Homes for Ukraine scheme UK

This blog provides updates to our previous post of 14 March 2022 in respect of the newly created “Homes for Ukraine” visa scheme.

As of 18 March 2022, there is now an online application form for applications to be submitted from outside of the UK.

To qualify to apply to the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme, you are expected to demonstrate that:

• You are a Ukrainian national;
• You were residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022;
• You are currently outside the UK;
• You have a named UK-based sponsor who is eligible under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme (currently UK based individuals who have at least 1 spare bedroom that they are able to offer to a named Ukrainian person for at least 6 months rent-free are being considered as acceptable sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme).

Immediate family members of any nationality (spouse or civil partner; unmarried partner with a minimum of 2 years cohabitation; child under the age of 18; parent if the main applicant is under 18; fiancé or proposed civil partner) can also apply alongside eligible main applicants.

The online application form can be submitted by either the applicant or their sponsor. If you hold a current Ukrainian passport which is valid for international travel, you will not be required to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre outside of the UK as part of the application process.

At present, the requirements of the Ukraine Family Scheme visa route are documented only via a Home Office Policy Guidance and UK government webpage. It is anticipated that an Appendix Homes for Ukraine will be added to the UK Immigration Rules in due course, which might further elaborate on the requirements of the route.

Ukraine Family Scheme – applications to date

Over the weekend, the Home Office has published the following data in respect of the Ukraine Family Scheme as at 4PM on 20 March 2022:

• Total applications started: 61,100
• Total applications submitted: 31,500
• Total applications confirmed for processing: 20,700
• Total outstanding applications to be processed: 11,000
• Total visas issued: 10,200

These figures are anticipated to rise as more applications to the Ukraine Family Scheme are made and processed, alongside applications under the separate Homes for Ukraine Scheme also. The data is unclear on present application refusal rates.

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