Since February 2024, Ukrainian citizens who came to the UK under one of the humanitarian schemes (including “Homes for Ukraine”) have been able to extend their stay through a new program called the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE). Applications are free of charge, but must be submitted no earlier than 28 days before the current visa expires. Missing the deadline can result in a temporary loss of the right to work, claim benefits, or rent housing.
Since February 2024, Ukrainians who came to the UK under one of the humanitarian schemes (including “Homes for Ukraine”) have been able to extend their stay through a new program called the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE). Applications are free of charge, but must be submitted no earlier than 28 days before the current visa expires. Missing the deadline can result in a temporary loss of the right to work, claim benefits, or rent housing.
The main problem with UPE is the complete uncertainty about the future. As of now, there’s been no official announcement regarding any extension of the scheme. This already affects people’s ability to plan for the coming months — especially when it comes to employment and housing.
UPE offers a short-term solution, but it doesn’t address the bigger issue — securing long-term status. Here are the key limitations:
Many Ukrainian citizens in the UK are already facing early terminations of work contracts, as employers grow uncertain about whether UPE will be extended and whether the right to work will remain in place.
As stated on the official Home Office website: “The Ukraine Schemes do not lead to settlement. If you have another visa route which does, you should consider whether it is more appropriate to apply for that route rather than extending under the Ukraine Extension Scheme.”
If you want to stay in the UK long-term, we recommend switching to a visa that can lead to permanent residency (ILR). Two of the most relevant options are:
Both visas offer a path to ILR and, eventually, UK citizenship. In the next section, we’ll explain how each program works, what steps are involved, and how we at Relogate can support you at every stage of the process.
This visa is designed for individuals with exceptional skills and achievements in science, the arts, or digital technology. It offers one of the most flexible ways to live and work in the UK — without tying you to a specific employer, sponsor, or business.
Why it stands out:
The Global Talent Visa gives you complete control over how you work. You can be self-employed, join a company, launch your own projects, or switch between them — without needing approval from the Home Office. You can also change employers or career directions freely. This level of independence is rare among visa options worldwide.
Depending on your field and achievements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 or 5 years, and then for British citizenship. Keep in mind: any time spent in the UK under temporary protection (including UPE) does not count toward this period.
You can include your spouse or partner and children in your visa application. They will receive the same rights as you — including the right to work — and can later apply for ILR and citizenship alongside you.
You don’t need to leave the UK to switch to the Global Talent route — the application can be made from inside the country.
The key to success is a strong, tailored application that proves your expertise and recognition in your field. This might include:
Typically, a complete application includes 7–10 documents. You can find a full breakdown on our website. For Ukrainian citizens already living in the UK on UPE, having recent local work experience or professional references can significantly strengthen your case.
At Relogate, we handle your entire application process — from strategy to submission. We don’t just collect documents; we build a compelling case that aligns with Home Office criteria.
Our goal is to leave no doubt in the decision-maker’s mind that you are exactly the kind of talent this visa was made for.
Important: If you’re currently under temporary protection (like UPE), you must apply for the Global Talent Visa before your current status expires.
Book a free consultation with our team — we’ll help you assess if this path is right for you and how to make your application as strong as possible.
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a practical and accessible alternative to the Global Talent route. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want to launch a startup or develop a tech business in the UK.
Its biggest advantage is that it combines entrepreneurial freedom with a clear path to permanent residency. If your business is successful, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just 3 years — and citizenship after that.
This visa is suitable for applicants who have a business idea and are ready to build it in the UK. The business must meet three key criteria to be approved by an official Endorsing Body: it must be innovative, viable, and scalable.
1. You’re allowed to take on paid employment while growing your startup
2. No education requirements or mandatory investment
3. Your family can join you in the UK (and they will also be eligible for ILR after 3 years)
4. Endorsement decisions are typically made within 1–2 months
Ukrainian citizens currently in the UK under the UPE scheme can switch to the Innovator Founder Visa without leaving the country.
To apply, you’ll need a tailored set of documents, including:
1. A valid passport
2. Proof of financial resources
3. English language proficiency
4. A medical certificate
5. Most importantly, an endorsement letter from an authorised Endorsing Body
We can help you collect and prepare all the necessary documentation.
Endorsement is the core requirement. A licensed UK organisation must confirm that your business idea meets the key criteria: innovation, viability, and scalability.
We don’t just advise — we manage the entire process, ensuring every document is accurate and aligned with your goal.
We support entrepreneurs at every stage — from business strategy and planning to visa application and post-arrival adaptation. Instead of simply submitting a visa request, you’ll receive a complete and well-structured business project for the UK, along with a personalised migration strategy.
Our work is built around four principles:
1. Expertise — we understand how to navigate bureaucracy and international relocation
2. Individual approach — we tailor the solution to your startup, goals, and team
3. Global reach — we open access to key markets including the UK, US, and France
4. Full-cycle support — we guide you step by step until you reach your goal
We analyse your existing startup plan — or build one from scratch: shape the idea, conduct market research, create a financial model. We also help with your CV, translations, selecting the right Endorsing Body, and managing your application all the way through to interviews. If needed, we’ll file an appeal or help you revise your case.
We compile and submit your application via the Home Office portal, assist with ID checks and payment of fees. We also help you and your team settle in the UK — from practical logistics to legal considerations.
Important: You must submit your Innovator Founder application before your UPE status expires.
Book a free consultation — we’ll assess whether this visa is the right fit and how to make your case as strong as possible.
If you're currently under temporary protection and plan to stay in the UK, switching to a visa route like Innovator Founder or Global Talent could be your path to ILR and citizenship. At Relogate, we handle the entire process — from strategy to submission. Of course, you can also apply independently by preparing all the required documents and submitting them through the Home Office website.
Just don’t forget to check your UPE expiration date and apply in time. Even if your application is decided after your UPE expires, what matters is that you submit it before the deadline — this will keep your stay legal and stress-free.
