In 2026, important changes to the rules for extending status for Ukrainians who arrived under the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme programs will come into force in the United Kingdom. If previously Ukrainians could automatically count on the extension of their status, now this procedure requires active actions on the part of the applicants themselves.
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)
Starting from February 2025, for Ukrainians who are in the UK under one of the three main schemes — Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme — the Ukraine Permission Extension system has been introduced Scheme (UPE). This scheme allows Ukrainians to extend their stay for an additional period if their previous status is about to expire.
Ukrainians were initially granted leave to remain for 3 years in 2023. However, after this period expired, they had to apply for an extension in order to remain legally in the UK. With the new rules for extending status in 2026, this procedure becomes even more important for many Ukrainians, as there is now a clear window for submitting applications, as well as new requirements for the period of stay and validity of the status.
The first and biggest mistake Ukrainians can make is thinking that their status will be extended automatically. Under the new rules, such an automatic extension no longer exists. If you do not apply for an extension in time, the person will be deprived of legal status in the country, which entails serious consequences, such as the loss of the right to work, rent housing, access to medical services and social benefits.
It is necessary to clearly understand that the British immigration system will require active steps from you: without timely submission of an application, you will not be able to extend your stay in the UK. Therefore, it is important to know how the new system of extending status works and what you need to do to remain a legal person in the UK.
Previously, Ukrainians who extended their status under the Homes for Ukraine and other programs could only receive one extension for 18 months. Now the UK government has increased the maximum period of stay to 42 months, which includes two extensions. The first extension can be obtained for 18 months, the second for 24 months. These innovations significantly increase the time you can stay in the UK if you apply for an extension in time.
How to apply for an extension of status under the UPE scheme
The change, which came into effect on 8 April 2026, also affects the application window. Previously, its period was limited to 28 days before the end of your current status. Now the application window is increased to 90 days. This change gives you more time to apply, which allows you to avoid rushing, but you should not wait until the last moment.
To avoid problems with losing your legal status, it is important to apply for an extension in a timely manner. This can be done via the Home Office online portal and is a relatively easy process if you follow the instructions.
Step 1. Check your status expiry date
The first thing you need to do is check the exact expiry date of your current residence permit. This can be done by logging into your UKVI account or by checking the letter from the Home Office. The letter you received earlier should have stated the expiry date of your status.
Step 2. Apply via the online portal
The application can only be submitted online via the Home Office portal. There are no paper application options, so it is important to be prepared for this stage. You must have access to your account and be ready to submit documents.
Step 3. Preparing documents
Before submitting an application, you must collect the following documents:
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Passport or BRP card (if applicable).
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Information about your place of residence (address).
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Data about your departures from the UK (if any).
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Biometrics – photo and fingerprints.
Step 4. Important conditions
You can only apply while in the UK. If you are travelling outside the country, your application will not be accepted, so it is important that you are physically present in the UK when you apply.
Step 5. Applying is free
There is no fee to apply for a UPE extension and the entire process is free.
Step 6. After you apply
Once you have submitted your application, your status will be automatically updated and you will receive a new visa. It is important to note that although the process is free, the documents themselves and the time to prepare them can take a certain period of time, so you should not postpone submitting your application until the last moment.
Rights and obligations after the status is extended
After your application is successfully submitted and the status is extended, you will be able to enjoy a number of rights and privileges, including:
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Legal stay in the UK.
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The right to work without restrictions.
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Access to free healthcare through the NHS.
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The right to rent housing and receive social benefits.
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Opportunity to study.
However, it should be remembered that time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes and UPE schemes will not count towards the period for obtaining the right to permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR). Therefore, if you plan to stay in the UK permanently, it is worth consulting with an immigration lawyer and considering other options, such as work visas or family visas, which allow you to obtain ILR after five years.
It is worth knowing that temporary trips not exceeding 12 months do not affect the right to apply for continued status. At the same time, leaving the country while your application is being considered may result in its withdrawal, so it is important to remain in the UK until the procedure is completed.
Free legal support for Ukrainians
If you have any questions or difficulties during the application process, you can contact a number of organizations that provide free consultations in Ukrainian. Here are some of them:
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Settled — support via email ([email protected]).
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Work Rights Centre — advice on labour and migration rights.
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Right to Remain — legal advice on legal status.
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Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) — support and legal help.
In 2026, the rules for extending the status of Ukrainians in the UK have undergone significant changes. Now everyone must independently apply for an extension through an online portal, and missing the application deadlines can lead to serious consequences. However, with the right steps and careful attention to the deadlines, you will be able to maintain your legal status in the country and continue to enjoy all the rights provided by the UPE scheme.
