Before you arrive

The Ukrainian entry schemes

The UK Government has announced that the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme are now closed. This means that you can only enter the UK on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

There have also been some changes made to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

Homes for Ukraine scheme

British nationals in the UK can sponsor Ukrainian refugees to travel to the UK on the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Visas issued under the scheme are valid for 18 months and visa holders are entitled to full access to public services and funds.

On the Homes for Ukraine scheme:

• The sponsor (host) provides rent-free lodging for at least six months. Sponsors must be British and have the right to live in the UK permanently ("settled status").
• Visas are not tied to hosts and refugees can leave their hosting arrangement whenever they like.
• You can apply for an extension through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) during the last three months of your 18-month visa which, if granted, will allow you to stay for 18 further months.
• A parent (or legal guardian) who holds permission under any of the Ukraine schemes can apply to sponsor their child under Homes for Ukraine. Children sponsored by their parents (or legal guardians) will hold permission to live in the UK for up to 18 months and will have access to education, healthcare, benefits and employment. Please note that if you are a parent or legal guardian sponsoring your child, you will not qualify for thank you payments. You can read more about this change here.

If you have any questions, queries, or concerns, contact our team by emailing resettlement@islington.gov.uk. You can also find more information on the Homes for Ukraine scheme on the government website.

Travel to the UK

When you have got confirmation of your permission to travel by email, you can arrange travel to the UK.

You must pay for your own travel to the UK. Hosts can choose to help with these costs but they do not have to.

If there are financial issues making it difficult to travel, you may want to contact the Home Office to seek financial support.

Arriving by car

If you are travelling to the UK by car and need an Islington parking permit, please contact resettlement@islington.gov.uk. In your email please include:

• the name of your sponsor
• the address of the home in Islington
• your vehicle's registration

Bringing pets

There are rabies quarantine restrictions in place for pets from Ukraine. Find information about bringing pets to the UK from Ukraine.

These organisations may be useful if any pets need assistance.

• Streetvet provide free veterinary care for pets of homeless people. They may be able to care for the pets of refugees or signpost to other services.
• BlueCross and the PDSA are charities which provide free or reduced cost veterinary care for people with low incomes. Please see their websites for details of who is eligible for their services.
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home take on animals which the owners would like to surrender for re-homing.