Information for sponsors of Ukrainian guests

Becoming a sponsor

If you are thinking about becoming a sponsor, the government's list of Recognised Providers can help you get started.

Recognised Providers give advice to sponsors, matching them with people coming to the UK from Ukraine.

Homes for Ukraine

This scheme offers a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for those forced to escape their homeland.

Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but there is a minimum expectation of 6 months.

For full details of the scheme, and how to offer your support, visit Homes for Ukraine on GOV.UK.

If you are hosting individuals through the Family Visa Scheme, there is slightly different support available.

We do not get notification from the government of guest arrivals. Once you know when your guests are arriving, email migration@bracknell-forest.gov.uk so that we can arrange for a family link worker to visit as soon as they arrive. If you have any questions or need further advice or guidance, get in touch.

Council checks

Once you have completed the visa application to provide housing for one or more Ukrainian guests, there are some checks for us to set up with you. These are standard government procedures for all sponsors. Our teams will be in touch with you to arrange these.

Accommodation checks

These are completed by the Public Protection Partnership and Environmental Health team, or the Housing team.

These checks consider aspects such as fire safety, and room capacity.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be done for all adults living in the property where guests will stay.

An enhanced DBS check will be needed if one or more children or vulnerable adults are due to stay with you.

You will be sent a link to start the process of applying for your DBS check, complete this as soon as it is sent to you

Read our Homes for Ukraine Disclosure and Barring Service policy.

Thank you payments

All hosts receive £500 a month, processed at the end of the month. This is paid in arrears monthly, on successful completion of the accommodation and DBS checks.

Each guest receives £200 on arrival, given by their Family Link Worker on their first visit.

Support for sponsors

We know that hosts are facing challenges they are not experienced with. So it’s a good idea to know where to find support.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have published a advice for sponsors. The page offers advice toolkits and tips on communicating with your guests. It also includes advice on how to build a support group for your own mental health and wellbeing.

Information for hosts leaflets

Ukraine family scheme

This scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.

This scheme is now closed to new applications.