Upcoming changes to Family applications; Ukraine Scheme; Long residence
On 5 March 2026, the UK Government published the first White Paper of the year, detailing the first round of changes that will be implemented to a number of immigration routes.
This article forms part of a wider series that this firm is publishing, detailing these upcoming changes. This article will highlight the changes being made to the following routes:
- Appendix victim of domestic abuse
- Appendix Ukraine Scheme
- Appendix Child Relative (sponsors with protection)
- Appendix Long residence
- Appendix Bereaved Partner
- Appendix Private life
- Appendix Settlement Family life
Appendix victim of domestic abuse
The change being introduced for this route is that from 26 March 2026, where an application is being made on behalf of a child who is the child of a victim of domestic abuse, who is not applying at the same time as their parent, their applications will need to be submitted on form SET DV. Currently the requirement is that the form must be submitted on SET F.
In addition, the English language and maintenance requirements for children are being removed.
Appendix Ukraine Scheme
The biggest change that is coming into force, is that from 8 April 2026, you can now submit a further extension application for leave to remain under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.
Currently you were only permitted to apply once and would have been granted a period of up to 18 months.
However, from the beginning of next month, you can now apply a second time, and this time you will be granted an additional period of up to 24 months.
In addition, you will be able to apply as early as 90 days before your visa expires, as opposed to the current 28 days.
Appendix Child relative; Appendix Long residence; Appendix Bereaved partner; Appendix Private life & Appendix Settlement Family Life
If you seek to apply for indefinite leave to remain, otherwise known as settlement, under any of these routes, from 26 March 2027 onwards, you will be required to prove that you can speak English to level B2. The current requirement is Level B1.
For those on the 10-year route to settlement family visas, such as the 10-year partner or parent route, you will be eligible to apply for settlement under Appendix Settlement Family life. Under your current extension applications, there is no English language requirement, we therefore advise that if you become eligible for settlement on or after 26 March 2027, that you begin the necessary preparations as soon as possible.
The Government have provided 12 months’ notice.
If you have any questions about these upcoming changes, please contact us on 0208 995 3556 and we can arrange an appointment with one of our immigration advisors.
By Abigail Gledhill