Coming to the UK: Information for Ukrainian refugees

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The information below has been translated and is availalbe in Ukrainian and Russian:

Coming to the UK: Information for Ukrainian refugees

The UK Home Office has published information for Ukrainian refugees who want to travel to the UK to seek refuge. Getting to the UK is dependent on the particular circumstance of an individual. The below describes the option available for each circumstance.

If you’re Ukrainian and you have family in the UK

The Ukrainian Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK. It is free to apply, and you will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access welfare benefits.

The requirements for the scheme are:

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)

If you need any assistance, you can call the Home Office free helpline on +44 808 164 8810 or +44 (0)175 390 7510

If you’re Ukrainian and you don’t have family in the UK

The UK Government has set up a Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine, which allows sponsors such as communities, private sponsors or local authorities, to bring those forced to flee Ukraine to the UK. Those that come via this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and will be able to access healthcare, welfare benefits, employment support, education, and language tuition.

The scheme opens on Friday 18th March for online visa applications from Ukrainians and immediate family members who already have named people willing to sponsor them.

People wanting to be sponsors who do not know anyone personally fleeing Ukraine can also register their interest.

From Friday 18 March you can apply from outside the UK under this scheme to seek to come to the UK. Either you or your sponsor completes a single form which collects your details and the details of your sponsor. This is your application.

If you hold a valid Ukrainian international passport, you will not need to attend a Visa Application Centre. Children do not need a passport.

If you do not hold a valid Ukrainian international passport you will need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

Other visas

You can make an application to visit, work, study or join family in the UK in the normal way. Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Ukraine are currently closed. You can apply at a VAC in any country if you are able to travel safely.

VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including:

Before attending a VAC you must complete your online application form and have a GWF reference number.

Find a visa application centre.

If you need assistance, call UKVI on + 44 808 164 8810 – select option 1

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and this is a free phone number.

If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.

This article reflects a factual presentation of UK Government policy and does not necessarily represent the position of BASW. The UK Government’s position can be updated at any time, and this article should be read alongside up to date Government guidance.

BASW cannot provide immigration advice and it is against the law for us do so. We recommend checking the Government’s website page on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals for up to date information.

Homes for Ukraine

The Government Homes for Ukraine scheme offers a route to those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the war in Ukraine to come to the UK. Full details are on the Government website.

There are also a number of organisations and charities who are offering support to people interested in hosting a refugee family:

See all BASW Statements, updates and action