(Information updated: June 2024)
There are different schemes in place to support Ukrainian nationals who wish to either come to or remain in the UK.
Please note that the structure of previously introduced schemes changed in February 2024, so ensure your information is up to date.
This section collates several sources of information and advice from the Government and other agencies. For Government information, we suggest that you opt to receive email updates so that you are alerted to changes.
The information in these sections is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration or other legal advice.
This information is for you if you wish to host and sponsor a Ukrainian in your home, even if you do not have the name of someone or their details. You are only eligible to sponsor if you are a British or Irish Citizen or settled in the UK (which means having the right to live in the UK permanently).
The UK government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme allows Ukrainian nationals to stay with a sponsor in the UK for up to six months. People are eligible to be sponsored under this scheme if they are Ukrainian nationals or are immediate family members of Ukrainian nationals (who have the right to live and work in the UK), and were resident in Ukraine before 1 January 2022.
Under the scheme changes in February 2024, new applicants for the Homes for Ukraine visa will now be able to stay in the UK for up to 18 months. During this time, they will be able to work and access benefits and public services – including healthcare and schooling. They will also be eligible for an additional 18 months of permission to remain in the UK under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
Government information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme and how to register is found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/becoming-a-sponsor-homes-for-ukraine
Questions about practicalities are answered here:https://cityofsanctuary.org/2022/03/17/things-to-consider-before-applying-to-sponsor/
If you do not know the name of someone to sponsor, the Government has published a list of voluntary and community sector organisations running schemes which provide support for and help match sponsors with people coming to the UK from Ukraine. You can find a list of recognised providers of matching schemes here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-sponsor-using-recognised-providers-homes-for-ukraine
As a UK sponsor you will need to complete an application form with your details and that of the Ukrainian national you are sponsoring. Security checks for both Ukrainian nationals and the UK sponsor will be undertaken as part of the visa application process. Accommodation and DBS checks on sponsors will be carried out by your local authority – generally before your Ukrainian guest arrives.
If you already know the name of the person you want to sponsor, you will need to get in touch with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application. This should contain both their details and yours. The visa application form is comprehensive so please be prepared to spend a little time to ensure that you have collated all of the required information. Please be aware the system for providing biometric information has changed: Your guest is now able to give biometric data at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Kyiv, but they must collect their visa from the VAC in Warsaw.
The visa application form is here (English):
Apply for a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The visa application form is here (Ukrainian):
Подання заяви за Спонсорською схемою «Дім для українців» - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)