What is the 'Homes for Ukraine' Visa Scheme?
The Homes for Ukraine scheme enables people who are fleeing the war in Ukraine and have no family ties to the UK, to obtain a visa to seek sanctuary in the UK, as long as they can find a named individual to sponsor them to stay for at least 6 months. We are pleased to be working with OU staff who are looking to volunteer as hosts and as of June 2023, we have opened this opportunity up to OU alumni.
Eligibility
Host Eligibility
The Sponsor or 'Host' must:
- Be able to offer the named Refugee(s) or 'Guest(s)' space in your own home or another property you own, rent free for at least 6 months.
- Be over the age of 18 and based in the UK.
- Be able to produce valid ID such as: UK or Irish passport, or photo driving license, and have at least 6 months permission to be in the UK (from the date of the beneficiary's visa application).
- All adults aged over 18 living in the same household as the guests (as lead sponsor you will be required to obtain their consent) must pass:
- Security and Criminal checks carried out by the Home Office as part of the visa application.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)/Enhanced DBS check and Housing check carried out by your local authority once the visa is approved.
Guest Eligibility
- Must have been residing in the Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022.
- Must have a sponsor with 6 months accommodation arranged prior to arrival in the UK.
Support
Support for Hosts
- A tax-free thank you payment of £350 per month from your local authority for up to 12 months paid in arrears; the payment is per sponsorship and not per person and only payable if eligibility requirements are met. This will not affect any benefit entitlements.
Support for Guests
- An interim payment of £200 per guest, for initial subsistence costs, from your local authority.
- Leave to work and access public services for an initial 12-month period.
- Leave to remain in the UK for 3 years.
Things to consider before applying to be a sponsor
Hosting is a significant commitment, and we encourage people to take time to reflect on their ability to take on such a responsibility. Here are just some of the things you may wish to consider.
Housing
- Have you checked with your landlord or mortgage provider that you can offer a space?
- Have you checked with your home insurance provider?
- Have you a spare room to offer? A sofa bed is not ideal for a person recovering from trauma who needs space to grieve.
- Are you happy to give a copy of your house key to your guest? Will you be comfortable with your guest having access to your home while you are away at work or on holiday?
- At the end of the 6 months would you be comfortable in asking your guest to leave?
Practical
- Do you have the time to support people to register with GP's, dentists, schools, etc?
- Are you able to support someone who cannot speak English without interpretation support?
- Will you feel comfortable sharing your home with someone who may have a different parenting style or culture, and may have pets?
- What are your house rules in regard to smoking, noise, late-night hours, visitors, etc?
- Are you happy to live with someone who many not have had any covid vaccinations?
- Do you have space to offer privacy to your guest(s) and yourself?
- Can you offer an internet connection, use of a laptop, TV, and provide bedding and towels?
Emotional
- Have you spoken to your family or children about how they feel about sharing their home?
- Have you met or previously supported someone suffering from trauma? The situation can be difficult, and the person may need specialist support.
Interested in being a host?
The OU is teaming up with Kings College London to best implement the Homes for Ukraine scheme and match refugees with potential hosts.
Please fill out this form to register your interest in hosting
After completing the form, you will be approached by someone from The Open University to discuss this further.
Further Information
Homes for Ukraine scheme FAQ's
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions
A Welcome Guide for Guests
Glossary for Guests