On this page, you will find information about the process of hosting a Ukrainian individual or family on your property. Please note that this website is still in development, and more information will be provided in due course. If you have further questions in the meantime please send a WhatsApp message to 07799271913.
First, you offer to host and sponsor someone!
Then, you register your interest on the UK Government website.
Then, we will pair you with a Ukrainian individual and family. One of us (SSS) is in touch with dozens of Ukrainians seeking to flee, first via a friend in Poland and now via word-of-mouth.
Then, a visa application for your guests need to be submitted. We advise that you complete the form, with information from your guests. Their language abilities, Internet connexion, and frame of mind might impede to their ability to complete the visa application themselves. The forms can be challenging, and we have provided a Visa Application Advice page to help: there is also a contact form there, should you need further help. Approval can take a while: expect it to take 3-6 weeks. This is in part because your guests will be vetted before they are approved to come. We also have a support/help group to help you with this process. Please contact 07887 906455 on WhatsApp to join.
Once you have submitted your visa application, the local authority (e.g., West Sussex County Council) will be informed, and you will be put on a list for DBS and Housing checks. This is to ensure that you and your home are appropriate for receiving your Ukrainian guests. Do check out our DBS & Housing Checks page for more information. Do not worry too much about the timing of these.
Your guests will then have to get here. This is typically by plane or train. Please see the Travel page for more information. If they want to bring pets, this can be complicated. Our Travel page contains some information about this.
As soon as you have arrival dates, please contact the local authorities. For West Sussex email Communities@westsussex.gov.uk or call 0330 222 7980. The local authority will arrange for school placement, access to NHS, and access to other benefits, etc. Please see the Schools, NHS, Benefits, Etc. page for more information.
As soon as your guests arrive, please contact the local authorities again. This will enable them to expedite the process for them.
For your convenience, we have also curated a list of Useful Links for further information.