If you are in the UK under one of the Ukraine schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme or already extend it through Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme), you might want your child or other family members to join you.
1. Can you sponsor your family member under Homes for Ukraine?
If you are in the UK under a Ukrainian visa scheme, you cannot act as a sponsor in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
This means you cannot personally sponsor relatives through this route.
2. What are the options to bring family members?
👉 For all family members over 18, you need to find a UK-based sponsor.
You can ask someone else in the UK to sponsor your family member through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The sponsor must:
Be over 18
Be a British or Irish citizen or have settled status (ILR)
Offer suitable accommodation for at least 6 months
Your relative can then apply under the Homes for Ukraine scheme with this new sponsor.
Government guidance on how to find a sponsor in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-sponsor-using-recognised-providers-homes-for-ukraine
👉 Bringing your child to the UK (under the Ukraine Schemes)
If you are in the UK under a Ukraine visa scheme, your child under 18 may be able to join you. This depends on who the child is travelling with, where they are, and who is sponsoring them.
Children applying with or to join their parent or legal guardian
If the child is applying with a parent/legal guardian:
You apply at the same time as you.
You do not need to provide any extra consent letters.
The application will be assessed together.
If the child is applying to join a parent/legal guardian who is already in the UK:
You must provide:
A letter of consent from the parent/legal guardian in the UK confirming:
They support the child’s application.
The child will live with them in the UK.
They have valid permission to stay in the UK.
The child’s travel and arrival plans.
How to apply:
Use the Homes for Ukraine online application forms.
Include details and documents about:
Your immigration status
Proof of relationship (e.g. birth certificate)
Proof of where the child will live in the UK
Consent letter (if child is not travelling with you)
Children applying without a parent or legal guardian
Children under 18 can apply without a parent/legal guardian only through the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, and only if a sponsor is fully approved before the application.
THIS IS STRICTLY CONTROLLED TO PROTECT CHILDREN❗
A child applying without a parent or legal guardian must have:
A named sponsor who is approved before the application.
A sponsor reference number from the Homes for Ukraine system.
Approval from the local council where the child will live.
Full consent from all legal guardians.
Sponsors must:
Be approved as safe and suitable to care for a child.
Complete checks by the local council (including DBS/safety checks).
Provide a stable and safe home for the child.
Be willing to host the child for at least 6 months.
How to apply:
The sponsor must first apply to be approved as a host for a child.
Once approved, the child can apply using the Homes for Ukraine application and include:
Sponsor reference number
Proof of consent from parents/legal guardians
Travel and living arrangements
❗ If the UK authorities find that a parent or legal guardian is already in the UK, they will contact them to confirm if they want to become the child’s sponsor instead.
Helpful Links and Guidance
Appendix Ukraine Scheme – Immigration Rules
Family Reunion Guidance (UKVI)
Homes for Ukraine – Children Without Parents: Council Guidance
If you need help or information, please contact our helpline 07718612218 (Ukrainian / Russian / English) or email us at info@eerc.org.uk