UK Visa for Ukrainian Citizens 2024: Fees and Requirements

1. Special Concessions for Ukrainians

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Ukrainian citizens who do not qualify for special concessions or choose not to use them must follow standard visa application procedures, which vary based on the purpose of the visa—whether for travel, work, study, or settlement.

The UK Government offers extensive support through various programs:

Benefit Descriptions

Ukraine Schemes

• Simplified Process and Fewer Document Requirements:
  • Streamlined application process with reduced documentation.
• No Application Fees:
  • Eliminates the burden of application fees.
• Rapid Processing:
  • Ensures quick processing of applications.
• Extended Stay:
  • Permits stays in the UK for up to three years.
• High Success Rate:
  • Over 95% of applications under this scheme are successful.

Other Concessions for Ukrainians

• Family Application Concessions
  • Allows transition to family-based routes within the UK.
• Study and Work Switching
  • Enables switching to work or study visas, such as Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas.
• Document Flexibility
  • Accepts written explanations for missing documents.
• TB Certificate Waiver
  • Tuberculosis test requirement currently waived.
• ID Check App Use
  • Access to the UK Immigration: ID Check app for faster processing.
• Travel Letter Provision
  • Provides a “permission to travel” letter for entry during visa processing.
• Expedited Processing
  • Targets a three-week processing window.
• 24/7 Helpline
  • Offers round-the-clock assistance for visa-related inquiries.

2. Overview of Ukraine Scheme

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The UK has launched specific visa schemes to assist Ukrainians during the crisis, simplifying the application process for them and their families based on certain eligibility criteria. The main programs include the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme.

Ukraine Family Scheme

Details and Eligibility

• Allows Ukrainian nationals and their families to apply for UK visas.
• Sponsors can be British citizens, settled persons, or refugees.
• Supports immediate and extended family members, including non-Ukrainian relatives, provided there’s a Ukrainian immediate family member.

Ukraine Family Scheme Application Process

• Eligibility for Sponsors:
  • British citizen, settled person, refugee, etc.
• Family Member Eligibility:
  • Immediate family (partner, child under 18), extended family (grandparent, adult child), and non-Ukrainian family members (if one immediate family member is Ukrainian).
• How to Apply:
  • Apply for Ukraine Family Scheme visa.

Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme

Details and Eligibility

• For Ukrainians with a UK sponsor, focusing on providing accommodation for at least six months.
• Applicants must have resided in Ukraine as of Jan 1, 2022, and be outside the UK.
• Sponsors need to be UK-based, offering six months of accommodation and meeting certain requirements.

Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme Application Process

• Applicant Requirements:
  • Resided in Ukraine as of Jan 1, 2022; Outside the UK; Eligible UK sponsor.
• Sponsor Requirements:
  • UK-based; six months UK residence permission; Valid ID; six-month accommodation commitment; Suitability of all adults in household.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine).

Ukraine Extension Scheme

Details and Eligibility

• Targets Ukrainians already in the UK, allowing them to live, work, and study but not leading to settlement (ILR).
• Eligibility includes being in the UK with permission as of Mar 18, 2022, with the last permission ending after Jan 1, 2022.
• This scheme does not count towards an ILR application.

Ukraine Extension Scheme Application Process

• Eligibility Parameters:
  • In the UK with permission as of Mar 18, 2022; Last permission ended after Jan 1, 2022.
• Note on Settlement:
  • Does not count towards an ILR application.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

3. Visa Requirements for Ukrainian Citizens Visiting UK

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Ukrainians need a valid visa to enter the UK. Exceptions are made for Ukrainians holding citizenship from visa-exempt countries (USA, Australia, New Zealand, EU), though permanent residents in these countries still require a visa.

Visa Statistics for Ukrainians

• Total Applications: 24,060
• Applications Resolved: 23,387
• Visas Granted: 20,542
• Applications Rejected: 2,302
• Success Rate: 87.84%
• Refusal Rate: 9.84%

Standard Visitor Visa for Ukrainians to the UK

This visa category is for purposes like tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term studies. Typically, Ukrainians require this visa for UK visits.

To secure a UK Visit Visa, Ukrainians must fulfill several criteria:

• Clear purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit).
• Proof of financial means for the UK stay.
• Evidence of accommodation arrangements.
• Proof of intent to leave the UK after the visit.

UK Visitor Visa Fees for Ukrainians 2024

• 6-month visa: US$145
• 2-year visa: US$505
• 5-year visa: US$974
• 10-year visa: US$1,217

Maximum stay per visit is limited to 180 days. The standard visitor visa processing time is usually three weeks. A priority service is available, shortening the decision time to within one week (additional fee: US$632).

UK Tourist Visa for Ukrainians 2024

Ukrainians applying for a UK tourist visa must:

• Fill out the online application form.
• Submit documents proving intent to return, financial stability, and travel plans.
• Pay the UK Visa application fee (US$145) and submit biometric data at a visa application center.

Required Documents for UK Tourist Visa for Ukrainians

• Intent to Return:
  • A letter from a Ukrainian employer or educational institution.
• Financial Stability:
  • Bank statements.
• Travel Plans:
  • Detailed itinerary, confirmed bookings for accommodation, and transportation.

Snapshot: Other UK Visitor Visas for Ukrainians

• Marriage Visitor Visa:
  • For marrying/forming civil partnerships. Stay: Up to 180 days. Fee: US$145
• Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa:
  • For treatments lasting 6-11 months. Companions must apply separately. Fee: US$253
• Visiting Academics:
  • For research or exchanges. Stay: Up to 12 months. Fee: US$253
• Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE):
  • For short-term specific paid tasks. Duration: Up to a month. Fee: US$145
• Parent of a Child Student Visa:
  • For parents of kids at fee-paying day schools. Stay: Up to 12 months. Fee: US$805
• Transit Visa – Airside:
  • For brief transits through the UK en route to another country. Fee: US$44
• Transit Visa – Visitor in Transit:
  • Required for transiting through the UK. Fee: US$81

4. Student Visa to Great Britain for Ukrainian

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The UK Student Visa permits Ukrainian citizens to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 730 Ukrainians applied for a student visa in the UK. Of these, 727 applications were resolved, 712 student visas were granted, and 13 applications were rejected. Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rates for Ukrainians are 97.94% and 1.79%, respectively.

UK Student Visa Fees for Ukrainians

• Standard Charge:
  • US$619
• Processing Timeframe:
  • Roughly 3 weeks
• Expedited Service:
  • Available for an extra US$632
• Immigration Health Charge (IHS):
  • IHS Fee £776 annually

Work Rights for Ukrainian Students in the UK

• Degree-Level Students
  • Up to 20 hours of work per week during term time.
  • Full-time work during holidays.
• Sub-Degree Level Students
  • Maximum of 10 hours of work per week.
• Post-Study Work Visa (Graduates)
  • 2-year post study visa eligibility.
• Post-Study Work Visa (PhD Holders)
  • 3-year visa eligibility.

UK Short-term English Language Visa Fees

• 6-11 Months Course: US$253
• 6-Month Course: US$145

5. Family Visa Requirements for Ukraine Citizens

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The UK Family Visa under Appendix FM allows Ukrainian citizens to join family members who are either settled in the UK or British citizens. Categories range from spouse visas to adult dependent relatives and parent of a British child visas.

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 209 Ukrainians applied for a family settlement visa in the UK. Of these, 275 applications were resolved, 247 family settlement visas were granted, and 5 applications were rejected. Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rates for Ukrainians are 89.82% and 1.82%, respectively.

Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Ukrainians

• Eligibility:
  • Applicants must meet requirements as outlined in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, including a genuine relationship, financial stability, secure housing, and English language skills.
• Validity & Extensions:
  • Initially, the spouse visa is granted for 33 months, extendable after 30 months. Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
• Cost:
  • Standard fees are US$2,332, with an optional expedited service costing an additional US$632.

Other Family Visas

• Fiancé(e) Visa:
  • For Ukrainians planning to marry or engage in a civil partnership in the UK. The visa lasts 6 months, with an option to switch to a spouse or civil partner visa after marriage/forming the partnership.
  • Fiancé(e) Visa Fee: US$2,332
• Parent of a British Child Visa:
  • For Ukrainians with sole guardianship of a British child.
  • Parent of a British Child Visa Fee: US$2,332
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa:
  • For Ukrainians needing extended care from a UK relative.
  • Adult Dependent Relative Visa Fee: US$4,106
• Returning Residents Visa:
  • For Ukrainians who were previously settled in the UK and wish to return.
  • Fee: US$805
• EEA Updates:
  • The EEA family permit ended on June 30, 2021. Ukrainians related to an EEA national residing in the UK can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit at no charge.
  • Fee: No charge

6. Work Visa for Ukrainian Citizens to UK

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Can Ukrainian work in UK?

Ukrainian citizens need a work permit to work and do business in the UK. Ukrainians often choose the Skilled Worker visa when seeking employment in the UK. Other options include visas such as the Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and Health and Care Worker.

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 11,811 Ukrainians applied for work visas in the UK. Of these, 11,801 applications were resolved, 11,009 work visas were granted to Ukrainian nationals, and 189 applications were rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rates for Ukrainians are 93.29% and 1.60%, respectively.

Skilled Worker Visa UK for Ukrainians

Ukrainians can work in the UK under the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa is for those sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor for specific skilled roles. It offers a path to permanent UK settlement. The cost of the UK work visa for Ukrainians in 2024 is:

• Skilled Worker Visa Fee:
  • Up to three years: US$908
  • Longer than three years: US$1,794
• Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa costs for Ukrainians are:
  • Up to three years: US$696
  • Longer than three years: US$1,370

Health and Care Work Visa UK for Ukrainians

This visa is specifically designed for qualified doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals from Ukraine who are sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor. It also provides a route to permanent UK settlement. The UK Work Visa for Ukrainians cost for this category in 2024 is:

• Up to three years: US$359
• Longer than three years: US$696

Global Business Mobility Visa UK for Ukrainians

A brief overview of UK work visas available for Ukrainians under the Global Business Mobility category, along with their 2024 fees.

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa:
  • For Ukrainian top-tier managers or specialized professionals moving to a UK office from Ukraine.
  • Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Fee:
    • Fee for stays up to three years: US$908
    • Fee for stays longer than three years: US$1,794
• Graduate Trainee Visa:
  • For Ukrainian individuals in graduate programs leading to specialist roles in the UK.
  • Fee: US$377
• UK Expansion Worker Visa:
  • For Ukrainian specialists or senior personnel involved in expanding a business from Ukraine into the UK.
  • Fee: US$377
• Service Supplier Visa:
  • For Ukrainian individuals providing services in the UK as per trade commitments between Ukraine and the UK.
  • Fee: US$377
• Secondment Worker Visa:
  • Specifically for Ukrainians seconded to the UK for high-value contracts or investments from Ukraine.
  • Fee: US$377

Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas

Below is a brief overview of various UK visa categories along with their associated fees for Ukrainians looking to work or do business in the UK:

• Innovator Founder Visa (Introduced April 2023):
  • Replaces older Innovator and Startup visas. Streamlined for international entrepreneurs with endorsement-based approval. Leads to potential permanent UK residency for family members.
  • Innovator Founder Visa Fee:
    • Endorsement Fees: US$1,263
    • Application Fees: US$1,505
• Start-Up Visa:
  • For Ukrainians starting an innovative business in the UK.
  • Fee: US$550
• Innovator Visa:
  • For Ukrainians with innovative, viable, and scalable businesses. Requirements include an endorsement, £50,000 investment, and B2 IELTS level.
  • Fee: US$1,505
• Investor Visa:
  • For high-value Ukrainians investing in the UK.
  • Fee: US$2,380
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa:
  • For Ukrainian graduates from top-50 global universities seeking employment in the UK.
  • Fee: US$1,039
• Scale-Up Visa:
  • For Ukrainians with a job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company. Leads to potential UK settlement after 5 years.
  • Fee: US$1,039
• Global Talent Visa:
  • For Ukrainians who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology.
  • Global Talent Visa Fees:
    • Approval Letter for initial application: US$662
    • Main Applicant with Approval Letter: US$243
    • Main Applicant without Approval Letter and for Dependents: US$905
• T2 Minister of Religion Visa:
  • For Ukrainians intending to undertake preaching and pastoral work.
  • Fee: US$908
• International Sportsperson Visa:
  • For elite Ukrainian sportspersons or coaches contributing to UK sports.
  • International Sportsperson Visa Fee:
    • Up to 12 months COS: US$377
    • More than 12 months COS: US$908
• T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa:
  • For Ukrainians in various sectors, such as seasonal, religious, or creative workers.
  • Fee: US$377

7. How to Apply for UK Visa from Ukraine?

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Estimated Cost: 145 USD

Supply:

• Application form
• Valid Ukrainian Passport
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Payment for visa fee in USD
• Proof of UK accommodation

Tools:

• Internet access
• Ukrainian Passport
• Financial documents

Materials: Photostat copies of key documents, Application confirmation print, Document mail envelope.

8. UK Visa for Ukrainians: Documents Checklists

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Primary Documentation

• Valid Passport:
  • Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
• Application Form:
  • Completed on the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
  • For guidance, check: Filled UK Visa Application Form PDF Example.
• Proof of Accommodation:
  • Details of your stay in the UK.
• Financial Proof:
  • Evidence of financial capability for the duration of your UK stay.
• Travel Itinerary:
  • Outline of travel plans in and out of the UK.
• Proof of Ties to Ukraine:
  • To show intent to return to Ukraine or country of residence.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • When required, generally via an accredited test.

Documentation Based on Visa Type

• Work Visas:
  • Includes employment offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK.
• Study Visas:
  • Requires Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution.
• Family Visas:
  • Requires proof of relationship with someone in the UK.
• Tourist Visas:
  • Additional details of the trip, specific to tourism in the UK.

For UK-Based Sponsors

• Letter of Invitation:
  • From a UK sponsor, especially crucial for family or work visas.
• Sponsor’s Immigration Status:
  • Documented status of the sponsor in the UK.
• Financial Documents:
  • Proof of the sponsor’s financial stability in the UK.
• Accommodation Proof:
  • Evidence of where the Ukrainian citizen will stay in the UK.
• Relationship Evidence:
  • Proving the relationship with the sponsor in the UK.

Note:

For Ukrainian citizens, sponsor documents are supplementary. Meeting the primary visa criteria is essential for a successful application.

9. FAQs: UK Visa for Ukrainian Citizens 2024

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