Publication date: 27.03.2025
Citizenship and residence, driving and transport, business and self-employment, visas and immigration, money and taxes, housing and local services, passports, travel and living abroad. And others. Except criminal ones.
Input Data. The client was looking for a sponsor to move to the United Kingdom under a sponsorship program.
Solution. A consultation was conducted regarding the sponsorship program, and a sponsor was found.
Result. A sponsor was secured. Two months later, the client arrived in the UK and is now residing in Worcester.
Sponsorship Programs for Moving to the UK
There are several programs for moving to the UK with sponsorship support. It is important to determine which option suits you best:
Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Support
This program is designed for Ukrainian citizens. A sponsor (a British citizen or a permanent resident) is required to provide housing for at least six months.
The visa is issued for three years, granting the right to work, access healthcare, and study.
Sponsors can receive £350–500 per month for their support.
Various Ukrainian schemes exist to support Ukrainians and their immediate family members who wish to enter or remain in the UK.
Legislative Update!
The application process for the Homes for Ukraine scheme was closed on February 4, 2025.
Unfortunately, applications for the "Homes for Ukraine" program are no longer being accepted as of February 4, 2025.
If you are already in the UK under one of the Ukrainian schemes, you can extend your stay for an additional 18 months through the new Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE), which started accepting applications on February 4, 2025.
Alternative Ways to Move to the UK
If you are considering other options for relocating to the UK, the following visa types may be of interest:
- Work Visas: If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license, you can apply for a work visa.
- Student Visas: Enrolling in an accredited educational institution in the UK allows you to obtain a student visa.
- Family Visas: If you have close relatives who are UK citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for a family visa.
Qualified legal expert Serhii Maiko will help you find the most suitable and convenient option for relocating to the UK based on your personal circumstances.
Work Visas for Ukrainians Moving to the UK After February 4, 2025
- Skilled Worker Visa. Requirements: A job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license. The job must meet the required skill level. English language proficiency. Cost: £610–£1,408, depending on the visa duration.
An additional Immigration Health Surcharge (£624 per year) applies. - Health and Care Worker Visa. Requirements: A job offer in the healthcare or social care sector from a licensed employer. Relevant qualifications. English language proficiency. Cost: From £232.
- Seasonal Worker Visa. Requirements: A temporary job offer, usually in the agricultural sector. Sponsorship from a licensed employer. Duration: Up to 6 months.
Important: In 2024, the number of work visas issued in the UK decreased by 40%, indicating possible immigration policy changes and increased job competition.
Serhii Maiko will help you carefully prepare your visa application, ensure you meet all requirements, and submit all necessary documents for moving to the UK on time.
Student Visa
Starting from February 4, 2025, Ukrainians who wish to study in the UK can apply for a Student Visa. This visa is intended for those enrolling in accredited UK educational institutions for courses longer than 6 months.
Main Requirements for a Student Visa:
- Confirmation of Enrollment: You must have an official invitation from an institution licensed to accept international students.
- English Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency sufficient for the chosen course.
- Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses in the UK.
- Required Documents: Passport, English language test results (e.g., IELTS), educational certificates, and other necessary documents.
Important: In 2024, the number of student visas issued decreased by 31% compared to the previous year, suggesting potential immigration policy changes and increased competition.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The previously active Ukraine Family Scheme, which allowed Ukrainians to join their relatives in the UK, is no longer accepting new applications.
However, those already in the UK under this or other Ukrainian visa programs can now apply for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE).
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)
Purpose: To allow Ukrainians and their immediate family members already in the UK to extend their stay for an additional 18 months.
Application Start Date: February 4, 2025.
Application Deadline: Submit at least 28 days before your current visa expires.
Location Requirement: Applications can only be submitted while physically present in the UK.
Application Process:
Complete the online application on the official UK government website.
Provide required documents proving your current visa status and eligibility for the scheme.
Note: Visa extensions are not automatic; you must apply within the given timeframe.
We strongly recommend preparing all necessary documents in advance to avoid legal status issues in the UK.
If you plan to move to the UK after February 4, 2025, and do not have a valid visa, Serhii Maiko, a qualified legal expert, will help you find the best visa option based on your documents and personal circumstances.
