Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) Visa Application

The processing of applications follows the order in which documents were uploaded or after the appointment at a visa application center. Our team is working diligently seven days a week, but it will take some time before we can reach a decision on each application.

We are aware that certain applicants have been waiting for almost three weeks to have their applications processed. Rest assured, we are actively addressing this issue and striving to expedite the processing of all applications.

The UK has established three distinct schemes for individuals seeking to come to or remain in the country from Ukraine:

- The Ukraine Family Scheme: If you have family members who are already settled in the UK, you may be eligible to apply under the Ukraine Family Scheme. More information can be found [here](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa).

- Homes for Ukraine: This scheme allows individuals to be sponsored by a UK household for a duration of six months. If you are interested, you can explore more details [here](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme).

- Ukraine Extension Scheme: Eligibility for this scheme depends on meeting one of the following criteria:

- Holding permission to be in the UK between March 18, 2022, and May 16, 2023 (partial coverage is acceptable).

- Previously holding permission to be in the UK, with the permission expiring on or after January 1, 2022.

This particular scheme does not require a UK-based sponsor. Further information can be found [here](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-stay-in-the-uk-under-the-ukraine-extension-scheme).

Before submitting an application, please carefully consider which scheme is appropriate for your situation. Applying to multiple schemes may cause delays in the decision-making process.

An Overview

The Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme enables Ukrainian nationals and their family members to relocate to the UK. Each applicant, including children traveling with a family member, must submit a separate application.

Your sponsor must meet the following requirements:

Residents of Scotland and Wales may have previously been eligible for the super sponsor schemes, where the respective governments acted as sponsors. However, these super sponsor schemes are presently on hold, and applications will now be assessed on an individual basis by the appropriate authorities.

There is no cost associated with applying to the scheme.

If approved, you will have the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UK, as well as access public funds.

Eligibility

To apply for the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, you must be a Ukrainian national or an immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who has been granted permission under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme or is currently applying for it.

Additionally, you must:

- Have resided in Ukraine on or prior to January 1, 2022 (including those who have since left Ukraine).

- Be outside of the UK.

- Have an eligible UK-based sponsor, or opt for the Scottish or Welsh Government as your sponsor.

If you are already in contact with your UK-based sponsor, they do not need to register with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

If your sponsor is the Scottish or Welsh Government, accommodation arrangements will be taken care of, so you do not have to arrange for housing yourself.

For more information on what happens when the Scottish Government sponsors your application, please visit [this page](https://www.gov.scot/publications/getting-to-scotland/).

Applicants Under 18 Years Old

Children under the age of 18 must either:

- Apply alongside their parent or legal guardian.

- Apply to join their parent or legal guardian if the latter is already in the UK.

- Apply with the consent of their parent or legal guardian to travel to the UK and join an approved sponsor.

Children applying with their parent or legal guardian

In the event that the child is submitting an application along with their parent or legal guardian, it is imperative that they travel together.

Children applying to join their parent or legal guardian

If the child is seeking to join their parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must take one of the following actions:

• Travel to meet the child prior to their departure and subsequently travel together to the United Kingdom.
• Retrieve the child from the airport, port, train station, or any other point of entry into the United Kingdom.

We strongly discourage children from traveling via Calais, Coquelles, or Dunkerque without a parent or legal guardian.

Children who are not applying to travel with or join their parent or legal guardian

In order for the child to be eligible, they must have:

• Evidence of consent provided by their parent or legal guardian, which must be notarized or certified by the Guardianship Service of the city or regional council in Ukraine. Alternatively, if the child is in another country, the consent may be notarized by authorities in that respective country or by the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate.
• Evidence of consent from their parent or legal guardian regarding the sponsorship arrangement.
• A commitment to sponsor the child for a minimum of three years or until the child reaches the age of 18, provided that the sponsorship lasts for at least six months.
• Approval of the sponsorship arrangement by the local council in the area where the child will reside.

In the event that the child submitted their application before August 10, 2022, they should have received a letter containing instructions for the next steps.

New applications can now be submitted by children who do not intend to travel with or join their parent or legal guardian in the United Kingdom.

For more detailed information, you can also refer to the GOV.UK website if you are a:

• parent, legal guardian, or child
• sponsor

An immediate family member is defined as:

• Your spouse or civil partner.
• Your unmarried partner with whom you have cohabited in a relationship for a minimum of two years.
• Your child who is under the age of 18.
• Your parent (if you are under the age of 18).
• Your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner.

Both you and your sponsor will be subjected to security and safeguarding checks.

Crown dependencies

If you have applied to the Isle of Man or Guernsey's Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, it is necessary to finalize your application through the specific process of that Crown Dependency. For information or assistance, please contact the relevant Crown Dependency:

Duration of stay

You are permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of three years.

Fees

The application process is free of charge.

There is no requirement to pay the immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fee.

Apply

The application must be submitted online.

Commence the application now

If you have a designated sponsor, either you or your sponsor can complete the form, or you can complete it together.

The form is designed for the individual applying to the scheme.

By completing this application, you confirm that both the applicant and the sponsor (if applicable) have provided consent to share their data and utilize their contact information for the purpose of conducting checks and supporting the sponsor arrangement.

To complete the application process, you must fill out the online form as if you were the applicant from Ukraine.

Include the applicant's contact information so they can access the application form and decision letters.

If the applicant possesses a valid Ukrainian international passport, they can utilize the 'UK Immigration: ID check' app to verify their identity. They must complete this step themselves.

Read the entire guide to ensure you have all the necessary preparations before applying.

Verify Your Identity

If you possess a valid Ukrainian international passport

If you have a valid Ukrainian international passport, you can verify your identity using the 'UK Immigration: ID check' app. There is no need to visit a visa application center to provide biometric information or apply for an extension upon arrival in the UK.

Even if your sponsor is submitting the application on your behalf, you still need to use the app to prove your identity. Once your sponsor creates your online account, they will receive instructions for you to initiate the app.

Using the 'UK Immigration: ID check' app

The 'UK Immigration: ID check' app verifies your identity and confirms that the passport belongs to you. You will be instructed to download the app as you begin your online application at GOV.UK. You can download the app at any time, but it will not function before this stage.

Learn how to use the app here.

Using the app eliminates the need for providing biometric information in the UK.

Watch helpful tips on applying to the Ukraine Schemes for a UK visa.

If you are unable to use the app

If you are unable to use the app and possess a valid Ukrainian international passport, you do not have to visit a visa application center to provide biometric information. Instead, you must provide your biometric information within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

During the application, you must upload a copy of the photo page of your passport.

You can upload these documents using the document upload app provided by our commercial partners, TLS or VFS, depending on the country you are applying from. Download the app from the TLS or VFS website when submitting your application.

If you require assistance with uploading document copies, you can still schedule an appointment at a visa application center.

If your passport has expired, even with a formal extension stamp issued by the Ukrainian government, you cannot use the 'UK Immigration: ID check' app. There is no need to visit a visa application center to provide biometric information. Instead, you must provide your biometric information within 6 months of arriving in the UK.

During the application, you must upload copies of the following:

• The photo page of your expired passport
• The page of your expired passport with the formal extension stamp

You can upload these documents using the document upload app provided by our commercial partners once you have completed your application. Download the app from the TLS or VFS website when submitting your application.

If you require assistance with uploading document copies, you can still schedule an appointment at a visa application center.

If you do not possess a valid Ukrainian international passport or an expired passport with a formal extension stamp issued by the Ukrainian government, you must book and attend an appointment at a visa application center (VAC). This also applies to child applicants.

During the online application process, you will be asked to upload copies of any identity documents you possess, such as:

• A Ukrainian national identity card
• A combination of official documents, such as a photo driving license and birth certificate
• An emergency certificate issued by a Ukrainian authority since March 2022

Providing these documents is not mandatory, but they may support your application if available.

To submit your documents, utilize our document upload app provided by our trusted commercial partner. Depending on the country where you are applying, the app will either be TLS or VFS. When submitting your application, you can download the app from either the TLS or VFS website.

Visa Application Centers

As part of your application, you will need to visit a visa application center (VAC) to have your photo and fingerprints taken. Children under 5 years old will not need fingerprinting but will still need to schedule and attend a VAC appointment for a digital photo.

The VAC in Kyiv, Ukraine is now open for biometric enrollment and document scanning for UK visa applications. Please note that biometric enrollment appointments are limited.

If your visa application is successful, you will be required to travel to the VAC in Warsaw with a valid international passport to collect your visa vignette. To find out about opening hours and to book an appointment, please visit the TLS website.

Proving Eligibility for the Scheme

If you have a named sponsor, you must provide documents proving their identity.

Acceptable documents include:

• UK or Irish passport or Irish passport card
• Biometric residence permit or biometric residence card
• Refugee travel document
• Photo driving license issued by the UK, Ireland, or the Crown Dependencies

If your sponsor has a UKVI account, they can utilize the online View and Prove service to confirm their identity. While not mandatory, providing these documents can support your application.

You can use our commercial partner document upload app (TLS or VFS) to submit your documents. Remember to download the app from the respective TLS or VFS website.

If you require assistance with uploading document images, you can schedule an appointment at a VAC. In addition to the documents, you will be asked to provide your sponsor's residential address. However, if your sponsor is the Scottish or Welsh Government, a residential address for the sponsor is not necessary.

What Happens After You Apply

You will need to wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration regarding your application before traveling to the UK. We are prioritizing Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme applications and aim to provide a decision as quickly as possible. You will receive further guidance on the travel process once a decision has been made.

Your decision letter will indicate whether you need to collect a biometric residence permit upon arrival in the UK or if you need to provide your biometric information beforehand.

If your visa application is rejected due to your sponsor's failure to meet the eligibility requirements for the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, but you still wish to come to the UK, you will need to find a new sponsor and submit a new application.

If You Visited a Visa Application Center

Once your application has been processed, you will receive a visa that allows you to travel to the UK via plane or other means of transportation. Before traveling to the UK, make sure to collect your visa from the visa application center. Do not visit the center until you receive a notification.

Once you are in the UK, you can retrieve your biometric residence permit, which serves as proof of your status and rights in the country.

If You Did Not Visit a Visa Application Center

Once your application has been processed, you will receive an official permission letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirming your ability to travel to the UK.

The authorization letter will grant you permission to board a plane or other mode of transportation heading to the United Kingdom.

It is crucial that you do not travel to the UK until you have received an official authorization letter.

If you applied using the 'UK Immigration: ID check' application, you will be able to retrieve your biometric residence permit once you arrive in the UK.

If you did not use the 'UK Immigration: ID check' application, you will need to submit your biometrics within 6 months of your arrival in the UK in order to extend your stay for up to 3 years and obtain a biometric residence permit. The process for this will be explained in your decision letter.

Prolonging your stay in the UK

If you were able to utilize the 'UK immigration: ID check' application or attended a visa application center as part of your initial application to come to the UK, there is no need to apply for a visa extension.

However, if you received a stamp in your passport upon entering the UK, you must apply to provide your biometrics within 6 months of your arrival. This will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 3 years.

While it is not necessary to complete this step immediately upon your arrival in the UK, it is important to ensure that you have applied to provide your biometrics before the 6-month period ends. Instructions on how to do this will be included in your decision letter.

Apply for a visa extension in the UK

To commence the application process for providing your biometrics, please fill out the online form.

Begin now

Afterwards, you must schedule and attend an appointment at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

Your biometric residence permit will be delivered to the address you provided in your application. There is no need to pick it up in person.

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) service points

At a UKVCAS service point, you will be required to provide your fingerprints and have a photograph taken (biometric information) to obtain a biometric residence permit.

Children under the age of 5 will not have their fingerprints taken, but they will still need to accompany their parents to the UKVCAS service point to have their digital photograph captured.

Some services at UKVCAS service points may incur a fee, but it is not obligatory to utilize these services, such as document scanning, in order to complete your application.

If you choose to utilize any of these services during your appointment at a UKVCAS service point, you will not be charged a fee, and it is advised not to pay for them in advance.

Booking appointments for yourself and your family members

If you wish to schedule appointments for yourself and your family members on the same date, you must first create individual accounts for each family member, including any children. You can use your own email address when setting up accounts for children.

Afterwards, you can log in to your UKVCAS accounts and schedule appointments together.

If multiple applications are linked to the same email address, you must provide the unique application number (UAN) for each application you wish to schedule an appointment for.

The UAN is a distinct 16-digit code in the format of xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx, which is assigned to each person upon submitting an online application to extend their stay in the UK.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of appointments for all family members on the same date.

If you require assistance, please contact UK Visas and Immigration.

Telephone: 44 808 164 8810 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm)

Calls are toll-free.

If you are unable to contact UK 0808 numbers, you may use an alternative number. However, charges may apply, so it is advisable to consult with your phone provider if you are unsure.

Telephone: 44 175 390 7510 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm)