK authorities. You should stay where you applied until you are contacted.
More detailed information can be found here .
How long can I stay in the country?
The length of stay in the UK depends on the type of visa you have and whether you have provided your biometric information. Two special Ukrainian schemes give the right to stay in United Kingdom (UK) for a period of up to six months, which can be extended up to 3 years. For further guidance, please see the section entitled ‘What documents must be provided?’
There are no Covid-related requirements for entry into the UK. However, it is advisable to have health documents with you, if possible.
Please note that Covid-related requirements may apply in other countries through which you are en route to the UK.
Do I need to check in upon arrival? If so, where?
On arrival in the UK, you must present your official letter of authorization to border officials who will stamp your passport with a 6-month entry stamp that entitles you to work, study and receive benefits in the UK
What will my legal status be and will I receive identity documents?
Programs to help families from Ukraine and “Home for Ukrainians” have been created to provide you with a safe place in the UK for at least six months. Under these schemes, your stay can be extended for a maximum of 3 years, during which you will be entitled to work, study and receive benefits in the UK.
The stamp you get in your passport from Border Patrol when you enter the UK shows that you have the right to stay in the UK, but it’s only valid for the first six months. To extend your stay to three years, you need to apply for a biometric residence permit. To do this, you need to provide biometric information, including a photo of your face and a sample of your fingerprints. You can apply for a biometric residence permit once you have arrived in the UK by completing the relevant online form available here .
Once you have provided this information, you will be issued a biometric residence permit. This permit is proof of your legal status in the UK and shows how long you can stay in the UK. It is also a useful means of verifying your identity for purposes such as opening a bank account in the UK. If you are traveling outside the UK, you will need to bring a biometric residence permit with you in order to be able to travel back to the UK smoothly after your trip.
What documents are required for registration of legal status?
To obtain a visa, Ukrainians need to upload a copy of the passport of a citizen of Ukraine (for participation in the assistance programs for families from Ukraine; “Home for Ukrainians”, the scheme for extending the period of stay for Ukrainians) or another travel document certifying identity (for participation in the scheme for extending the period of stay stay).
To obtain a biometric residence permit and to extend the period of stay from 6 months to 3 years, you will need to provide your biometric information.
What should I do if I do not have a document proving my identity or the identities of my children?
You will need to make an appointment and visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) if you:
1. you do not have a valid foreign passport; or
2. you have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or an identity card.
A list of VAC centers can be found here .
You can contact the UK Citizenship and Immigration Services toll -free 24/7 helpline on +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 from the UK or +44 175 390 7510) for assistance with any queries.
Can I get citizenship after obtaining legal status? How long do I need to stay in the country to have this right? What additional eligibility criteria must be met?
There is no quick way for citizens of Ukraine to obtain British citizenship. In order to become a British citizen, you usually need to have a permanent residence permit, which can be applied for after you have lived in the UK for 5 years. Additional information on applying for an indefinite residence permit can be found here .
Can I move around the country?
After you have entered the UK under any scheme for Ukrainians, you can move freely around the country.
Can I apply for asylum in the country?
Citizens of Ukraine can apply for asylum in United Kingdom (UK) as part of the normal asylum procedure. It is impossible to ask for asylum. If you are outside the country, particularly in European ports. There is also no asylum seeker visa, which allows people to enter the UK to apply for asylum.
Note that it is not necessary to apply for asylum in order to stay in the UK for three years under one of the special Ukrainian schemes provided above.
How to apply for asylum?
Should I apply for asylum?
As a Ukrainian fleeing war, you may be eligible to apply for asylum to receive refugee status and/or humanitarian protection, which would allow you to stay in the UK indefinitely. However, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice before applying for asylum, as existing rights may be affected. There is also no need to apply for asylum to stay in United Kingdom (UK) for up to three years under one of the special schemes for Ukrainians. For more information about the asylum process in the UK, visit Citizens Advice .
Criteria
In general, to be eligible for asylum, you must leave your country and be unable to return because you fear persecution or risk serious harm. More detailed information can be found on the UK government website here .
Application process
In order to get asylum, you must register and be checked at an asylum reception office if you are in the UK and want to apply for asylum. The Home Office usually expects people to apply for asylum immediately after entering the UK. If you did not apply for asylum immediately after arriving in the UK, you will need to explain why you did not apply for asylum immediately and provide relevant evidence where possible. To make an appointment, call the Asylum Reception Desk on 0300 123 4193 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.45pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm). We also recommend consulting before making an appointment. You can find more detailed information about what to expect at the receptionhere
A decision on your application is usually made within 6 months. In case of a positive answer, the applicant is granted refugee status or humanitarian protection.
Additional Information
The Right to Remain website has more information on applying for asylum. It may also be useful to seek advice from an asylum specialist before applying for asylum. For all asylum seekers, there are certain restrictions (including possible detention) and limited funds available to an applicant after submitting an asylum application. You may not be allowed to work in the UK while your claim is pending. For more guidance on the asylum procedure, visit the Citizens Advice website .
AND
If I have family members in this country, can I apply for family reunification?
If you have family members living in the UK, you can apply for entry to the UK under the Assistance Program for Families from Ukraine (details are provided in the section entitled “What documents must be provided?” ).
If so, how and where can you apply for family reunification? On the basis of which family ties can you apply for family reunification?
The Family Assistance Program from Ukraine allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. More information about this scheme is provided in the section above entitled “What documents must be provided?”. To be eligible, you must:
- apply to join or accompany your family members in the UK (see below); and
- be a Ukrainian or an immediate family member (see below) of a citizen of Ukraine who applies for participation in this scheme; and
- live in Ukraine as of January 1, 2022 or immediately before this time (also applies to persons who have currently left Ukraine).
You can apply if you have already arrived in the UK and meet certain requirements.
A family member living in United Kingdom (UK)
Your family member in the UK must be one of the following categories of person:
- British citizens;
- persons who have settled in United Kingdom (UK) – in particular, they have an indefinite residence permit, settler status or a document confirming permanent residence in the country;
- citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who have a previous settler status and started living in United Kingdom (UK) before January 1, 2021;
- persons who have refugee status or are under humanitarian protection in United Kingdom (UK).
You must provide evidence that your family member in the UK meets one of the following requirements:
- is a close family member;
- is a direct relative;
- is a close family member of a direct relative.
You will be asked to provide a copy of an official document proving your relationship with a family member living in the UK. Such documents may include a marriage or birth certificate, if you have them. Please note that you can still apply without these documents, but you will need to explain why you cannot provide them.
Close family members
Close family members are people who are related to you or your relative in the UK as follows:
- husband / wife or civil partner;
- unmarried partner (you must live together and be in a relationship for at least two years);
- a child who has not yet reached the age of 18;
- father (if you are younger than 18);
- fiancé(e) or future civil partner.
Direct relatives
The following persons residing in United Kingdom (UK) are considered direct relatives:
- father (if you are over 18);
- a child older than 18 years;
- grandfather;
- your partner’s grandchild or grandchild;
- brother or sister;
- aunt or uncle;
- niece or nephew;
- cousin brother or sister;
- mother-in-law or father-in-law;
- grandmother or grandfather;
- brother-in-law or daughter-in-law.
A close family member of a direct relative
A close family member of a direct relative is:
- spouse or future civil partner of a direct family member;
- a child of a direct relative under the age of 18;
- the mother of a child under the age of 18 who is a member of the family;
- fiancé(e) or civil partner of a direct family member.
If your relative in the UK is your (or any immediate relative’s) wife, husband, civil partner, fiancée, fiancé or future civil partner, the relationship should have started before 1 January 2022.
In exceptional circumstances, applications from other relatives will be considered.
If your family member is a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
If you have a family member who is a citizen of one of the EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and lives in the UK on the basis of permanent resident status or has previously settled in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme.
You can choose which application to submit, but do not submit two applications at the same time: both for the Assistance Program for Families from Ukraine and for obtaining the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit , as this may lead to a delay in making a decision against you. To apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permi, you must be based outside the UK. Regardless of which application you make to be allowed to enter the UK, you will be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme when you arrive in the UK.
Application submission
To apply, you must complete an online application, which is available here . Many people will then have to visit the visa center in person, but holders of Ukrainian passports (exclusively) can skip this step . People without passports who still need to make an appointment at a UK visa application center can do so in any country. The UK Visa Application Center can provide alternative forms of ID as listed in the detailed instructions.
In principle, it is quite possible that you will have to leave the UK if you have broken immigration rules or committed a crime. More information about expulsion or deportation from the UK can be found here . If you have been notified that you may be removed or deported from the UK, you should contact an immigration specialist as soon as possible: follow the link for details on how to get immigration advice.
United Kingdom (UK): Unaccompanied children
The first thing you should do is try to contact your local council. To find the contact details of the local council you need, enter the postcode of where you are on this website , which will take you to the local council’s website. UK postcodes can be found on Google Maps or similar (to find local councils in Scotland click here ; in Wales click here ; in Northern Ireland click here ). The local council’s website should include contact information, including a telephone number.
If you have difficulty contacting your local council, you can contact one of the organizations listed in the next section. If you need help, you can go to the nearest police station and ask a police officer for help.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I contact for more information?
As mentioned above, your local council should be able to offer support and further information. In particular, your local council will have information on fostering and any initiatives for unaccompanied children.
There are also several non-governmental organizations that provide assistance specifically to children, including Asylum Aid ; Refugee Legal Center; Barnardo’s; The British Red Cross and Save the Children, some of which have helplines you can call for more information:
Barnardo’s: You can call the free helpline on 0800 148 8586 (open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm).
- Refugee Law Centre: You can call the advice line on 020 7780 3220 (the opening hours of the advice line can be found here ).
- British Red Cross: You can call the British Red Cross freephone helpline on 0808 196 3651 (open daily 10am-6pm).
If the authorities cannot find a suitable family member or carer to look after you, the local authority will take you into care. This will usually mean fostering or, for older children, supported accommodation arranged by the local council. Additional information can be found here . You may be transferred to the care of another local authority under the National Transfer Scheme .
United Kingdom (UK): Employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
The Home Office has introduced visa schemes to support Ukrainian citizens and their family members coming to the UK.
Those granted visas under these schemes can work, rent accommodation and access public services, including health and education.
More detailed information can be found in the “Admission Information” section above and on the government’s website, which is available here .
Am I eligible to apply for unemployment benefits? How and where to do it?
People arriving in the UK from Ukraine due to the Russian invasion can receive certain benefits and jobs immediately.
The British government has issued a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the country. It provides information on how to set up a bank account and receive an interim payment of £200.
Check with your local Jobcentre Plus to find out what benefits you may be able to get. There are the following types:
- Universal Credit – cash assistance for people of working age to help with your living costs if you are on a low income. Assistance is provided to employed persons (including self-employed or part-time workers) or unemployed persons.
- Pensioner’s Credit – extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over 66 and on a low income. Pension applications can be submitted online or by phone.
- Disability Allowance – extra money to help with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental illness or disability.
- Cash assistance – extra money if you care for another person for at least 35 hours a week.
- Child Benefit – extra money to help with the costs of bringing up a child.
Links to the different types of benefits can be found here .
If you are in Scotland you can find advice here .
Application for Universal Credit
You can apply for Universal Credit online here .
You will need to create an account to apply. To apply online, you will need:
- details of your bank, building society or credit union. To open a bank account, you will need to go to a UK bank and provide proof of: identity; immigration status and permanent address. There are a number of banks that assist refugees from Ukraine in opening bank accounts, and you can choose the one that suits you best;
- email address;
- access to the telephone.
You will also need to verify your identity. This will require certain identity documents, for example:
- permanent or temporary driver’s license of Ukraine;
- any national identity cards, with the exception of those issued under the UK ID Card Scheme ;
- a residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office or the United Kingdom Border Agency to a citizen of a country of the European Economic Area or Switzerland; or
- a biometric residence permit issued by the United Kingdom Border Agency.
There is a Help to Claim service provided by Citizens Advice which is confidential. Your personal information will not be shared without your consent. A link to their services can be found here .
If you are unable to apply or receive support online, please contact Universal Credit support. Calls are free. Phone: 0800 328 5644.
When your application for Universal Credit has been submitted, you will be invited to meet your job coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. Translation services are available to assist newcomers with applications over the phone, as well as employment coaches at job centers to assist with online applications.
More detailed information can be found here .
Are there any programs for recognizing the equivalence of educational and professional level documents? How and where to apply?
Ukrainian nationals who hold professional qualifications may need to have them recognized in the UK if they work in a regulated profession.
The UK National Clearinghouse’s Statement of Compatibility tool can be used to confirm a person’s level of overseas qualification for work, study, professional registration or another reason.
Ecctis – UK Vocational Qualifications Center provides official advice and assistance on the recognition of international vocational qualifications in the UK. Please note that the cost of this service is £49.50 (~1809₴) + 20% VAT + delivery and allows you to assess a partially completed school programme.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can be contacted for detailed employment information?
Main government organization: Department of Labor and Pensions.
The government has also provided general guidance which can be found here .
Main conference NGO: Citizens Advice. A link to their services can be found here . You can also contact a consultant via the free Help to Claim telephone service. Consultants work from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday:
- England: 0800 144 8 444;
- Scotland: 0800 023 2581;
- Wales: 08000 241 220.
Way to Work; a partnership organization of the government and employers that helps recruit candidates for work.
Acas : Provides free and impartial advice for workers.
Individuals can also access free courses to develop their digital and numeracy skills through The Skills Toolkit . Graduates can also access free courses, internships and mentoring schemes in the Graduate Employability and Skills Guide.
United Kingdom (UK): Information on housing
Can I access public housing / government-provided housing?
Schemes for Ukraine
Citizens of Ukraine who have received a visa under one of the two special schemes of Ukraine have the right to receive social housing and assistance to the homeless in United Kingdom (UK). Contact your local council for more information.
If you have applied for a Home for Ukrainians visa, you should be able to stay with your sponsor once you arrive in the UK. If for any reason you cannot stay with your sponsor after you arrive in the UK, you should contact your local council .
For more information about housing assistance, you can also contact the organizations listed under “Which government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about housing?” lower.
If you have refugee status / residence permit
If you have refugee or humanitarian protection status, you are entitled to help with housing in the UK, which must be arranged and provided by your local council. You can find a local council and contact it here .
Asylum support
Ukrainians who are already in the UK can apply for asylum and will have access to suitable housing while their application is being processed. However, before applying for asylum, you should seek specialist advice – see section “How to apply for asylum” above.
How and where to apply for public housing?
If you have been granted permission to stay in the UK under any of the schemes above, you will be entitled to Housing Benefit and Homelessness Allowance from your local government, unless this permission is granted on the condition of ‘no public funds’. An application for housing should be submitted through the local council. Once your application is accepted, you may be placed on a waiting list. Local councils have their own rules for prioritizing housing.
You can get more detailed information on the council’s website here .
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you can contact your local council for help here .
If I intend to stay in the country for a long period with friends or family, what documents do I need to provide to make my stay legal? How can I get a certificate of residence?
If you have been granted a special family assistance visa from Ukraine, you will need to provide biometrics within six months of arriving in the UK to extend your stay to three years. You will then be issued a biometric residence permit to confirm your immigration status.
The relevant application can be submitted on the government’s website . Biometrics (a photograph of your face and fingerprints) can be provided using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at one of the application centers in the UK.
You can also review and confirm your immigration status on the government’s website .
What documents must be provided to rent private real estate?
Information on how to prove your right to rent in England is available online . You do not need to prove your right to rent in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I contact to get detailed information about housing?
If you have any questions about the schemes, you can contact the UK Citizenship and Immigration Services 24/7 helpline on +44 808 164 8810 or +44 (0)175 390 7510 if you are outside the UK. Ukraine Advice Project UK provides free consultations for citizens of Ukraine. Ukrainians can send e-mails to ukraine@freemovement.org.uk or projectu@dlapiper.com .
The following hosting networks organize accommodation in homes and work on housing Ukrainians:
- Refugees at Home ;
- Room for Refugees ;
- Reset – works with communities and local councils; and
- local councils , which can also be contacted for more information on housing.
United Kingdom (UK): Education information
How to enroll a child (or yourself) in an educational institution?
You can enroll your child at the school using the links below or by completing the local council application form:
For more information on enrollment, visit this site.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go to enroll them in a special school?
If your child has special educational needs, their school will be identified under the Education, Health and Care ( EHC ) plan. Your child must be given a place at school .
You can ask your local authority to carry out an EHC plan assessment. You may be asked to:
- any reports from your child’s school, kindergarten or nanny;
- doctors’ conclusions about your child’s condition; and
- a letter from you about your child’s needs.
Within 16 weeks, the local authority will let you know if there is an EHC plan for your child.
For more information about the EHC plan, visit this website .
Do universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians and persons fleeing Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
Yes, universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians and persons fleeing Ukraine, in particular similar to the ones given below and many others. For more information, you can contact the local university you are interested in. As an example, we cite two schemes from leading universities in United Kingdom (UK):
Which government and non-government organizations can I contact to get detailed information about education?
Government
Non-governmental
United Kingdom (UK): Information on child care
How to enroll young children in kindergarten?
To enroll your child in kindergarten, contact the kindergarten of your choice directly.
To find a nursery in your area, enter your postcode on this website , which will direct you to the relevant local council’s website. On the council’s website you can get advice and help in finding local kindergartens, day care facilities, preschools, babysitters and after-school clubs.
To find a nursery in Scotland, click here .
You may be entitled to Child Care Benefit if you use ‘approved childcare services’. Such services include the services of registered babysitters, play facilities and kindergartens. To check if a childcare provider is approved, please follow the links below and find a suitable provider for your location in the UK:
- England: To find an approved childcare provider (Ofsted certified), visit this site , and to find babysitters, use this register.
- Wales: this guide.
- Scotland: this guide.
- Northern Ireland: Contact one of the Early Years Team health and social care settings on this website.
Types of social benefits
Free childcare
If you are in England, there are 3 levels of free childcare available to you. All of them are listed in the table below.
|
England |
Free childcare for children aged 2 and over |
15 hours of free care per week for children aged 3 and 4 |
30 hours of free care for children aged 3 and 4 years |
|
Do I have to be a UK / EU citizen? |
No, see below. |
No, see below. |
No, if you have permission to stay in the UK, you have access to government cash support. |
|
Do I need to work to qualify? |
No |
Yes, unless your partner is working and you receive Incapacity Benefit, Disability Pension, Carer’s Allowance or Contributory Employment Support Allowance. |
|
|
Do I need to apply for other social benefits? |
No, see below are the eligibility criteria if you are not eligible for benefits. |
Contact your local council via the link above. |
No. |
|
Help for asylum seekers in United Kingdom (UK) |
Yes, if you are receiving assistance under the Immigration and Asylum Act and: (i) have applied for asylum in the UK and are awaiting a decision; or (ii) you have been refused asylum in the UK. |
Contact your local council via the link above. |
No additional assistance is provided for asylum seekers. |
|
Household income |
Yes, if your household income is £15,400 or less per year or after tax and you have: (i) the right to residence “without receiving state financial assistance”; (ii) help from the local council because your child has a disability or a child protection plan; or (iii) the right to reside in the UK as the main carer of a UK citizen. |
There are no requirements. |
Your income will have to meet the minimum amount (minimum wage) for the next three months to be eligible for this care. For more information, follow the eligibility criteria link above. |
|
How to apply? |
Contact your local council for details. |
Apply for 30 hours of free childcare here . |
|
You may be entitled to a higher level of free childcare if you receive benefits under the Immigration and Asylum Act and:
- applied for asylum in United Kingdom (UK) and are waiting for a decision; or
- you have been refused asylum in the UK. For more information, see table below.
Note: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different schemes. Visit the following websites to find out about your rights and to apply:
- Scotland ;
- Wales ;
- Northern Ireland: The childcare system is different in Northern Ireland. To find out more, contact one of the Early Years Team health and social care facilities using this link .
Tax-free childcare
You may be entitled to tax-free childcare allowance of up to £2,000 a year. This scheme involves the government contributing towards childcare costs, reducing the tax you would have to pay. To be eligible for tax-free childcare, you must create an account with the online childcare system. For every £8 you pay into the account, the government will pay out £2 (maximum payout is £2,000 per year) which can be used to pay a childcare provider.
Across the UK:
- Tax-free childcare can be used to get approved childcare services for children under the age of 11.
- If your child has a disability, you may be eligible for tax-free childcare benefits of £1,000 every 3 months (£4,000 per year).
- To check if you are eligible for these services, follow this link.
- Note, you can’t get tax-free childcare if you’ve already claimed Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit (see the relevant section of this document for more information) and your wages must be at least £152 for a week. You can claim tax-free childcare together with 30 free childcare hours if you qualify for both.
Follow this link to apply .
Tax credits
Across the UK:
- You can claim Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. To apply, update your tax credit claim by contacting HMRC.
Universal credit
Across the UK:
- You can get up to 85% of your childcare costs if you get Universal Credit. Detailed information can be found here .
- You can’t claim tax-free childcare together with childcare allowances if you’re on Universal Credit.
Is there any help for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth / mandatory payments in connection with pregnancy and childbirth
There are two types of maternity benefits in the UK:
- mandatory payments in connection with pregnancy and childbirth – this is paid by your employer;
- assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth.
If you are not entitled to compulsory maternity benefits, you may be eligible for maternity benefits. To apply, visit your local Jobcentre Plus .
You don’t have to be a UK citizen to be eligible for any of the Maternity Benefit schemes above, but you must meet the applicable criteria. Follow these links to check your eligibility for:
- mandatory payments in connection with pregnancy and childbirth
- assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth
Sure start Maternity Benefit (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
You may be entitled to a lump sum payment of £500 (or £500 per child if you have multiple children). To qualify, you must
- be the mother of the first child(ren); and
- receive one of the approved types of assistance (follow the links below to find out about these types of assistance).
If you are a refugee, you can apply for Maternity Benefit if you have a child(ren) before arriving in the UK (you must apply by the date your child is six months old). To apply, follow these links:
Pregnancy and childbirth benefits (Scotland only)
If you live in Scotland, you may be entitled to 3 lump sum payments at different stages of your child’s life:
- Pregnancy and childbirth benefits: you are entitled to such benefits between the 24th week of pregnancy and the date your child turns 6 months old. This money can be used for anything you may need during pregnancy or in the first few months of your baby’s life,
- Early Years Education Payments: Can be used to pay for early years education. Parents of children aged 2 to 3 years and 6 months have the right to receive such payments. There is no need to use these funds to pay for childcare services.
- School-age Child Benefit: These funds can be used to pay for the cost of preparing your child for school. There are specific periods within which you must submit your application – please follow this link for more information .
You may also be eligible for a Best Start Foods prepaid card, which can be used to buy healthy food items, including fruit and milk. In order to be entitled to such assistance, you must be pregnant or have a child under 3 years of age.
To apply for any maternity benefit in Scotland, please use this form .
Healthy Start program (UK-wide except Scotland – see Best Start Foods above if you live in Scotland)
The Healthy Start program provides food vouchers and vitamins to pregnant women and parents who receive certain benefits. To be eligible, you must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of 4.
For additional terms and conditions and the application process, please follow this link.
Free NHS prescriptions and NHS dental care
Women who are pregnant or within 12 months of giving birth are entitled to free NHS treatment and dental care. To apply, ask your doctor or midwife for an FW8 form. Submit the completed form to your local health authority. Refer to the next section of this document for more information about the health care system in the UK.
For more information, see the section “United Kingdom (UK): information about the health care system” below.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can be contacted for additional information on meeting the needs of young children?
Charitable organizations
There are various NGOs / charities that can provide additional information, including:
- Family Lives , which provides advice and guidance on parenting and family life.
- Action For Children , which provides support to children of all ages and their parents.
- Children’s charity Barnardo’s , which has its own support line for families fleeing Ukraine. Helpline 0800 148 8586.
For help with getting or assessing your entitlement to any social security benefits, or for more information about childcare options, contact the organizations below:
Government organizations
Your local government should provide some support for people fleeing Ukraine. To find your local authority, enter your area’s postcode on this website , which will take you to your local council’s website. You should contact your local council for help.
Contact your local council for more information about specific support they can provide to refugees from Ukraine. The NHS also provides some useful resources on caring for children: Caring for children and young people .
United Kingdom (UK): Information on the health care system
Can I access the health care system?
Yes, all Ukrainians who legally arrive in United Kingdom (UK) will be able to access medical care free of charge through the National Health Service (NHS).
Do I need to register to receive health care, and if so, how?
Services of a general practitioner
You can access most NHS health services by registering with a General Practitioner (GP) service and then making an appointment with a general practitioner (ie a doctor) or a nurse. You should usually see your GP first if you have health problems. GPs will be able to provide medical advice, prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist in-patient facility for further treatment.
You can find your nearest GP using the links below:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Registration is free and you do not need to have ID or proof of address to register (GPs may ask for these documents, but this is not a mandatory requirement for registration). You can make an appointment with a GP on a temporary basis if you plan to stay in a certain area for more than 24 hours but less than 3 months.
Some GPs support online registration – check the GP office website to see if this is possible. You can also call or visit your GP in person and ask them to register you.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be given the option to book an appointment with a doctor or nurse at a GP office. Registration is free. Again, some GPs allow online appointments. Otherwise, you can call the doctor or visit the doctor in person and make an appointment.
For more information about GP services and how to register, see lower:
If you’re having trouble registering with a GP, you can get free help and advice from Citizens Advice .
Emergency and freelance assistance
If you need urgent medical care, you can call 999 for an ambulance or visit an emergency department (A&E) free of charge without having to register with a GP. You can find your nearest A&E department on the following websites:
If you are not sure whether you should go to A&E, you can get advice by using the NHS 111 online service or by calling 111.
What services are provided within the health care system?
As part of the health system, there is free access to the NHS healthcare system, including hospital services, GP and nurse consultations, emergency and trauma care, Covid-19 vaccinations and health checks.
Whether these services are free will depend on which region of the UK you are in. The following health services are not free in England:
- Prescription medicines (currently £9.35 per unit).
- Dental care.
- Regular vision check by an ophthalmologist.
However, it is possible to get financial support to cover these costs. For more information on how to apply for financial support, click here .
You will need to register at the dental clinic for a routine dental examination. If you need urgent dental care (for example due to a tooth infection), call your dentist or 111 to find a dentist after hours. You can also get financial support to pay for dental costs: click here for more guidance.
Vaccination against COVID-19
You can get a vaccination against COVID-19 for free in the UK. Additional information on vaccination against COVID-19 can be found here:
- England (you can use this link to book your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you are registered with a GP in England)
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
You can also get the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination point without having to make an appointment or register with a GP. The nearest point can be found by following these links:
More information about vaccination against COVID-19 in United Kingdom (UK) can be found in Ukrainian here and in English here .
Sexual health
Contraception (including emergency contraception, such as the morning after pill), pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and sexual health advice can be obtained free of charge at the following locations:
- Sexual health clinics (click here to find the nearest clinic)
- Pharmacies
- Your GP
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to general health insurance?
No.
Which governmental and non-governmental organizations can I contact for more information about accessing health care?
Your GP will usually be the first point of contact for information about health services. Details on how to find and register at your nearest GP office are set out above.
General information about NHS services can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/ . Alternatively, you can contact the NHS Contact Center on 0300 311 22 33.
For emergency medical help, call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service . In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 for an ambulance or visit your local emergency department.
You can also contact Citizens Advice for free advice about your healthcare rights in the UK.
United Kingdom (UK): Mental health information
Can I get free mental health support from the public health system?
So. Mental health services are provided as part of the NHS programme. All Ukrainians who arrive legally in United Kingdom (UK) can access NHS services for free. More information on how to access NHS mental health services can be found here .
Referral through a GP
Your local GP can refer you for mental health support, such as seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. For details on how to make an appointment with a GP, read the previous section.
Independent visit
You can go to some NHS mental health services yourself, including a psychotherapist without a GP referral. More information on how to visit such services yourself can be found here . However, you must still be registered with a GP to attend such services yourself.
NHS Mental Health Helpline
The NHS also offers free emergency care in some areas of the UK. Click here to check if this feature is available in your area and for contact details.
Emergency
If you have a mental health emergency (for example, if someone’s life is at risk or if you don’t feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe), you should call 999 for emergency help or visit your local emergency department help
Do I need to go through any additional administrative procedures to access mental health services?
In general, to access mental health services through the NHS, you must first be registered with a GP system. Details on how to register in the GP system are described in the previous section.
You do not need to be registered with a GP to access emergency mental health care.
Which government and non-government organizations can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
Mental health support organizations
There are a number of charities and other organizations that provide help and other guidance to support people with mental health problems.
- Samaritans – 24/7 confidential helpline. Visit their website or call 116 123.
- Mind has a comprehensive list of mental health support services and other referrals.
- Hub of Hope has a directory of local mental health support organizations.
Local councils
Some local councils offer mental health support and guidance. Visit your local council’s website to see if they are available to you. The list of local councils can be found here .
United Kingdom (UK): Other services
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
There are a number of disability financial support systems in the UK, including benefits, tax credits and credits, grants, concessions and other payments. A full list of these benefits can be found here .
Thanks to emergency provisions recently passed by the Department for Work and Pensions, Ukrainian refugees can access a range of benefits, including disability benefits such as Universal Credit, Disability Child Care Allowance and Carer’s Allowance, which are within United Kingdom (UK).
The procedure for submitting an application for disability benefits depends on the amount of benefits you are applying for. Below are some tips on how to get some of the more common disability benefits:
The UK benefits system can seem complicated. If you are not sure what type of benefit you may be entitled to or are having difficulty applying for it, Citizens Advice provides free advice through volunteers and guidance on benefits in the UK. Click here for more information on the different ways to contact Citizens Advice.
A full list of benefits in the UK can be found here (official government website) and here (Citizens Advice).
The following payments are taxable:
- Assistance for the loss of a spouse or civil partner
- Care assistance
- Contributory Employment Support Allowance ( ESA)
- Disability benefit (calculated from the 29th week)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pensions paid under the occupational death benefit scheme
- State pension
- Assistance to widowed parents
Conversely, you will not need to pay income tax on the following benefits:
- Attendance allowance
- Support in the event of the loss of a spouse or civil partner
- Child Benefit (based on income – use the Child Benefit Tax Calculator to see if you will have to pay tax)
- Child tax credit
- Disability Allowance (DLA)
- Free license to watch television for people over 75 years old
Help for caregivers
Housing allowance
- Income Support – although you may have to pay Income Support Tax if you are on strike
- Income-matched Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
- Assistance in connection with injuries at work
- One-off payments in connection with the loss
- Assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth
- Pension loan
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- Disability labor pension
- Universal credit
Pension of a military widow
- Winter payments for fuel and Christmas bonus
- Working tax credit
The minimum annual threshold (called ‘personal allowance’) for paying income tax is currently £12,570. This means that if your taxable income (including tax credits) in the tax year (starting from 6 April) does not exceed this amount, you will not have to pay income tax on the tax credits you receive.
However, if your taxable income for a tax year exceeds £12,570, you may have to pay HMRC tax. If in doubt, you can contact HMRC or a tax charity, including TaxAid.
Can I opt out of language courses or other integration activities?
The UK government recently announced that “personalised assessments” will be provided for every Ukrainian refugee seeking employment in the UK to help with further educational integration measures and training. However, this resolution has not yet entered into force.
While there are no interactive courses and integration events at the time of writing, a number of companies and service providers offer their courses and language classes free of charge to all Ukrainian refugees, including:
- Duolingo is expanding its access program and providing tuition discounts for Ukrainian students seeking to pass the English language proficiency test as required for university programs;
- Mondly offers free rapid language courses for all Ukrainian refugees;
- The Open University provides many free language courses, mental health resources and other online resources to help Ukrainians who want to settle in the UK;
- Babbel provides all its popular courses in free access for Ukrainian refugees ; and
- WirralMet provides free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses as part of the Ukrainian Families Assistance Program and the Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme.
Can I get free legal advice? How and where can I get it?
State legal aid is provided under certain circumstances. You can check whether you are eligible for State Legal Aid by using the following links:
If you are entitled to legal aid, you will also need to find a solicitor who is willing to deal with your legal aid case. You can find solicitors in the UK here:
- England and Wales (you can filter by legal aid solicitors)
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
There are also a number of charitable institutions that can offer free legal advice:
- LawWorks has a list of free legal advice providers. Main providers:
- LawWorks , which offers free advice in a range of legal areas, including employment and immigration.
- Citizens Advice .
- Law Centers Network
- Ukrainian Legal Aid Database is a free database of international lawyers, advocates and legal service providers who can provide free legal services to displaced Ukrainians seeking legal aid;
If you suspect that you or someone else is a victim of human trafficking, you should call the police. If it’s an emergency, call 999. If not, call 101.
You can also contact the following organizations for further support:
- The Salvation Army’s confidential 24-hour helpline on 0800 808 3733.
- The Modern Day Slavery Foundation hotline on 0800 0121 700.
- If you suspect a child is at risk, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
What protections can I access as an identified or potential victim of human trafficking? (housing, benefits, consultations, the principle of impunity, etc.)
The UK has a National Referral Mechanism to ensure that victims of human trafficking receive appropriate support. This may include access to appropriate legal advice, housing, protection and independent emotional and practical support. Support is provided by the Salvation Army. If you feel that you or another victim needs immediate help, please contact The Salvation Army on 0800 808 3733.
The Anti-Trafficking Fund has created a map detailing the different types of support for victims of trafficking, including criteria for accessing services and relevant contact details, including:
- Accommodation
- Drop-in (services that do not require prior booking or consultation)
- Education and professional training
- Legal advice
Outreach, cashier work and advocacy (including help navigating the immigration, housing, legal and social service systems)
- Psychological support and counseling
- Baby banks (free clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children)
Integration support / activities (language classes, recognition of qualifications, training, etc.)
See section above “Can I attend language courses or other integration activities?”. For recognition of qualifications and training, see section “Are there any programs for recognizing the equivalence of documents on education and professional level? How and where to apply?” in the employment section above.
