Dear Ukrainians,

I share your deep concern for Ukraine and its future. For nearly a year, J.Preedy Solicitors Ltd has been offering free legal consultations to support Ukrainians during these challenging times. False information and widespread misconceptions often create unnecessary panic, and I cannot stand by while this happens.

This page has been created specifically for Ukrainians, with the goal of providing accurate, reliable information backed by official sources. Britain has always been a strong defender of human rights, and I firmly believe the government will not hastily send 300,000 Ukrainians out of the country.

Please remember that, the UK government has announced that Ukrainians will have the opportunity to request an additional 18-month stay in the UK once their three-year visa ends. Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme – GOV.UK

Do not rush into making unnecessary changes to your immigration status. Remain on your current visa and wait for an official government announcement. Should the situation change, you will still have the opportunity to switch to another visa type.

The government may introduce a new visa specifically for Ukrainians, taking individual circumstances into account. Changing your status prematurely may limit your options in the future.

While you can apply for refugee status or humanitarian protection, it’s essential to understand the implications. Switching to these statuses may prevent you from returning to your Ukrainian visa or other schemes later.

Humanitarian Protection: Humanitarian protection in asylum claims lodged on or after 28 June 2022 (accessible) – GOV.UK

Indefinite leave to remain (permission to stay as a refugee, humanitarian protection, Discretionary or Section 67 Leave): Apply – GOV.UK

This is a temporary status. After this period, your protection could be canceled, leaving you without status and unable to return to a Ukrainian visa.

Refugee Status: Claim asylum in the UK: Overview – GOV.UK

Asylum decision making guidance (asylum instructions) – GOV.UK

Refugee applications require strong supporting evidence. I will explain the grounds for obtaining this status with references to applicable laws, official websites, and guidance.

Comparing Ukrainian Schemes vs. Asylum:

The Ukrainian visa schemes and asylum applications come with different rights, risks, and limitations:

Ukrainian Schemes:

• Provide a stable pathway to remain in the UK.

• Easier to navigate without risking long-term consequences.

Asylum Applications:

• May lead to permanent residency but have stricter requirements and longer processing times.

• Limitations on work, travel, and access to certain rights during the application process. Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers (accessible) – GOV.UK

Working while an asylum claim is considered – GOV.UK

There is no need to act out of fear or rush into decisions. Follow official updates, and don’t let misinformation influence your actions.

If you decide to pursue this route, the process can cost up to £1000. However, you can complete the application yourself by following these steps:

• Gather the required documents:

Documents Needed for a Humanitarian Protection Application

Personal Identification Documents:

Passport (valid or expired).

National ID card.

Birth certificate.

Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable).

Proof of Residency in Ukraine Before Displacement:

Evidence of residency in Ukraine (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements).

Official documents showing your address in Ukraine.

Proof of Arrival in the UK:

UK entry stamp or visa vignette in your passport.

Proof of entry under a Ukrainian scheme (if applicable).

Detailed Statement Explaining Your Situation:

A signed statement describing why you are applying for HP. Include details such as:

The risks you face if you return to Ukraine.

Any specific threats or dangers (political, humanitarian, or personal).

How the ongoing war or other issues affect your safety.

Medical or Psychological Evidence (if applicable):

Letters from doctors, psychologists, or medical professionals about your health conditions.

Evidence of trauma, injuries, or mental health issues caused by the conflict.

Supporting Evidence of Threat or Danger:

Evidence of persecution, harm, or risk in Ukraine (e.g., reports, news articles, official letters).

Any correspondence from government or other entities threatening you directly.

Evidence of Family, friends, strong society connection in the UK (if applicable):

Proof of family relationships, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or affidavits.

Letters of support from family members in the UK.

Documents Relating to Your Life in the UK:

Proof of your current address in the UK (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements).

Evidence of your integration into UK society (e.g., school or employment documents, witness statements from friends, colleguaes).

• Write a clear and thorough statement detailing your grounds for seeking protection.

Preparing your Statement of Grounds for Humanitarian Protection (HP) you have to analyse your personal situation and give answers for the following questions:

1. Risk of Serious Harm if Returned to Ukraine

How the ongoing conflict in Ukraine created an extreme risk to your safety and well-being?

Possible answer could be that the invasion has caused widespread violence and indiscriminate attacks on civilians; continuous bombings, destruction of homes, and severe humanitarian crises in regions across the country. Reports from human rights organizations confirming violations of international humanitarian law.

2. How returning to Ukraine would expose you to serious harm, including:

the risk of injury or death from military actions; forced conscription into armed forces; lack of access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, and healthcare due to infrastructure collapse.

Additionally, specific factors may make you more vulnerable than the general population:

[For example: Your city/town was heavily affected by bombings, or your family home was destroyed.] You can add any relevant personal risks, e.g., ethnic minority status, political affiliations, or past persecution.

2. Psychological and Physical Impact

How the war caused significant trauma to you and your family. Do you suffer from psychological distress: anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the war’s impact? 

You can mention your health concerns, for example about limited access to adequate medical care in Ukraine further endangers your health and give any supporting evidence, such as a letter from your doctor or psychologist.

3. Inability to Access Adequate Protection in Ukraine

How government of Ukraine is currently able to provide adequate protection to its citizens due to the ongoing war? How law enforcement, judiciary systems, and social services have been severely disrupted, leaving civilians without proper recourse to justice or support? 

Depending on your circumstances, would you face difficulties accessing state protection due to specific examples of previous experiences of police inaction, discrimination, or targeting? How this inability to secure protection puts your safety at further risk if returned?

4. No Safe or Legal Route to Relocate Within Ukraine

Why relocating internally within Ukraine is not feasible due to: the widespread nature of the conflict, with no regions entirely free from violence, the destruction of infrastructure and the scarcity of safe housing; the high risk of being forcibly conscripted into military service in other regions?

5. Vulnerabilities Based on Family and Social Circumstances

Which family and social circumstances make you particularly vulnerable? 

Are you a single parent/caregiver for your children or elderly relatives, and returning would severely endanger their well-being?

Do you have young children who require stable access to education and healthcare, which are no longer available in Ukraine?

You can add evidence of your family circumstances, including children’s birth certificates, medical letters, or proof of dependency.

6. Legal Framework Supporting your Application

Under the UK Immigration Rules and international law, your application for HP should meet the following criteria:

Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): Protection from torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Paragraph 339C of the Immigration Rules: Establishes the framework for Humanitarian Protection, which includes individuals unable to return to their country of origin due to serious risk of harm.

UNHCR Guidelines on International Protection: Recognize the right of individuals fleeing armed conflict to seek protection.

7. Integration and Contributions in the UK

Since your arriving in the UK, have you worked to integrate into society and contribute positively?

Have you engaged in volunteering activities with organization/community groups, helping others in similar situations?

Are you actively improving your skills through different education or training programs?

 Are you committed to respecting the laws and values of the UK?

You can add evidence of your integration efforts, including letters of support and certificates.

8. Specific Humanitarian Grounds

As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile and unpredictable, would your return place an unreasonable burden on your safety and health?

The UK has a long-standing tradition of upholding human rights and providing sanctuary to those in need. Do your circumstances align with this humanitarian commitment?

In light of your answers to above questions, you can respectfully request that your application for Humanitarian Protection be granted. 

Attachments to your application can include:

1. Personal identification documents.

2. Proof of residency in Ukraine.

3. Medical/psychological reports.

4. Evidence of family circumstances.

5. Supporting evidence from credible sources about the situation in Ukraine.

6. Letters of support from UK-based organizations.

3. Submit your application using the official link: Indefinite leave to remain (permission to stay as a refugee, humanitarian protection, Discretionary or Section 67 Leave): Apply – GOV.UK

Stay Informed with Reliable Sources:

I will continue to analyze all relevant government publications and share updates with you. You can trust this page as a resource for accurate, timely information.

Remember, the best way to protect your rights is to make informed decisions. If you need additional assistance or legal advice, I am here to help you navigate these complexities.

Sincerely,

J. Preedy Solicitors

Official Guidance and Reference Materials:

Cite specific UK laws and guidance supporting your application, such as:

Immigration Rules, Appendix FM (Family Migration)

Immigration Rules – Immigration Rules Appendix Ukraine Scheme – Guidance – GOV.UK

Immigration Rules – Immigration Rules Appendix FM: family members – Guidance – GOV.UK

Relevant sections of the Home Office’s Humanitarian Protection guidelines.

Humanitarian Protection – claims lodged on or after 28 June 2022

Settlement protection

Immigration Rules – Immigration Rules part 11: asylum – Guidance – GOV.UK

Ukrainian Scheme Visas are the fastest and most straightforward route to secure legal status in the UK but lack a clear pathway to settlement.

Refugee Status offers stronger legal protections, family reunion rights, and a direct route to settlement, but applications require substantial evidence and have longer processing times.

Humanitarian Protection is a middle ground, providing similar benefits to refugee status but with fewer requirements. However, it is temporary and less stable in the long term.

Comparison of Ukraine Visas, Refugee Status, and Humanitarian Protection

This table provides a comprehensive comparison of rights, restrictions, risks, and terms for Ukrainians seeking legal status in the UK under various visa schemes, refugee status, or humanitarian protection.

Category	Ukraine Scheme Visas (Homes for Ukraine, Family Scheme)	Refugee Status	Humanitarian Protection (HP)
Eligibility	Ukrainian nationals and their family members who: – Have a sponsor in the UK (Homes for Ukraine). – Have family in the UK (Family Scheme).	Individuals who can prove persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular group.	Individuals unable to return to their country due to serious harm (e.g., war, torture, inhuman treatment, or widespread violence).
Length of Stay	3 years (renewable).	Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.	Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
Work Rights	Full work rights (any job or self-employment).	Full work rights after applying permission	Full work rights after applying permission
Access to Public Funds	Yes (e.g., Universal Credit, housing support).	Yes (same as a citizen).	Yes (same as a citizen).
Housing Support	Sponsors provide housing (Homes for Ukraine). No specific housing for Family Scheme applicants.	Entitled to council-provided housing.	Entitled to council-provided housing.
Education Access	Full access to schools, colleges, and universities.	Full access.	Full access.
Healthcare	Free NHS access.	Free NHS access.	Free NHS access.
Travel Restrictions	Can travel outside the UK but must return before visa expiry (re-entry allowed).	Can apply for a Refugee Travel Document.	Limited travel outside the UK. Travel document may be available.
Family Reunion	No automatic right; limited to immediate family.	Strong rights to reunite with family in the UK.	Limited rights to reunite with family unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Risk of Losing Status	Low risk unless visa is breached (e.g., criminal conduct).	Low risk unless false information was provided during application.	Status is temporary;
Pathway to Settlement	No direct pathway to settlement or permanent residency.	Eligible for ILR after 5 years.	Eligible for ILR after 5 years (if extended).
Main Risks	No pathway to permanent status. Dependency on sponsors for housing may be an issue.	High burden of proof required during application; long processing times.	Risk of cancellation if government policies change; less stable compared to refugee status.
Legal Protections	Temporary protection specific to Ukrainians.	Full protection under the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Act 1998.	Full protection under immigration law but not the Refugee Convention.
Cost to Apply	Free.	Free.	Free.
Processing Times	Relatively fast (within weeks).	Lengthy; can take months or years.	Similar to Refugee applications (lengthy).
Unique Benefits	Tailored support for Ukrainians; easy access to jobs, funds, and housing if sponsored.	Pathway to permanent residency; strong legal protections; full integration.	Pathway to residency; fewer proof requirements than refugee status.