If a child arrived in the UK under one of the Ukraine visa schemes - Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme or Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPES) — and turns 18 while in the UK, their immigration status may change.
Do they need to reapply?
No, your child can stay in the UK until their current visa expires, even after turning 18.
You only need to apply for extension visa under UPES (or switch to another visa route) before their current visa ends.
❗Important: Turning 18 doesn’t cancel their current visa — the permission remains valid until its end date.
However, once they apply for a new visa in the future, they will be considered an adult applicant, and the eligibility rules will apply accordingly.
If they wish to stay in the UK legally, they must apply for a new visa. This could be:
Applying for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPES): If their current visa is expiring, they can apply for an additional 18 months under UPES. They need to apply online within 28 days before their current permission expires.
Switching to another visa category: Depending on their circumstances, they may be eligible to switch to a different visa route, such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Family Visa etc. Each route has specific requirements and application processes. Be prepared that other visa routes incur Home Office fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) paid annually.
Can they switch to another visa category without their parents?
Yes, an individual who has turned 18 can apply for a different visa category independently.
Do I need to notify the Home Office or Local authorities?
Yes, if you are receiving public funds (such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax support), and your child turns 18, you may need to notify the relevant authorities — especially if their age affects your benefit entitlement.
You do not need to report it to the Home Office just because your child turned 18.
You do need to update benefits offices and the local council if you receive public funds. Failing to do so can result in overpayments and repayment requests later.
Who you might need to notify:
1. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) / Universal Credit
If you are claiming Universal Credit and your child turns 18, you must report this through your UC online account. It may affect:
The child element of your benefit
Your housing allowance (depending on their student or work status)
Whether they are still considered a dependent
2. Local Council
If you're receiving:
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Reduction (CTR)
Homes for Ukraine ‘thank you’ payments
You should inform your local council when your child turns 18. They may:
Reassess your Council Tax bill (e.g., if you were getting a single person discount)
Recalculate benefits based on household composition
Review whether your child is now expected to contribute to rent
3. HMRC (for Child Benefit)
If you are receiving Child Benefit, payments usually stop on 31 August after your child turns 16, unless they stay in approved education or training.
If they turn 18 and are no longer in full-time education, you must report it to avoid overpayment.
If you need help or information, please contact our helpline 07718612218 (Ukrainian / Russian / English) or email us at info@eerc.org.uk