Ukraine: UK Government visa concessions
Due to the tragic events that are unfolding in the Ukraine, the UK Government has had to act fast by introducing Immigration Concessions to help secure UK visas for those fleeing from the Russian invasion to get to safety.
In support of this, here at David Gray Solicitors, our Immigration team has signed up to the Ukraine Advice Project to help give free advice on the ever-changing immigration concessions. If you or if you know anyone who is affected please get in touch.
Entering the UK from Ukraine
On 1 March 2022 the UK Government updated its temporary Immigration Concessions for people trying to enter the UK from Ukraine. The current position for a family mitigation visa is, any person of any nationality who lives in Ukraine with a British national can apply. This means that the British citizen does not have to be a Ukraine national as long as the British sponsor is:
- Spouse or civil partner.
- Unmarried partner (i.e. cohabited in a relationship for two years).
- Parent, if the applicant is under 18.
- Child under 18.
- Adult relative who lives with the applicant to whom the applicant provides care because of their medical condition.
Ukraine Family Scheme
The Extended family members scheme comes into force on Friday 4 March 2022. All applicants to the Ukraine Family Scheme should follow these steps:
- Complete an online application form.
- Book an appointment at any Visa Application Centre throughout Europe.
- Attend a Visa Application Centre appointment, for accelerated security checks.
- Remain in the location where you have submitted your application until we contact you.
Before you apply, the UK Government states you must contact the UKVI on +44 300 3032785 and select option 1. The lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and they can confirm if you are eligible.
Visa Application Centres
If you are eligible and required to go to a Visa Application Centres (VAC) there is one in the city of Lviv, (Lemberg Business Centre) or alternatively, there are centres in; Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova. When you have completed the application, the outcome is usually decided within 24 hours from when you have submitted your biometrics (fingerprints) at the VAC and there is no fee to pay. To find out more please review the UK Government website.
Already in the UK – Visa switching and extensions
If you have a current visa such as working, studying or living in the UK then potentially your current visa can be extended to 31 December 2022 or alternatively you can switch to another visa even if your current visa does not allow you to. The UK Government has set out what is required for different types of visa on their website.
Helpful links and contact numbers:
Free Movement – news and advice on UK immigration & asylum law
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9473/CBP-9473.pdf
Immigration lawyers reach out to support fleeing Ukrainians | News | Law Gazette
Home Office telephone number: 0300 3032785
Contact our immigration specialists for advice
Please contact the David Gray Immigration team on 0191 232 9547 if you have anything you want to discuss and we will be happy to help.
