- Settled

Homes For Ukraine Scheme

The Homes For Ukraine scheme is 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?

At the moment there is no deadline for the Ukraine Sponsorship scheme visa . 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 British or Irish citizen, or someone with settled status (ILR) in the UK, aged 18 or over, who can provide accommodation for a period of at least six months.

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 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-sponsor-using-
recognised-providers-homes-for-ukraine

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Can I apply to the Ukraine Scheme if I’m not Ukrainian?

Applicants to the scheme must be Ukrainian nationals, unless they are applying as part of a family group with their immediate family member who is a Ukrainian national and who qualifies under this scheme.

8. Do I need to upload evidence of my residence in Ukraine?

When you complete the online application form you must provide supporting documents. Applicants to the scheme must upload evidence that they were living in Ukraine on 1st January 2022.
You can upload official documents issued by the Ukrainian authorities, such as utility bills, bank statements, medical letters, mortgage or tenancy agreements, employment letters, or education letters. If you are unable to provide evidence of your residence, you should upload a letter explaining your personal circumstances.

9. Do Ukrainians who hold a Homes For Ukraine visa have the right to take their minor children to the UK who do not?

New guidance published January 31 2025 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government clarifies that parents or legal guardians holding permission under any of the Ukraine Schemes can now sponsor their child under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Children can be granted up to 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK, with access to education, healthcare, benefits, and employment (if eligible).
Parents do not need settled status but must hold permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes.
A birth/adoption certificate or legal guardianship document is required as proof of relationship.
No “thank you” payments will be provided to parents sponsoring their own children.
Local councils will conduct safeguarding and accommodation checks after arrival.
If a child does not meet the criteria, Leave Outside the Rules (LOTR) may be granted in exceptional cases.
Local authorities will receive £5,900 per child under this scheme.
This update provides greater clarity on family reunification under Homes for Ukraine, ensuring that children can safely join their parents or guardians in the UK.
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.
Please contact us for more detailed advice [email protected]

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

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

7. Can I apply to the Ukraine Scheme if I’m not Ukrainian?

8. Do I need to upload evidence of my residence in Ukraine?

9. Do Ukrainians who hold a Homes For Ukraine visa have the right to take their minor children to the UK who do not?

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