All Ukrainians in the UK have been granted a visa extension.

All Ukrainians in the UK have been granted a visa extension.

FastNews reports that Priti Patel said today that Ukrainians with work, student, or visitor visas in the UK will have their stays extended to avoid being forced to return home as a result of the Russian invasion.

The visa exemption will, according to the Home Secretary, “give certainty to our Ukrainian friends and colleagues living, working, and studying in the UK.”

Following Vladimir Putin’s military action against his neighbor, Ms. Patel stated that Britain will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.’

Ukrainians with valid visas in the UK will have their visas temporarily extended or will be able to switch to a different visa route as a result of the move.

Ms. Patel said in a statement issued this evening: ‘We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine amid this unprovoked and anti-democratic act of Russian aggression.”

‘I have immediately ordered changes to our visa policy to provide certainty to our Ukrainian friends and colleagues living, working, and studying in the UK.’

The concessions mean that Ukrainian nationals on an existing points-based visa route will be able to extend their stay.

Those on an existing visitor visa will be able to switch onto a points-based route without having to leave the country.

Those on a visitor visa can also apply under the family route for further leave to remain even if they do not meet the immigration status requirement, provided they hit the threshold for exceptional circumstances.

Ukrainians on a seasonal worker visa will have their stays in the UK extended to December 31.

The Home Office’s move on visas comes after the government stepped up its efforts to help British nationals and their families in Ukraine.

It has temporarily waived application fees for people who are eligible under the ‘Family Migration’ route.

Ukraine-related visa applications are also being fast-tracked through a 24/7 helpline.

Dependents of British nationals in Ukraine can apply for a visa at a temporary location in the city of Lviv.

They can also do so by visiting an application center in the surrounding countries of Poland, Moldova, Romania, and Hungary.

Meanwhile, passport applications from British nationals in Ukraine are being prioritized by Her Majesty.