Case by case depends on circumstances foreigners who arrive in Ukraine need to extend (prolong) the allowed terms of stay. However it is possible to do so only in case if such a person has valid legal grounds for extension of stay in Ukraine in accordance with the law. Objectively and reasonably that most people prefer to solve such legal paperwork without re-entering the country because of many reasons: value of time, high cost of flight tickets, need to apply on another visa that requires fees to the embassy or consulate.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that usually foreigners experience many challenges to extend the allowed term of stay in Ukraine because of bureaucratic formalities, lack of legal knowledge and language barriers. Delays might cause overstay in Ukraine (expiration of visa or allowed visa free regime) which is, accordingly, a serious violation of Ukrainian law – a foreigner will become an illegal and liable for penalty. In many cases the overstay is connected with deportation and 3 years entry ban to Ukraine. All the mentioned circumstances might be very unpleasant, lots of time and funds might be wasted.
Is it possible to extend a visa in Ukraine without leaving the country (re-entering)?
To avoid the above challenges it is recommended to hire an experienced immigration lawyer who can secure the legal status of foreigners and assist in the extension of stay in Ukraine. Do not despair – even if you have already overstayed there is always something that can be done in your best interests.
Is it possible to renew the legal status when a foreigner has already overstayed in Ukraine the allowed terms of stay?
In most cases it is possible to do so only if the foreigner has valid respectful reasons for such an extension of stay. Not always it is possible to understand whether the foreigner has the reasons to claim the extension of stay in Ukraine without re-enter the country with a new visa, thus, it is a subject for individual legal consultation based on proper assessment of the situation.
What can be a ground to extend stay in Ukraine:
– application for immigration permit;
– application for acquisition of citizenship of Ukraine;
– presence of grounds that prevent foreigner to leave Ukraine;
– other cases when it is necessary to extend the term of stay (urgent treatment, pregnancy, care of sick family member, registration of legacy, performance of official duties by foreign correspondent or representative of foreign media etc);
Why an application for extension of stay in Ukraine can be refused:
The decision to refuse to extend the term of stay of a foreigner or stateless person on the territory of Ukraine is accepted in the following cases:
– the necessity of ensuring national security or public order;
– the need for health protection, protection of rights and legitimate interests of citizens of Ukraine and other persons living in Ukraine;
– when the passport document of foreigner or document certifying stateless person is forged, damaged or not in accordance with the established pattern or belongs to another person;
– submission of knowingly false information or false documents by foreigner and stateless person;
– when facts of non-fulfilment by foreigner and stateless person of decision of court or bodies of state power authorized to impose administrative sanctions or they have other property obligations to the state, natural or legal persons, including those connected with the previous deportation from Ukraine, including after the expiration of the prohibition of further entry into Ukraine;
– when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the foreigner or stateless person did not prove the purpose of extension of stay in Ukraine;
– absence of sufficient financial support for a foreigner or stateless person for the period of stay or appropriate guarantees of the host party.
If you were refused to extend your stay in Ukraine you have a right to object and appeal it
Our skilled immigration lawyer has wide and positive experience on appealing state authorities unlawful decisions, do not delay with your problem and better contact us as soon as possible in order to protect your rights. Inactivity or contacting persons who do not have a lawyer’s license might cause you irreparable damage, lead to unforeseen negative consequences such as penalties, deportation and 3 – 10 and more years entry ban.
