Around a thousand Ukrainian nationals are living and working in East Cambridgeshire.

They are being advised to act now to ensure they have access to their eVisa and are aware of the date their current permission to stay in the UK ends.

Whether they are on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Family Scheme or the Extension scheme, they will be eligible to apply for the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme shortly before their current visa ends, which would extend their permission to stay in the UK for another 18 months.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is reaching out to Ukrainian nationals in East Cambs who came to the UK to escape the atrocities happening in Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022.

All 3 Ukraine scheme visas will be affected by the upcoming changes, Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Family Scheme and the Extension Scheme, which was created in recognition of the need to protect those who were already here on work visas when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The first of these visas will begin to expire in March 2025. It is vital that all Ukrainians have access to their eVisa, and they know when their current visa expires, as they will need to transfer to the new Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme which opens in February 2025.

Angela Parmenter, the council’s Housing and Community Advice Manager, said: “This is a free service, but people must apply to extend their visas themselves online, we strongly advise them to contact the council, we can assist them.

“Late applications could mean guests lose their right to access all public funds, which could affect their work, ability to rent or study. It could also mean benefits are stopped and in some circumstances may need to be paid back.”

The Ukraine Permission Extension must be applied for within 28 days of their current visa expiry and processing the applications can take up to 8 weeks.

Angela added: “The process for applying for the UPE may be complicated and it is easy to miss the deadline or not factor in enough time to get them processed, we urge people to come and see us if they are not sure when their current visa ends.

“At the council we have a dedicated Ukraine support team who can help make sure forms are filled in correctly and in time.”

It’s easy to get in touch:

Visit one of our drop-in clinics
Email: ukrainesupport@eastcambs.gov.uk 
Phone: 01353 665555

We will need your name, immigration status share code, and contact details. More information about the Ukraine Permission Extension is available on the government website.