Salford Citizens Advice
The Homes for Ukraine Scheme:
The government has announced a new scheme to assist people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The new scheme allows people and organisations to sponsor Ukrainian people who do not have family connections in the UK and has now been launched and expressions of interest can now be lodged. It will open for applications on 18 March.
It has been confirmed that:
- Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who were resident in Ukraine before 1 January 2022 will be eligible (immediate family usually means partner and children under 18)
- Currently sponsors need to match with a particular person or family
- Sponsors will be subject to a range of checks
- The application form will be available from 18 March. It can be completed by either the sponsor or the Ukrainian applicant
- If the applicant has a Ukrainian passport, then they will not have to attend a visa application centre (VAC) and can apply entirely online
- The scheme is free of charge
- Security checks will be carried out
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken in the UK after arrival
- People who come in on this scheme will be granted a 3-year visa with access to public services, work, and benefits
- There is no cap on the numbers of people that can come in on this scheme
- Sponsors must commit to provide accommodation for a minimum of 6 months – this can be in their home or in a self-contained property
- Sponsors will be paid £350 per month.
For more information about the scheme go to the government website at: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/?mc_cid=5f5e5501f4&mc_eid=5f54a6c128
Tom Togher
March 2022.