- Settled

Homes For Ukraine Scheme

The Homes For Ukraine scheme was one of three new visa schemes introduced by the
UK government following the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Government guidance for the Homes For Ukraine scheme (Ukraine Sponsorship scheme) is here. This contains the most up-to-date information, and has a Ukrainian translation.

Please click on the guidance boxes below for Settled’s practical summaries and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Who can apply?

Any Ukrainian national with an approved sponsor ordinarily resident in Ukraine before 1st January 2022, unless they are a child born on or after that date.

Family groups who are applying must have the same approved sponsor.

If an applicant is non-Ukrainian, they must be part of an immediate family group that includes an immediate family member (partner, child under 18, parent of child under 18, fiancé(e) or proposed Civil Partner) who is a Ukrainian national and qualifies under the Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme.

Children under the age of 18 will require parental consent notarized by an authority approved by the Ukraine government.

If a non-Ukrainian applicant is applying as a partner/fiancé(e)/civil partner of a Ukrainian national they must have been in a “genuine and subsisting relationship” with the Ukrainian national before 1 January 2022 and meet immigration rules related to relationships with a partner (Appendix Relationship with Partner).

2. Are there any time limits for applying for a visa?

The specific timeline for the Homes for Ukraine scheme may vary. At the moment there is no deadline for the Ukraine scheme visas except the Ukraine extension scheme which was recently extended till 16.11.2023. It’s essential to check official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding program availability.

3. Who can become a sponsor under the Homes For Ukraine sponsorship scheme?

A UK resident over the age of 18, of any nationality, provided they have at least six months’ immigration permission and can provide accommodation for a period of at least six months.

There are suitability checks including Police National Computer (PNC), Disclosure and Barring Service for criminal records and warnings, (DBS), and a visit from the local authority to ensure that the accommodation is suitable. Anyone sponsoring a child or a family will undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

A Ukrainian who has come to the UK under one of the Ukraine scheme visas can become a sponsor for the family member under the Homes for Ukraine scheme if they themselves meet all of the requirements for a sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. They will not be able to do so under the Ukraine Family Schemes. Please contact us for more detailed advice.

4. Do you help with finding hosts for Ukrainians coming to the UK?

No, we do not help with ‘matching’ – ie finding a sponsor to stay with a host in the UK. We also do not find Ukrainian families for potential hosts.

We advise against looking for a host on social media because of the potential risk of being scammed by fraudulent or abusive people online.

Here is a list of matching organisations approved by the UK government, who do help match Ukrainians with hosts: Citizens UK (through USPUK), Refugees at Home, Reset, World Jewish Relief, Opora, Love Bristol, and St John of God Hospitaller Services.

5. If I came to the UK under the Homes For Ukraine scheme and I don't have my own housing, how can I become a sponsor for my relatives?

If you don’t have your own home to host a family member, alternative arrangements can be considered, such as renting a suitable accommodation that meets the Home Office’s requirements for hosting family members. Permission from the landlord is required.

6.If I came to the UK and then became a sponsor for my relatives, my three-year leave to remain will expire earlier. Will my family be able to stay in the UK or will they have to leave the country at the same time as me?

If you are sponsoring a family member under the Homes for Ukraine, their leave to remain in the UK is not linked to the length of your stay. They will be able to stay in the UK legally until their leave expires.
The situation is different for minor children.

7. If I can't find a sponsor, can I apply to the Scottish or Welsh governments?

The Scottish Government has been a super-sponsor for Ukrainians fleeing the war, but this programme is currently suspended. Applications submitted under the super-sponsorship programme before 13 July 2022 have been considered and visas will remain valid. Information on the government portal is available here
The Government of Wales has acted as a super sponsor for Ukrainians. On 10 June 2022, this programme was suspended. who have received a visa can travel and will receive support as previously planned here.

8. Do I have to pay the sponsor a rent?

You do not have to pay rent if you live with a Homes For Ukraine sponsor.
The sponsor may ask you to pay utility bills (e.g. gas/electricity, water, etc.) and council tax. However, the sponsor must agree this with you before you arrive. Also, remember that you are entitled to social benefits during the term of your visa. These payments will help you cover possible living expenses.

1. Who can apply?

2. Are there any time limits for applying for a visa?

3. Who can become a sponsor under the Homes For Ukraine sponsorship scheme?

4. Do you help with finding hosts for Ukrainians coming to the UK?

5. If I came to the UK under the Homes For Ukraine scheme and I don't have my own housing, how can I become a sponsor for my relatives?

6.If I came to the UK and then became a sponsor for my relatives, my three-year leave to remain will expire earlier. Will my family be able to stay in the UK or will they have to leave the country at the same time as me?

7. If I can't find a sponsor, can I apply to the Scottish or Welsh governments?

8. Do I have to pay the sponsor a rent?

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