Welcoming Ukrainian nationals to the UK

We join with those calling on the government to do more to enable Ukrainian nationals to enter the UK. There are currently two routes into the UK for Ukrainians:

• The Ukraine Family Scheme
• Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine

The UK Family Scheme allows the family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK. The government has issued guidance for people applying from outside the UK. Applications from inside the UK need to be made online. See the government guidance for more information. There is also a free 24-hour helpline on +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 from within the UK).

The Local Sponsorship Scheme has been set up to enable people forced to flee Ukraine to come to the UK if they don’t have family ties here. You can read more about the scheme here.

This is a fast-moving situation and the guidance is likely to be updated at regular intervals so we recommend going to the government website for the latest information.

We can offer one-off immigration advice through our legal advice clinics but please be aware there is a waiting list so if you need urgent advice this may not be your best option.

Ukraine Advice Project UK has been set up by a group of volunteer legal professionals to offer free advice on UK immigration, visas and asylum for those fleeing Ukraine. See their website for more information. London Plus has also put together a list of organisations offering support for those affected by the crisis.

Details last updated 16 March 2022.