Refugees arriving in the UK from Ukraine can immediately receive benefits and employment services. Emergency regulations have been put in place to allow people to access Universal Credit and job support the first day they arrive.
To help new arrivals with their applications, translation services have been made available for those making claims on the phone. In addition, work Coaches and DWP staff at Jobcentres across the country are on hand to support people making claims online.
The emergency legislation will help people trying to escape the Russian invasion. However, those fleeing Ukraine would have to go through the Habitual Residence Test without this legislation. Meaning they'd have to wait up to three months before being able to receive UC benefits, including unemployment benefits.
From 3 May 2022, Ukrainian nationals in the UK who have temporary visas (e.g., work, study or visit visas) will be able to apply to the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Successful applicants are entitled to 3 years of leave to remain in the UK (during which time they will have the right to work, study and access public funds)
Ukrainians holding a valid visa on or before 18 March 2022 or those who have had their visa expire since 1 January 2022 are eligible for visa renewals.
The Ukraine Extension Scheme is free, and further information will be available on GOV.UK in due course.
In the meantime, Ukrainians with expired visas in the UK can extend their stay or apply for a new visa where eligible, without leaving the country.
|
Current Route |
Concession |
|
Points-based system |
Can apply to extend their leave in the UK, or apply for settlement if they meet the Immigration Rules Full details can be found in the Skilled Worker visa guidance. |
|
Seasonal worker visa |
Will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022. Must continue working in a job permitted by the route with the same scheme operator. No need to do anything – will receive a notification from the Home Office if this concession applies. |
|
Temporary HGV jobs through the SWS |
Will have their leave in the UK extended to 31 December 2022. Must continue working in the same occupation with the same scheme operator No need to do anything – will receive a notification from the Home Office if this concession applies. |
|
Temporary pork butcher jobs through the SWS |
Can request a temporary extension until 31 December 2022. May also apply through the Skilled Worker Route If a temporary extension is applied for, will receive a notification from the Home Office that the concession applies. May also be eligible for the Skilled Worker route |
|
Student visa |
Can apply to extend their leave, switch to a Graduate visa or switch to another type of visa if they meet the Immigration Rules Full details can be found in the Student Visa Guidance |
|
Visitor |
Can apply to switch to another visa. Will need to meet the requirements of that immigration route. |
Workers who are in the UK and need assistance, contact UKVI:
Telephone: 0808 164 8810 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9 am to 4:45 pm
Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9 am to 4:30 pm
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.
Find out more on GOV.UK and watch DWP's social media explainer animation in English or Ukrainian.