UPE-2: new information for Ukrainians
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Latest update: 25/02/2026
On February 24, 2026, the UK Government issued a written statement (HCWS1350) introducing a further extension to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme.
Key Updates:
24-Month Extension: Eligible individuals can now apply for an additional 24 months of permission. This brings the maximum total stay under the UPE scheme to 3.5 years (in addition to time spent under initial Ukraine schemes).
⚠️ Not Automatic: Applicants must submit a new online application. Failure to do so before their current permission expires will result in the loss of the right to work, access to benefits, and healthcare.
90-Day Application Window: The application window has been significantly expanded. Individuals can now apply within 90 days of their current permission expiring (up from the previous 28-day limit).
Fees & Rights: The application remains fee-free. Rights to work, education, benefits (including Universal Credit), and NHS healthcare are fully preserved.
Rules for Children: Permission for children living with parents will align with the parents' status. Children born in the UK to Ukrainian scheme holders remain eligible.
Temporary Nature & Settlement: The government reaffirmed that time spent under Ukraine schemes (including UPE) does not count towards the residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). It is viewed as a temporary bridge, not a direct route to permanent residency.
Local Support in Brighton, Hove & Sussex:
The Stand for U team continues to support the local Ukrainian community. To date, we have hosted 6 information seminars and conducted over 75 individual application sessions. A full, detailed version of this article is available in Ukrainian.
For more resources or to book an individual assistance session, please visit our website.
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Disclaimer:Stand for U provides general information and administrative support. We are not qualified immigration legal advisors. For complex cases or individual legal advice, we recommend consulting a registered OISC professional.
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