TL;DR: Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members can apply for an 18-month visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme if they have an approved UK-based sponsor. Applications are free and permit work, study, and access to public funds.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK government introduced several immigration routes to offer sanctuary to those displaced by the conflict. The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme remains a key pathway, enabling Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to seek temporary refuge in the UK if they have a willing sponsor. The scheme has seen various adjustments since its initial launch, including the pausing of Super Sponsor routes operated by the Scottish and Welsh governments in 2022, though applications submitted before the pause continue to be processed. The latest guidance, updated in July 2026, confirms the ongoing operation of the scheme, detailing eligibility, application steps, and sponsor responsibilities. This route differs from the Ukraine Family Scheme, which closed to new applications in 2024, and the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, which allows those already in the UK under a Ukraine scheme to apply for further permission to stay.
What is the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme?
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme is a UK immigration route that allows Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to apply for permission to come to the UK for up to 18 months if they have an approved sponsor. It is free to apply, does not require an immigration health surcharge, and grants successful applicants the right to live, work, study, and access public funds. A sponsor must be a British or Irish citizen, someone settled in the UK, or a parent sponsoring their child under 18 under specific conditions, and must provide accommodation for at least six months.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, applicants must be a Ukrainian national or an immediate family member of one who is applying or has been granted permission under the scheme. They must have been living in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022, unless they are a child born after that date, and must be outside the UK at the time of application. Additionally, they must have an eligible UK-based sponsor. Immediate family members are defined as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (having lived together for at least two years), fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, child under 18, or parent (if the applicant is under 18). Each individual, including children, must make a separate application.
What Are the Sponsor Requirements?
Sponsors play a crucial role in the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. They must be either a British or Irish citizen, settled in the UK, or, in the case of parents sponsoring their child under 18, hold permission under any Ukraine scheme. They must be able to provide accommodation for a minimum of six months. Sponsors do not need to register with the scheme if they are already in contact with the applicant. For child applicants not travelling with a parent or legal guardian, sponsors must commit to sponsorship for 18 months or until the child turns 18, whichever is sooner, and the arrangement must be approved by the local council where the child will live. Evidence of the sponsor’s identity, such as a passport or share code, should be provided to support the application.
How Does the Application Process Work?
Applications for the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme must be completed online. Either the applicant, the sponsor, or both together can fill in the form. Applicants must then book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and prove their identity using a valid international passport or alternative documents like a national identity card or emergency certificate. Supporting documents, including evidence of the sponsor’s identity and address, should be uploaded using the commercial partner app. The Home Office aims to make a decision within three weeks after the application is submitted, biometrics are provided, and documents are uploaded. If successful, applicants receive an eVisa, which they access via a UKVI account to prove their immigration status and travel to the UK.
What Documents and Evidence Are Needed?
Applicants must provide evidence of their identity and eligibility. This includes a valid international passport or acceptable alternatives such as a recently expired passport, Ukrainian national identity card, or a combination of official documents with a recent facial image. For children applying without a parent or legal guardian, notarised written consent from the parent or guardian for the child to leave Ukraine and for the sponsorship arrangement is required. Sponsors must provide proof of their identity, which can be a UK or Irish passport, share code and date of birth, or other photo documents like a driving licence alongside a birth certificate. All non-English documents must be accompanied by a certified translation. Providing these documents is not mandatory but can strengthen the application.
Implications for Sponsors & Employers
Sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme undertake significant responsibilities, including providing accommodation for at least six months and supporting the applicant’s settlement in the UK. They must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and are prepared to have their details verified by the Home Office. Employers may encounter applicants holding permission under this scheme, who have the right to work in the UK. Employers can use the Home Office’s online View and Prove service to check an individual’s immigration status and conditions, including their right to work. Sponsors and employers should be aware that the permission is temporary, lasting up to 18 months, and applicants may later apply to extend their stay under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme if eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a sponsor apply on behalf of the applicant? A: Yes, sponsors can complete the online application form on behalf of the applicant, but they must enter the applicant’s contact details so the applicant has access to the application and decision letters. The applicant must still complete certain parts, such as uploading a passport copy if they have one.
Q: What happens if the application is refused? A: If the application is refused because the sponsor does not meet the eligibility requirements, the applicant will need to find a new sponsor and submit a new application. There is no right of appeal, but a new application can be made.
Q: How long does it take to get a decision? A: The Home Office aims to process applications within three weeks after the online application is submitted, biometrics are provided, and all required documents are uploaded. Processing times may vary based on individual circumstances.
Q: Can children apply alone? A: Children under 18 must apply with a parent or legal guardian, to join one in the UK, or as an ‘eligible minor’ with notarised consent from their parent or guardian and approval from the local council for the sponsorship arrangement.
Q: Is there a fee for the visa or biometrics? A: No, it is free to apply for the visa under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. There is no fee for the application, biometric enrolment, or immigration health surcharge.
Key Takeaways
- The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members to come to the UK for up to 18 months with an approved sponsor.
- Applications are free and permit work, study, and access to public funds.
- Sponsors must provide accommodation for at least six months and meet eligibility criteria based on citizenship or immigration status.
- Each applicant, including children, must submit a separate application and attend a biometric appointment.
- Successful applicants receive an eVisa, accessible via a UKVI account, to prove their immigration status.
Conclusion
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme continues to provide a vital lifeline for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, offering a structured and supported route to temporary safety in the UK. With clear eligibility criteria, a free application process, and defined responsibilities for sponsors, the scheme balances humanitarian support with immigration compliance. Applicants and sponsors should carefully follow the latest guidance from the Home Office to ensure a successful application, understanding the requirements for documentation, biometric enrolment, and digital status management. As the situation evolves, staying informed through official sources remains essential for all parties involved.