If you came to the UK under one of the Ukraine visa schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme), your initial visa was granted for 3 years. When your visa ends, you must apply to extend it if you want to stay in the UK. You can do this under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPES).
More info about UPES: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukraine-permission-extension-scheme
What happens after your visa expires?
If your visa expires and you do not apply to extend it, you will:
Lose your right to live in the UK legally.
Lose access to benefits, housing, and the NHS.
Not be allowed to work or study.
It’s important to apply to extend your visa before it expires.
You can apply up to 28 days before your current visa ends.
If your visa ends on 1 July 2025, apply from 3 June 2025.
Can you still get benefits and housing support after you apply?
Yes, if you apply to extend your visa before your current visa ends, you are protected by what is called "3C Leave". This means:
You stay in the UK legally while waiting for a decision.
You keep your right to work, rent, study, and access benefits.
You can continue to live in your current housing or apply for new support.
Important!
You cannot travel outside the UK while you are on 3C leave, as it will withdraw automatically your application and you will lose your legal immigration status.
You can only change the work if it was allowed by your previous visa.
Make sure to keep a copy of your application confirmation. This can be helpful if you are asked to prove your status while waiting for a decision.
However, because there is no single unified document confirming your status during this period, the government admitted that many people wrongly received letters from the DWP stating their benefits were being stopped. This happened due to confusion around the new eVisa system and how it works with 3C Leave.
The DWP says it should not stop benefits without first giving people a chance to prove their immigration status. They should verify status using information from the Home Office. But sometimes, mistakes happen, and benefits are wrongly stopped.
What to do if DWP stops benefits during 3C leave:
Reconfirm your status:
If DWP stops your benefits, upload proof of your visa extension (e.g., submission email or status screenshot).
You may also need to send a short letter explaining 3C Leave. Include Home Office guidance confirming your rights under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971. Or ask an adviser to help you with this.
Use the status verification tools:
Contact the Status Verification and Enquiries Checking (SVEC) team to confirm your immigration status. This can be done by the DWP or, with consent, by advisers.
Use the Request for Evidence of Immigration Status form to submit directly to the Home Office. You will need to fill out the form and submit the required documents (e.g., a copy of the letter you received telling you that your access to work, benefits).
Ask the Home Office to check your immigration status is correct - GOV.UK
Raise a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR):
If benefits are unfairly stopped, request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) to explain that you are lawfully in the UK.
Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration): Eligibility - GOV.UK
If denied, you can appeal to the Tribunal. Benefits are often reinstated before the hearing.
What to do if tenancy or housing support is at risk:
Contact Local authorities:
Write to the Homelessness Prevention Team or Housing Needs Team with proof of your 3C Leave status.
Letter to Landlord or Council:
Provide a letter explaining your immigration status and request a pause on any eviction or tenancy actions.
If you need further assistance, please contact us.
Our helplines are available Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/EN/LT: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/EN/RU: 07718612218