Updated 27th February 2022
Source: gov.co.uk
Family migration visas
You can apply for a family migration visa for free if you’re the family member of a British national who usually lives in Ukraine. Your British national family member must be one of the following:
- a spouse or civil partner
- an unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
- your parent if you are under the age of 18
- your child under the age of 18
- an adult relative you provide care for who lives with you due to a medical condition
You should contact UKVI before you make an application.
Telephone: +44 300 3032785 – select option 1 (0300 3032785 if you’re in the UK – select option 1)
Lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.
You’ll need to provide information about yourself and your family members, as well as contact details which will be shared with UKVI.
UKVI will then confirm whether you’re eligible for a family migration visa and share details of the gratis (free) application process.
There may be cases where some people do not meet the eligibility criteria, for example the English language requirement or minimum income requirement. Given the current circumstances, if somebody does not meet these requirements, UKVI will consider an alternative grant of leave to come to the UK.
Visa application centres
The UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Kyiv is now closed and all UK visa services in Kyiv are suspended in order to keep people safe.
Family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine and need a UK visa can apply through the new, temporary location in the Lemberg Business Centre in the city of Lviv to give their biometrics. Alternatively, you can apply through a VAC in a nearby country if you are able to safely travel. VACs are currently operating in:
- Poland
- Romania
- Hungary
- Moldova
All other visa applicants will be unable to apply through a VAC in Ukraine. If you are able to safely travel, you can apply through a VAC in one of these nearby countries.
After you apply
You’ll need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints).
Family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine can access (walk-in) appointments in Lviv or can apply outside Ukraine.
You can upload supporting documents for your application online before attending your VAC appointment or you can have your documents uploaded at your appointment. There is a fee for uploading your documents at the VAC.
If you did not keep your passport when you submitted your visa application, you will be contacted by the VAC to discuss how and when your passport will be returned to you. In the meantime, your passport will remain in a secure location in the VAC.
How long it takes
UKVI aim to process family migration visa applications, or contact you about your application, within 24 hours from when you have submitted your biometrics (fingerprints) at the VAC.
Where family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine have given their biometrics and have retained their passport, but haven’t received their vignette, they should contact UKVI on:
Telephone: +44 300 3032785 – select option 1 (0300 3032785 if you’re in the UK – select option 1)
Lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
This is a free phone number, but network charges may still apply.
UKVI caseworkers will try to contact family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine to help facilitate travel.
If you need further information or advice please contact our immigration team:
T: 028 3026 2200
E: enquiries@granitelegalservices.co.uk
