Living in Kent, Ivan and Olesia, along with their children Kyrylo and Oleksandra, finally experienced the joy of being reunited after visa changes in January allowed Ukrainian families to bring their children to the UK. Originally from the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine, the couple had left their son and daughter with Ivan’s parents while they secured a suitable home in the UK. Coming to the UK as seasonal workers in May 2023, they had planned to sponsor their children under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Their dreams were shattered when the previous government changed eligibility rules, limiting sponsors to British or Irish citizens or those with permanent residency in the UK. Despite being in limbo with no decision on their application and facing scammers asking for money, Ivan and Olesia eventually received support from the charity Settled. The charity advised them to apply as sponsors, hoping for an exception from the Home Office.
After a painful period of waiting, the couple’s perseverance paid off when the government reversed the changes, allowing Ukrainians to sponsor their children to join them in the UK. With the approval of their children’s visas, Ivan and Olesia were overcome with joy. While the war in Ukraine continues, the UK has granted Ukrainians the opportunity to apply to stay for another 18 months. Rebuilding their lives in the UK, Olesia is grateful to have her children by her side, providing peace and a sense of security amidst the turmoil in their homeland
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