UPES in the UK: the Scheme Extended by Another 24 Months, Application Window — 90 Days

The UK government has extended the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPES) scheme by another 24 months and widened the application window. This is set out in the government's written statement of 24 February 2026. The most important practical change for Ukrainians: from 8 April 2026, you can apply as early as 90 days before your current permission ends, rather than 28 days as before.

What UPES is and when it started

UPES is a scheme for extending permission to stay for Ukrainians who have already obtained status in the UK under one of the schemes: Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme. The scheme opened for applications on 4 February 2025 and provides up to 18 months of permission to stay. The application is free: there is neither a visa fee nor an Immigration Health Surcharge.

The main news of 2026: another +24 months

The updated government guidance confirms: when the term of the first UPES permission is coming to an end, you can apply for an additional 24 months. According to the government's official written statement of 24 February 2026, under the UPES scheme a person receives a maximum of up to 3.5 years of permission — in addition to time spent under previous Ukraine schemes. The extension likewise remains free, and the rights do not change: work, study, renting housing, access to social benefits and healthcare.

The application window: now 90 days instead of 28

Previously, a UPES application could only be submitted when 28 days or fewer remained before the current permission ended. From 8 April 2026, this window has been widened to 90 days. The widened window applies both to the first application for UPES and to the subsequent extension for 24 months.

• Check the end date of your permission in the "Valid until" field in your UKVI account.
• If 90 days or fewer remain before it ends, you can submit your application.
• Applying earlier does not shorten the overall term: the remainder of your valid permission is added to the new one.

How to apply

1. The application is submitted only online via your UKVI account on gov.uk.
2. You must be physically in the UK at the time of application.
3. After submitting, you confirm your identity and provide documents and biometrics (if required).
4. A decision usually arrives within approximately 8 weeks.
5. After the decision, log in to your UKVI account and check that your eVisa is linked to a valid passport or travel document.

What to pay attention to

It is better to apply in good time, within the window. If you apply after your permission has ended, you risk temporarily losing the right to work, rent, study and benefits — from the end date of the old permission until a decision is made. It is also important to remember: UPES does not count towards permanent residence (ILR) — it is a temporary protection mechanism, not a route to settlement.