Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme in Scotland: statistics - January 2023

Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme overview: sponsor routes

There are currently three main routes opened by Home Office and the Scottish Government under Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme to allow displaced people from Ukraine to enter into and settle in the UK. Under the current constitutional arrangements in the United Kingdom the application process for all immigration routes is fully reserved to the UK Government and is dealt with by the Home Office.

Ukraine Family Scheme launched on 4 March 2022, allowing Ukrainians that already have family in the UK to enter. It is free to apply, and displaced people from Ukraine are able to live, work and study in the UK as well as access public funds. The Family Scheme is not covered by this report.

Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme sponsored by a named and known individual (also known as Individual Sponsor Scheme) was introduced on 18 March 2022. This allowed displaced people from Ukraine to obtain a visa to enter the UK if they had a named individual UK sponsor at the time of applying. Displaced people from Ukraine arriving in the UK under this scheme are granted 3 years to remain in the country, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services. Volunteer hosts who expressed an interest in hosting someone arriving on a visa sponsored by individuals are asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for a minimum commitment of 6 months. Hosts are able to claim an optional 'thank you' payment for 2 years for as long as they are hosting the guests and the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. For guests who have been in the UK for up to 12 months, this payment is £350 per month. For guests who have been in the UK for more than 12 months, this payment is £500 per month. Charities, faith groups and local community organisations are also helping to facilitate connections between individuals, for potential volunteer hosts who do not have a named contact.

Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme sponsored by the Scottish Government (also known as Scottish Super Sponsor Scheme) was introduced on 18 March 2022. It launched at the same time as the Individual Sponsor Scheme, and displaced people from Ukraine arriving in the UK under this scheme are also granted 3 years to remain in the country, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services. The main difference from Individual Sponsor Scheme is that the Scottish Super Sponsor Scheme removes the need for the applicant to find a named sponsor for their application. Instead, they choose the Scottish Government to sponsor their application. When they arrive, people are accommodated safely in comfortable welcome accommodation, while the Scottish Government works with public sector partners, such as COSLA and local authorities directly, to match people into longer term accommodation. Those that host a Super Sponsor visa holder are also eligible for the optional ‘thank you’ £350 per month for guests who have been in the UK for up to 12 months, and £500 per month for guests who have been in the UK for more than 12 months. The Scottish Government announced an operational pause on new applications to the Scottish Super Sponsor Scheme on 11 July 2022 with effect from 13 July 2022.