The Homes for Ukraine program, introduced by the UK government, opens doors for Ukrainians and their relatives seeking asylum and support during the war in Ukraine. Find out more about the specifics of participation in the program, mandatory criteria and benefits

Homes for Ukraine is a government program that allows UK citizens to take in Ukrainians. It is absolutely free to join Homes for Ukraine. There are no hidden costs or fees. UK citizens who wish to support Ukrainians can sponsor visas for foreigners. 

Program participants will have the opportunity to live, work and study in the UK. This provides ample opportunities to improve their lives and gain new experiences. While in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine program, participants may also have access to government financial support to help meet basic needs during their stay.

Eligibility criteria for the Homes for Ukraine program

The visa support program for Ukrainians intending to stay in the United Kingdom is designed to help Ukrainian citizens and their relatives in times of need. Here is more information on how to apply for this program:

Who is covered by the program? The program is open to Ukrainian citizens who resided in Ukraine before January 1, 2022. Immediate family members of Ukrainian citizens, including husbands, wives, civil partners, unmarried partners, children under the age of 18, parents, fiancés, grooms, brides or future civil partners are also eligible. It is important to note that these persons may have other citizenship.

How to apply. You can apply for the program from Ukraine or any other country except the United Kingdom itself.

Rights and benefits of participants. Persons who come to the United Kingdom under this program have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom for three years, as well as to maintain access to state financial assistance, medical services and employment opportunities and other types of support.

Filling out the application. To participate in the program, you need to fill out a separate application form for each person who plans to come to the United Kingdom. Applications can be submitted by both British sponsors and Ukrainians and their relatives. It is important to include both parties' information in the form to ensure a successful relocation process.

Choosing a sponsor to participate in the Homes for Ukraine program

The organizing team in the UK has been training, preparing and vetting individuals who offer their assistance to Ukrainians seeking temporary asylum in another country. This ensures that the selection and integration process runs smoothly and safely for all parties.

Program participants are always given the opportunity to choose between at least two sponsors. After receiving this information, the participant has five days to choose the sponsor that best suits their needs and situation.

The organization also provides a means to familiarize yourself with the future place of residence in detail. You will also be able to learn more about the potential sponsor, including their age, gender, and type of housing.

This process is designed to ensure the optimal selection of an individually suitable sponsor for each Ukrainian embarking on this reintegration journey.

How to apply for the Homes for Ukraine program

To start your journey to the UK through Homes for Ukraine, you and your sponsor will need to find each other and get to know each other. This can be the key to successful integration and adaptation.

If you already have friends or acquaintances in the UK who are willing to become your sponsors, this is a great advantage. They can provide you with support and assistance at the beginning of your stay in a new country. However, if you do not have such connections, you should not feel hopeless. Many charitable organizations, religious groups, and community organizations are willing to help connect sponsors with Ukrainians.

If you have special requirements, such as a young child, an elderly person, or a disability, it is important to inform your sponsor about them before applying. This will help to prepare an individualized plan tailored to your needs.

The application process requires you and your sponsor to fill in an online form, which requires personal data of both parties. If you have a valid foreign passport of a citizen of Ukraine, you must upload a copy of the photo page.

If you do not have a valid passport, you should make an appointment at the visa center to process your application and register your biometric data if you are traveling with children or other family members. After completing this process and visiting the visa application center, you will expect to receive a visa from the British Visa and Immigration Service, after which you can set a date for your departure to the United Kingdom.

After submitting your application, you and your sponsor will be screened to determine your eligibility for the program and to confirm that you are committed to pursuing this opportunity together. If the check is successful, you will be sent a written permission to enter, which will be the key to your new life in the UK.

Preparing for your trip with Homes for Ukraine program

Once you have agreed your arrival date and time with your sponsor, it is important to ask them for detailed instructions on how best to get from your arrival point in the UK to your accommodation. There are special areas at major transportation hubs and airports where you can get the information you need and help with your travel if you need it.

The good news is that you are entitled to free travel to your final destination in the United Kingdom. This applies to National Rail trains, light rail, local and intercity buses. For your convenience, you can use the trip planning system on the National Rail Inquiries website, which provides information on routes and timetables.

If you did not visit a visa application center and completed your application entirely online, you should present your written authorization and passport to a British Immigration officer upon arrival in the United Kingdom. The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp, which will give you the right to work, study and receive financial assistance in the United Kingdom for six months.

Once you arrive, you can apply for an extension of your stay for up to three years, and you will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP). If you have already provided your biometric data to a visa application center, you will receive a three-year entry permit.

What you need to do after arriving in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine program

During your stay in the United Kingdom, local authorities, in particular your local council, can provide you with additional support if needed. However, your sponsor and other organizations are also available to help you with the process of adjusting to life in the UK. This support includes helping you find a job, accessing financial assistance, and providing services such as registering with a family doctor and finding schools for your children.

Thus, the Homes for Ukraine program opens the door for Ukrainians to receive help and support in emergency circumstances. Relatives and sponsors in the UK are ready to welcome them and help them in their time of need.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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