Menu

Pre-Arrivals & Visas

Immediate essentials

Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) – allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have a named sponsor. There is more information below about this.
Follow this link for guidance about travelling to the United Kingdom.
Click here to open the link
These are the links to the official UK Home Office information about visas for Ukrainians and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) guidance.
Click here to open the link
Click here to open the link
Citizens Advice - information about bringing family from Ukraine to the UK
Click here to open the link
Do not travel to the UK before receiving permission from the Home Office. Permission to Travel Letters: If you were issued a permission to travel letter without accompanying digital status, note that from 13 February 2025, these letters can no longer be used for travel or entry to the UK.
Content 1.10

General advice

Whether you have just arrived in the UK or have been living here for a while, it is normal to feel uncertain, confused, or overwhelmed. That’s why the Ukrainian Welcome Centre is here — to provide friendly support and useful information to help you adjust, settle, and thrive. How we can support you: Understanding your immigration status and applying for visa extensions (e.g. UPE, eVisa). Registering with a GP, accessing healthcare, and NHS services. Finding housing or understanding your accommodation rights. Accessing financial support, including benefits and council assistance. Finding a job and preparing for work in the UK. Help on how to find free or low-cost legal advice. Language learning, translation help, and community interpretation. And much more, if you come to our Centre in person.
We can connect you to: Local councils, doctors, schools, and community services. Ukrainian and British support organisations. Legal clinics, food banks, and crisis assistance. Volunteering and community events. Need help now? You can visit our Centre in person or contact us by phone or email. We're here to listen and support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Content 1.3

Children

You may be able to get a parent visa if: Your child is under 18 and lives in the UK. You have sole responsibility, live with the child, or have legal access. Your child must be: British or Irish citizen. Have settled status or lived in the UK for 7+ years. You must: Show your income is enough to live without benefits (adequate maintenance). Live somewhere safe and suitable. Pass an English language test (unless exempt). Visa lasts 2.5 years, can lead to permanent stay after 5–10 years.
What is a family visa? A family visa as a: Partner of someone with UK status. Parent of a child living in the UK. Child joining a parent in the UK. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you’ve lived in the UK: For 5 years on the standard family route. For 10 years under the private or family life route.
Visa requirements:​ Evidence of a genuine relationship​. Enough income or savings to support yourself​. Safe and long-term accommodation​. English language ability, unless exempt​. ILR: Life in the UK test & B1 English level.
Providing Support and Hope
Content 5.1
Back to Home