Homes for Ukraine

How to host someone from Ukraine and what support you’ll receive from the Cumberland Resettlement Service.

Overview

Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (HFU) launched on 14 March 2022 by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their families to come to the UK and be hosted by an approved sponsor. Each Ukrainian must apply separately, including children.

UK residents can offer a spare room or self-contained property to someone fleeing the war in Ukraine. You do not need to know the person you sponsor.

Who can become a sponsor

To become a sponsor, you must:

  • be aged 18 or over
  • be a UK or Irish citizen, or have settled status (indefinite leave to remain)
  • offer a spare room or home for at least 6 months

Register your interest to become a host on GOV.UK

Match with someone in Ukraine

If you want to match with someone in Ukraine to host them, you can do this through USPUK.

Become a host through the USPUK website

Sponsoring someone for a visa

If you're helping someone apply for a visa, read the Homes for Ukraine visa guidance on GOV.UK

What happens after the visa application

Once the visa application has been submitted, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will share limited details with the Cumberland Resettlement Service so we can begin pre-arrival checks.

We'll contact you to:

  • arrange a home visit to inspect the accommodation
  • carry out enhanced DBS checks for all adults aged 18 and over, living in the home

There is no cost to you for the DBS checks.

Local authorities must assess whether the hosting arrangement is suitable before guests can travel.

If you want to host someone already in the UK, you can: