Coming to Scotland from Ukraine
We are updating this page as we get information. Please also check the official sources linked on this page for the most up-to-date information.
You can also call our free helpline on 0808 1967 274 or email at ukraine@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
On 19th February 2024, the UK Government made changes to its visa schemes for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. If this affects you or your plans to bring your family to the UK we advise to seek urgent legal advice.
You can contact us for initial advice via our free helpline or Ukraine inbox.
You can also find a qualified legal representative through:
- The Law Society of Scotland: Find a Solicitor
- Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulated immigration adviser: OISC adviser finder
- List of legal representatives in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Ukraine Family scheme
This scheme for people with family ties to the UK closed at 3pm on 19th February 2024. You can no longer apply for a visa under this scheme. If you applied before the scheme was closed your application will be assessed under the previous immigration rules. Please check for further information here: Ukraine Family scheme visa.
Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
This scheme is now the only visa application route specifically for people from Ukraine who are outside the UK. The length of this visa changed from 3 years to 18 months.
To apply under this scheme you will need an approved sponsor in the UK. The UK government made changes to who can act as a sponsor. Previously sponsors included anyone who has leave to remain in the UK for at least 6 months. Your named sponsor now has to be a British or Irish citizen or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Please check for further information here: Apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme.
If you submitted a Homes for Ukraine visa application before 3pm on 19th February 2024, these changes do not apply to you.
The Scottish Government has previously been acting as a 'super sponsor' for people arriving via the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This meant people fleeing the war did not have to arrange an individual sponsor before coming to Scotland. However, the Scottish Government has since paused its Ukraine Super Sponsor scheme.
Ukraine Extension scheme
This scheme is for Ukrainians who are already in the UK on a temporary visa. This scheme closed on 16th May 2024 for everyone apart from children born in the UK to a parent with any Ukraine schemes visa. This exception will allow children born in the UK to apply and get leave in line with their parents. Please check for further information here: Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension scheme.
Ukraine Permission Extension scheme
This scheme is for people with permission to be in the UK under any of the Ukraine schemes (Homes for Ukraine scheme, Ukraine Family scheme and Ukraine Extension scheme). It was announced at 3pm on 19th February 2024 and applications should open from early 2025. Please check for further information here: Ukraine Permission Extension scheme information. If you hold any Ukraine schemes visa in the UK and would like to carry on living in the UK, you will need to apply for this extension within 3 months before your existing visa is due to expire.
If your application is accepted you will be allowed to live in the UK for another 18 months. You will continue to have the right to work, study and access public fund.
If you are affected by any of the changes to the schemes we advise to seek urgent legal advice about you and your family’s own personal circumstances.
If you are in the UK and want to change or switch your visa, check UK government information on Ukrainian nationals in the UK: visa support.
If you want to come to the UK check which other visas are available.
See the Scottish Government website for information on getting to Scotland:
- Ukrainian: Приїзд до Шотландії
- Russian: Как приехать в Шотландию
- English: Getting to Scotland
The UK government has also provided information on what to do before travelling to the UK and what to do when you arrive: Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine.
If you want to claim asylum in Scotland as a Ukrainian (or another nationality affected by the conflict, such as Russian or Belarusian) get legal advice from a qualified legal representative. They will advise you on all your options.