Homes for Ukraine — guide for Ukrainian citizens
Homes for Ukraine (HfU) is a special UK scheme for Ukrainian citizens fleeing war. Free visa, right to work and study, access to NHS and benefits. Started in March 2022, from February 2024 the main visa category is 18 months with a possible extension of 18+ months. No agents, no intermediaries.
Choose your stage
Who can applyUkrainian citizens, lived in Ukraine on 31.12.2021UA
- Ukrainian citizens (and close family members of Ukrainian citizens) who lived in Ukraine on 31 December 2021
- You have a British sponsor — a person in the UK ready to host you for at least 6 months
- The sponsor passed DBS check (for children) and housing inspection by the council
- No age, income, or language limits — unlike other visas
- No serious criminal record (standard security check)
Family of a Ukrainian citizen. If you are not a citizen but your spouse, child, or parent is a Ukrainian citizen — you can also apply together with them. The partner must have lived with the Ukrainian citizen for 2+ years.
How to find a sponsor in the UKPlatforms, Facebook groups, friends, churches6 ways
- Verified matching platforms. Opora, refugees.homes, Reset. Fill in your profile, wait for a match.
- Ukrainian Facebook groups. «Homes for Ukraine UK», «Ukrainians in Great Britain», «UA → UK Sponsorship Match». Many sponsors post directly.
- Friends of friends. The most reliable way. Ask people from Ukraine who are already in the UK — they know locals ready to host.
- Religious / community organisations. AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain), parish churches, synagogues, local Rotary clubs.
- Check the sponsor before agreeing. Ask about the house, room, area, whether they had previous guests, how long they are ready to host. The first 6 months are critical.
- Sign an agreement. Both sides fill in the UKVI form with the sponsor's details, then both submit applications. Approval takes 2–8 weeks.
Red flags. The sponsor pushes for a quick decision, does not show the house / area, does not want a video call, refuses council inspection, or immediately discusses «services in exchange for housing». In such cases — refuse and look for another sponsor through verified platforms.
Application — UKVI online applicationDocuments, form, biometrics, decision2–8 weeks
- The sponsor submits the form first. On gov.uk → «Apply for a Homes for Ukraine sponsor scheme visa» the sponsor enters their details: name, address, date of birth, nationality. They receive a sponsor reference number.
- The sponsor gives you the reference. Without this number you cannot submit your own application.
- Fill in the online application. Passport (internal or international), photo, date of birth, family details of those travelling with you. Free.
- Biometrics. Previously you had to go to a VFS centre in a third country (Poland, Moldova, Romania). Now for many people biometrics is not needed — you get a Permission to Travel letter directly.
- TB test — not required for Ukrainian citizens (Ukraine is not on the list).
- Wait for a decision. Usually 2–4 weeks. In some cases up to 8 weeks. Free.
- Permission to Travel letter. You receive a PDF by email. With this document + passport you fly to the UK. At the border the officer stamps your passport as an HfU visa holder for 18 months.
Documents you need
- Passport (internal UA or international biometric)
- Birth certificates of children (for those travelling with you)
- Marriage certificate (if with a partner)
- Proof of registration in Ukraine on 31.12.2021 (can be SMS from Diia)
- Sponsor reference number (from your sponsor)
Payments — Universal Credit, £200, NHSWhat you get from the state and councilUC
What you receive as an HfU refugee
| Payment | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome payment | £200 one-time | Local council on arrival |
| Universal Credit (single) | ~£393/month | DWP, while you do not have a job |
| Universal Credit (couple) | ~£617/month | DWP, for two |
| Child Benefit | £26.05/week for first child | HMRC, for each child |
| Council Tax Reduction | Up to 100% discount | Local council |
| Pension Credit | If >State Pension Age | DWP |
Payments to the sponsor
The local council pays the sponsor a «thank-you payment» for hosting a Ukrainian:
- First 12 months: £350–500/month (depends on council, base £350)
- Months 13–36: £500/month (higher rate for those who continue hosting)
- Paid automatically after council inspection of the home and confirmation that the Ukrainian actually lives there
NHS free. Unlike all other visas, HfU does not pay IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge). Access to GP, hospitals, emergency care, prescriptions — like British citizens. You can register with a GP immediately after arrival.
Schools, NHS, work — first weeksHow to enrol children, GP, ENIC, ESOLSetup
Schools for children
Children go to state schools free immediately after arrival. You can enrol through the council education department. If the school has no places — the council offers an alternative. ESL (English as a Second Language) support is usually available in schools with many Ukrainian children.
Register with a GP
- Find the nearest GP surgery on nhs.uk
- Go in person with your passport, Permission to Travel letter, and proof of address (sponsor letter)
- Fill in GMS1 form (registration)
- Wait for NHS number — it comes by post in 2–4 weeks
Work — diploma recognition
- ENIC (Ecctis) — confirms that your Ukrainian diploma is equivalent to a UK degree level. £49.50, ~10 working days. Needed for office jobs
- NARIC old name of the same service — appears in employer documents
- Doctors / nurses — separate route through GMC / NMC, more difficult
- Lawyers / architects — need additional qualification / exam
- IT / marketing / admin — diploma is not critical, portfolio is important
English for adults
Free ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are held in local colleges, libraries, community centres. Ask your sponsor or the job centre — they know the nearest ones. Pre-Entry → Entry 1 → Entry 2 → Entry 3 → Level 1 → Level 2.
Visa extension + alternative routes+18 months, then switch to SW / Family / Student+18 months
HfU visa from February 2024 — 18 months. Before it ends you can apply for Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) — another 18 months. Free, no IHS.
How to apply for UPE
- Apply 28 days before your current visa ends (earlier — they will reject)
- Online application on gov.uk → «Apply to extend Ukraine scheme leave»
- Passport + current UKVI account access
- Wait for a decision 4–8 weeks
- After approval — new eVisa in UKVI account for another 18 months
HfU does NOT lead to ILR. 5 years of HfU + extension do not give Indefinite Leave to Remain directly. To stay long-term you must switch to another visa category: Skilled Worker, Family/Spouse, Student, Global Talent. The UK Home Office promised to consider a separate «Ukraine settlement scheme», but as of April 2026 — nothing has been launched.
Switch to another visa
| Category | What you need |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Job offer with salary £41,700+ from a company with a sponsor licence |
| Family / Spouse | Marriage to a British / ILR holder + £29,000 sponsor income |
| Student | Admission to a UK university + maintenance funds |
| Global Talent | Endorsement (Tech Nation, Royal Society, Arts Council) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my sponsor after arrival?
Yes. If the relationship with the sponsor does not work out, the council can help find a new one through the rematch service. Many people move to rented accommodation after the first 6 months with help from Universal Credit + Housing Element.
What happens when the 6 months with the sponsor end?
Options: 1) the sponsor continues hosting (higher thank-you payment £500/month), 2) find a new sponsor through the council, 3) rent independently (Universal Credit Housing Element covers part of the rent), 4) social housing waiting list (long).
Can I bring pets?
Yes, but you need the Pet Travel Scheme: microchip, rabies vaccination 21+ days before travel, EU pet passport or health certificate, tapeworm treatment (for dogs). The free waiver until 30 June 2024 has ended, now standard rules apply.
Can a 16-year-old child apply without parents?
This is a separate scheme — Homes for Ukraine for unaccompanied children. You need parental consent (notarised), a DBS-checked sponsor, and additional checks by social services. More difficult, but possible.
Can I travel outside the UK on HfU?
Yes, no restrictions. You can travel to Europe, Ukraine, to relatives. The main thing is to return with your passport + Permission to Travel letter (for the first 18 months) or with an active eVisa (after updating your UKVI account).