The Home Office has announced today that Ukrainians who fled Russia's invasion will be granted an 18-month visa under a new extension scheme.

More than 283,000 Ukrainians have been offered or extended sanctuary since the beginning of the invasion on 24 February 2022.

The first visas which granted people three years' leave in the UK under programmes such as Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme are set to expire in March 2025.

Today the Home Office posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russia's illegal invasion.

"Today we’re providing certainty for Ukrainian visa holders in the UK, with a new scheme to extend their stay by 18 months."

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The Department for Immigration further stressed that individuals under one of the visa schemes will now be able to apply to stay until September 2026 and have the same rights to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education.

"This new visa extension scheme provides certainty and reassurance for Ukrainians in the UK on their future as this war continues, and we will continue to provide a haven for those fleeing the conflict," border minister Tom Pursglove said as per Sky News.

"Families across the country have opened their homes and their hearts to the people of Ukraine, showing extraordinary generosity, including offering shelter to those fleeing from the horrors of war."

More than 283,000 Ukrainians have been offered or extended sanctuary since the beginning of the invasion on 24 February 2022.

"Government: 'Thank -you' payments will continue"

"The government continues to provide them with 'thank-you' payments in recognition of their support.

For those who successfully registered to become a sponsor and were matched with a Ukrainian guest or family, they receive £350 a month for the first year their guests are in the UK and £500 for the second year.

"As more families arrive, we will need more sponsors to come forward. I encourage anyone interested in hosting to check their eligibility and apply as soon as they can," she continued.

Those who are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Ukraine Extension Scheme and Leave Outside the Rules will be eligible to apply for the extension within the last three months of an existing visa.