Great Britain is changing its migration policy for Ukrainians: what is important to know now
Since 2022, Great Britain has been one of the most hospitable destinations for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Homes for Ukraine programs and other humanitarian initiatives have allowed tens of thousands of people to find shelter, housing and support on the island. However, the year 2025 became the turning point of new changes. The British government is gradually reducing humanitarian schemes, making rules more difficult and reducing the number of options available to new applicants. Currently, Great Britain’s migration policy towards Ukrainians is undergoing a transformation: from an emergency response to a long-term system with stricter criteria.
“Homes for Ukraine” program in 2025: narrowing of possibilities
The largest program for the evacuation of Ukrainians to Great Britain – “Homes for Ukraine” – is still active, but already in a significantly changed format. From February 4, 2025, the submission of new applications is suspended. The only option for Ukrainians who already have a residence permit under one of the British schemes is to apply for an extension of the permit for another 18 months within the framework of a special extension scheme.
This right can be used by persons who:
– already have permits under the Homes for Ukraine schemes, the Family scheme, the scheme with exceptional circumstances or the previous extension program;
– have been in the UK continuously since obtaining the prior permission;
– able to confirm family ties (for non-citizens of Ukraine).
The program also provides an option to apply for a permit for children born in the UK after 18 March 2022, if one parent has valid status.
An application for extension can be submitted no earlier than 28 days before the end of the current permit. Filing before or after the deadline leads to negative consequences – refusal or temporary loss of the right to work, housing and benefits.
Required documents:
– UKVI account,
– access to electronic visa,
– passport or BRP,
– proof of residence address,
– information about border crossings,
– documents about residence in Great Britain (lease agreements, school records, bills),
– biometrics (can be reused).
Denials of protection: the new line of British policy
Starting from 2025, Great Britain increasingly refuses asylum to Ukrainians. The main reason is a change in the official position regarding the level of security in Ukraine. The refusal decisions indicate that Kyiv and the western regions are considered “generally safe” and the threat of war “does not reach the level of persecution” provided for by the Geneva Convention.
This decision does not take into account the real humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Refusals are received even by those who arrived from the frontline or shelled regions, including women and children. As a result, people remain without status, without access to work, housing and social protection.
You can appeal the refusal, but the procedure is complicated. A carefully prepared package of documents is needed – certificates of loss of housing, medical reports, photo or video recording of shelling, personal testimonies. It is important to have the support of an experienced lawyer who is familiar with UK immigration law.
What to do if humanitarian programs are not available
Even with the end of humanitarian admission of Ukrainians, there are a number of alternative possibilities to legally come to Great Britain in 2025. These are not always easy or quick options, but for many they are the only ones available.
- Tourist visa (Standard Visitor visa)
Intended for short-term trips for the purpose of recreation, visiting events, friends or short courses. The main requirement is to prove solvency for the entire period of stay.
- Family Visitor visa
Allows you to temporarily visit close relatives in Britain. Both the applicant’s documentation and the financial status of the inviting person are taken into account. It does not give the right to live or work.
- Long-term Standard Visitor visa
Suitable for those who plan frequent trips to Britain. You can choose a visa for 2, 5 or 10 years, but each stay cannot exceed 6 months. It is important to avoid prolonged actual residence – this can lead to the cancellation of the visa.
- Business visa (Business Visitor visa)
Suitable for trips to conferences, business negotiations or academic performances. However, it is prohibited to receive payment, except in certain permitted cases.
- Short-term study visa
Intended for learning English (from 6 to 11 months). It is important to have an invitation from an accredited educational institution. Studying at a university or school is not possible with this visa.
- Child visa (Child Visitor visa)
Issued to children under 18 years of age for a short-term stay in Britain for educational or family purposes. If the accompanying person changes, the visa must be issued anew.
- Standard visitor visa
It combines the functions of a tourist, guest and business visa. A versatile option for travelers with several purposes of visit. It is issued both through the new UK Border Service portal and through the old system.
- Student visa
Intended for study at universities, colleges or language schools. A formal invitation from an accredited institution is required. Usually allows to work part-time, but does not give the right to secondary education.
- Work visa (Skilled Worker visa)
Available to specialists in scarce professions (medicine, construction, IT). A formal job offer from a British employer is mandatory.
The year 2025 witnessed a gradual change in the British approach to Ukrainian migration: from massive humanitarian support to the country’s familiar tools of legal migration. This poses serious challenges, especially for those seeking protection or family reunification. At the same time, despite the complications, Britain has not completely closed the door: opportunities remain, but require precision, consideration and legal support. Close monitoring of updates, competent preparation of documents and timely submission of applications can significantly increase the chances of approval.
