Supporting Ukrainians coming to the UK

My team and I are currently supporting several residents across Tynedale and Ponteland to assist their family and friends from Ukraine coming to the UK. 

The government has announced measures to support Ukrainians coming to the UK. I thought it would be useful to set these out. As ever, if you have any questions or require support, please contact my office my emailing: guy.opperman@parliament.uk. 

Ukraine Family Scheme visa (from Gov.uk)

Eligibility

To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme you must:

• be applying to join or accompany your UK-based family member; and
• 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 (including those who have now left Ukraine)
• You can apply if you’ve already arrived in the UK and meet the requirements above.

Ukrainians with passports do not have to travel to a visa application centre to give their biometrics before they can come to the UK. 

More information on the Ukraine Family Scheme visa can be found HERE

Homes For Ukraine (Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme)

Phase One of the UK government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme opened on Friday 18 March for visa applications from those who wish to travel to the UK and who have named people in the UK willing to sponsor them.

For the users, this is designed to be a digital process (an additional step applies if an applicant from Ukraine does not have a passport).

The government are asking sponsors to offer accommodation for at least 6 months.

What do I need to do as a sponsor?

Individual sponsors in the UK can be of any nationality, with any immigration status, providing they have at least 6 months’ leave to remain in the UK, so that they can provide at least six months’ accommodation. They can live in any part of the UK.

To ensure a safe and suitable environment for people arriving from Ukraine the government will be going to be carrying out checks (background and in-person) on you as a sponsor, your family and the accommodation that you will provide.

For example, the accommodation should be safe and free from health hazards, be heated and give your guests adequate access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. 

For further information, and to register your interest in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, please click HERE.