The UK’s Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme was launched in March 2022 in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. It sits within the UK’s wider commitment to provide refuge and support to people displaced by the war.
The scheme enables eligible Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK with the backing of a UK-based sponsor willing to offer a place to stay. Since 19 February 2024, new grants of permission under Homes for Ukraine are for 18 months. Those who applied and were granted permission before 19 February 2024 retain their original three years’ leave until expiry. From 4 February 2025, the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) allows eligible Ukraine Scheme holders to extend their stay for a further 18 months on the same core conditions (work, study, access to public funds).
This guide explains the current legal position of the scheme as at February 2025, including eligibility, sponsorship rules, application process, extension options, safeguarding, and key compliance points for applicants and sponsors.
Section A: Overview of the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
1. What this section covers
This section explains the purpose and legal framework of the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, including how it works and who it supports.
2. Scheme overview and current legal position (February 2025)
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme allows eligible Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK where they have a UK-based sponsor. Sponsors may be individuals, families, charities, businesses, community groups, or local authorities that can offer accommodation free of charge for at least six months.
Key points now in force:
- From 19 February 2024, new visas under Homes for Ukraine are granted for 18 months. People granted before that date keep their original three-year leave until it expires.
- The scheme is primarily for those without UK family ties. The Ukraine Family Scheme closed to new applications on 19 February 2024.
- From 2025, sponsors must be British, Irish, or hold settled status (e.g., ILR or EU settled status).
- Permission under the scheme permits work, study, and access to public funds and public services.
- Time spent under the Ukraine schemes does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
3. Purpose and scope
The scheme provides a safe, legal, and structured route into the UK for those displaced by the conflict. It is designed to relieve immediate housing needs and support integration by pairing applicants with UK sponsors who provide accommodation and, where possible, practical support in accessing services and employment.
4. Section summary
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme remains a vital humanitarian pathway, but its terms have evolved since launch. New grants are limited to 18 months (with earlier three-year grants preserved), and only British, Irish, or settled sponsors are eligible. The route is temporary and does not lead to settlement, so beneficiaries should plan early for extensions or switching routes if they intend to remain longer term.
Section B: Differences Between the Ukraine Visa Schemes
1. What this section covers
This section compares the key Ukraine-related immigration routes: who each route is for, whether they remain open, how long permission is granted for, and what conditions apply. It also clarifies how people already in the UK can maintain their status.
2. Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
This route enables eligible Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK with a willing UK-based sponsor who can provide rent-free accommodation for at least six months. From 19 February 2024, new grants are for 18 months. Those granted before that date retain their original three-year permission until it expires. Permission allows work, study, and access to public funds and services. This route is designed for those without close family in the UK and does not lead to settlement or count toward ILR or citizenship.
3. Ukraine Family Scheme (closed)
This route facilitated entry for Ukrainians with eligible family members in the UK. It closed to new applications on 19 February 2024. People who were granted permission under this route keep their leave and conditions until expiry, but the route is not a pathway to settlement and does not count toward ILR.
4. Ukraine Extension Scheme (closed)
This route allowed certain Ukrainians already in the UK to extend their permission. It closed fully on 4 February 2025, including to children born in the UK to parents with Ukraine Scheme permission. Those who already hold permission under this scheme remain subject to their existing conditions until their current leave expires.
5. Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)
Opened on 4 February 2025, UPE permits eligible holders of existing Ukraine Scheme leave to apply for a further 18 months’ permission. Applications must be made within 28 days before current permission expires. Permission granted under UPE is subject to the same core conditions as the original grant, including the right to work, study, and access public funds. UPE does not provide a route to settlement and time spent under UPE does not count toward ILR or citizenship.
6. Section summary
Only Homes for Ukraine and UPE remain operational in 2025. Homes for Ukraine provides initial permission (18 months for new grants since February 2024; earlier three-year grants are preserved). UPE enables eligible holders to extend for a further 18 months, with the same conditions. The Ukraine Family and Ukraine Extension schemes are closed. None of the Ukraine routes lead to settlement or count toward ILR, so longer-term plans must consider switching to a qualifying immigration category.
Section C: Eligibility Criteria for Homes for Ukraine
1. What this section covers
This section sets out who can qualify under Homes for Ukraine, what sponsors must show, and the safeguarding and data protection standards that apply. It reflects the position as at February 2025.
2. Applicant eligibility
Applicants must be Ukrainian nationals, or non‑Ukrainian nationals who were ordinarily resident in Ukraine before the conflict. Immediate family members may qualify, typically including a spouse or partner, dependent children, and parents where the family unit was living together before displacement. All applicants must have a named eligible UK sponsor and pass security and background checks.
- Status in Ukraine: Ukrainian nationals or those habitually resident in Ukraine before the conflict.
- Family members: Spouse/partner; dependent children; and, where applicable, parents who were part of the same household before the conflict.
- Security checks: All adult applicants are subject to security and identity checks.
- Conditions of stay: Permission allows work, study, and access to public funds and services. Time does not count toward ILR or citizenship.
3. Sponsor eligibility (2025 rules)
From 2025, sponsors must be British, Irish, or hold settled status (such as indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status). They must offer suitable accommodation free of charge for at least six months and pass safeguarding and background checks.
- Immigration status: British, Irish, or settled in the UK.
- Accommodation: Suitable, safe, and rent‑free for a minimum of six months, meeting basic health and safety standards.
- Safeguarding: Background checks for all adult household members; enhanced checks where children are involved.
- Data protection: Sponsors must handle personal information lawfully under UK data protection law.
4. Safeguarding for children (overview)
Where applicants are under 18, additional safeguards apply. Parental consent and local authority involvement are required for unaccompanied minors. Enhanced DBS checks apply to sponsors hosting children, and accommodation arrangements are subject to local authority oversight to ensure suitability and ongoing welfare.
5. Section summary
Applicants need an eligible UK sponsor and must pass identity and security checks. Sponsors must now be British, Irish, or settled, provide suitable rent‑free accommodation for at least six months, and comply with safeguarding and data protection duties. Extra protections apply for under‑18s, with local authority oversight and enhanced checks.
Section D: Application Process
1. What this section covers
This section explains the steps to apply for the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, including documentation, checks, and timelines. It incorporates the February 2025 requirements and practical considerations.
2. Step-by-step process
- Step 1: Secure an eligible UK sponsor who meets the 2025 criteria.
- Step 2: Gather required documents, such as a valid passport or national ID card, proof of habitual residence in Ukraine before the conflict, and full sponsor details.
- Step 3: Complete the online application form on GOV.UK. In limited circumstances, a paper application may be allowed.
- Step 4: Submit the application and supporting documents.
- Step 5: Both applicant and sponsor undergo security and safeguarding checks. Enhanced checks are conducted where children are involved.
- Step 6: If required, attend biometric enrolment at a visa application centre (often needed where no valid biometric passport is held).
- Step 7: Receive the decision and, if granted, travel to the UK to take up the sponsorship arrangement.
3. Processing times and fees
There is no application fee and no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable for this scheme. Processing times vary; straightforward cases are often decided within a few weeks, but complex or safeguarding cases can take longer. Applicants and sponsors should not make irreversible travel or housing arrangements until a decision is issued.
4. Section summary
Applying for Homes for Ukraine involves securing a qualifying sponsor, completing the online process, and passing identity and safeguarding checks. Biometric enrolment may be required. While applications are free, timescales are variable and applicants should plan for possible delays before travel.
Section E: Extending or Changing Status
1. What this section covers
This section outlines the options available for extending permission to stay under the Ukraine schemes or switching to another UK immigration category. It reflects the changes introduced in February 2025.
2. Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)
From 4 February 2025, eligible holders of any Ukraine Scheme leave, including Homes for Ukraine and the closed Ukraine Family or Extension Schemes, can apply to extend their permission for a further 18 months under UPE. Applications must be submitted within the 28-day period before the existing leave expires. Permission granted under UPE is subject to the same core conditions as the original grant, including the right to work, study, and access public funds and services. Time under UPE does not count towards ILR or British citizenship.
3. Switching to another UK visa
Holders of Ukraine Scheme leave may be able to switch into another immigration route from within the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for that category. Common examples include Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, or Family visas. Switching requires meeting all the standard requirements for the chosen route, such as financial thresholds, English language ability, and sponsorship where applicable. Standard application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge will apply.
4. No automatic settlement
None of the Ukraine schemes, including UPE, lead directly to settlement in the UK. Time spent under these schemes does not count towards the qualifying residence period for ILR or citizenship. Those wishing to settle in the UK must switch to a qualifying visa route and complete the necessary residence period under that category.
5. Section summary
UPE provides a further 18 months’ permission for eligible Ukraine Scheme holders but does not lead to settlement. Switching to a different visa route is possible for those who qualify, but it requires meeting all standard requirements and paying the usual fees. Long-term planning is essential for those seeking to remain in the UK beyond their Ukraine Scheme leave.
Section F: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can I stay under Homes for Ukraine?
New visas issued after 19 February 2024 grant 18 months’ permission to stay. Those who applied before that date keep their original three-year leave until expiry.
2. Can I get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through this scheme?
No. Time spent under Homes for Ukraine or any other Ukraine scheme does not count towards ILR or British citizenship.
3. Who can sponsor me?
Only British, Irish, or settled status holders (including those with indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status) in the UK can sponsor under the 2025 rules.
4. Can I work or study under this scheme?
Yes. Permission under Homes for Ukraine allows beneficiaries to work, study, and access public funds and public services.
5. When can I apply for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE)?
You can apply within the 28-day period before your current Ukraine Scheme permission expires. Permission granted under UPE is for 18 months with the same conditions as your existing leave.
6. Are there safeguarding rules for minors?
Yes. Unaccompanied minors require parental consent, local authority involvement, and placement with sponsors who have passed enhanced DBS checks. Local authorities oversee the placement to ensure the child’s welfare.
Section G: Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Applicant | A Ukrainian national or their family member applying for entry under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. |
| Sponsor | A UK resident (individual, family, or organisation) providing accommodation for at least six months to an applicant. |
| Accommodation | Housing that meets UK government safety and health standards provided to the applicant. |
| Background Checks | Security checks conducted to ensure the suitability of both sponsor and applicant. |
| Visa | A document granting permission to enter and remain in the UK under set conditions. |
| Integration Services | Support such as language courses, employment help, and access to public services for refugees. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residency in the UK, which cannot be obtained directly through the Ukraine schemes. |
| Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) | A scheme allowing existing Ukraine Scheme beneficiaries to extend their permission for 18 months. |
| Unaccompanied Minor | A child under 18 arriving without a parent or legal guardian, requiring special safeguarding measures. |
| Public Funds | State benefits and housing assistance available to those with eligible immigration status. |
Section H: Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Homes for Ukraine – DavidsonMorris | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/homes-for-ukraine/ |
| Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme – GOV.UK | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme |
| Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme – GOV.UK | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-to-the-ukraine-permission-extension-scheme |
| Refugee Council – Support for Ukrainians | https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk |
| British Red Cross – Help for refugees from Ukraine | https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee/help-for-refugees-from-ukraine |
Conclusion
The Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme continues to provide an important safe route for people displaced by the war in Ukraine. While its core humanitarian aim remains, the rules have evolved significantly since 2022. New grants are now for 18 months, sponsors face stricter eligibility criteria, and the Ukraine Family and Extension schemes have closed. Beneficiaries can extend through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme but must plan ahead, as there is no route to settlement through these schemes. Those wishing to remain in the UK permanently will need to meet the requirements of another immigration category.
