Information for Ukrainians (2022)

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join their family members in the UK. The scheme is also suitable for applicants who are currently visiting their family members in the UK, so that they can extend their stay in the country. 

It is free to apply to this scheme, and if granted, applicants will be able to stay in the UK for up to three years, work, study and access public funds. 

To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme, you must:

• Be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme, AND have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022
• Be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member
• Be an immediate family member, an extended family member or an immediate family member of an extended family member

 

To learn about who qualifies as an immediate family member and extended family member, as well as more information on eligibility criteria, please visit: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

 

In addition, the family member in the UK must be one of the following:

• A British national
• Someone settled in the UK – for example, they have indefinite leave to remain, settled status or proof of permanent residence
• Someone from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who has pre-settled status and started living in the UK before 1 January 2021
• Someone with refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

UNHCR UK is not involved in the application process, and applications should be made directly to the UK Government’s Home Office. More information can be found here: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• If you are outside of the UK, you must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme. You will then need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC).
  • If you hold a valid Ukrainian passport, you will still need to complete an online application, but you will not need to attend an in-person appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). If you do not hold a valid Ukrainian passport, you will need to book and attend an appointment at a VAC.
• If you are in the UK, you must apply online for the Ukraine Family Scheme. You will then book and attend an appointment at UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You can call the free 24/7 helpline on +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 from within the UK, or +44 175 390 7510) for help with any questions about the scheme. This helpline is managed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and not by UNHCR UK.

This scheme offers a route to those who have no family ties to the UK but instead have someone in the UK willing to provide them with accommodation for a minimum period of six months.

Those who come under this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and access public services.

• Ukrainian nationals or the immediate family members of a Ukrainian national who were resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022 are eligible for the scheme.
• You must also be outside of the UK and have an eligible UK-based sponsor,

More information about the eligibility criteria can be found here: Gov UK | Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. 

UNHCR UK is not involved in the application process, and applications should be made directly to the UK Government’s Home Office. More information can be found here: Gov UK – Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. 

 

You can call the free 24/7 helpline on +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 from within the UK, or +44 175 390 7510) for help with any questions about the scheme. This helpline is managed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and not by UNHCR UK.

Unfortunately, UNHCR in the UK is unable to help you find a sponsor. However, the following organisations help match Ukrainians with hosts:

• Reset. You can find more information about Reset’s services here: About us – RESET and contact them at: [email protected]
• Refugees at Home: You can find more information Refugees at Home here: About us – Refugees At Home. To refer yourself and your family to find accommodation, please find this webpage: Refugees At Home (rahhub.azurewebsites.net)

If you have a named person who you wish to sponsor, you should get in contact with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application with all their details and yours.

If you don’t know anyone to sponsor but wish to participate, you can also get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals. To register your interest, please visit: Homes for Ukraine – Homes for Ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine (campaign.gov.uk) and for further information about expectations under this scheme, security checks, and support available to sponsors please visit: Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Ukraine Extension scheme is available to Ukrainians who:

• Held permission to be in the UK on or between 18 March 2022 and 16 May 2023 – the permission does not need to cover the whole period; OR
• Had permission to be in the UK and that permission expired on or after 1 January 2022.

More information regarding the eligibility criteria can be found here: Gov UK – Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme. 

Those who are granted permission to remain in the UK under this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and access public services.

UNHCR UK is not involved in the application process, and applications should be made directly to the UK Government’s Home Office at Gov UK – Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme. 

If you have questions regarding the type of support available to Ukrainians in the UK, we recommend contacting the relevant local authority. You can find the contact details of your Local Authority at: Find your Local Council. The Local Authority should be able to provide advice regarding benefits they might be entitled in the UK.

Alternatively, you can contact one of the below organisations:

British Red Cross– This national organisation has services across the UK, and provides dedicated support to Ukrainians in the UK, including counselling, benefits and career advice. Please find further details on their website, and contact details below:

• Website: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee/help-for-refugees-from-ukraine
• Support line (with interpreter available): 0808 196 3651(Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 8pm).

Barnardo’s – has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline, and offers advice on a range of issues including housing, accessing key health services, education, employment.

• Website: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/ukrainian-helpline
• Free Phoneline: 0800 148 8586
• Email: [email protected]