Arriving in the UK: Homes for Ukraine
What to do when you arrive in the UK if you have a visa, don't have a visa or have a biometric residence permit.
If you want to know more about what happens when you have travelled to the UK, you can find out more about the welcome points, welcome facilities and travelling to your sponsor.
When you arrive in the UK on the Homes for Ukraine scheme you will need to show the letter that gives you permission to travel to the UK, or your visa, to the Border Force officers.
A Border Force officer may need to ask you some questions and make further checks when you first arrive.
Please read information on what steps Ukrainians need to take after arriving in the UK to confirm their immigration status.
Children arriving in the UK
For guidance on arriving in the UK for children under 18 please read the Welcome guide for children and Guidance for parents or legal guardians (children and minors applying without parents).
If you already have a visa
If you already had your visa, Border Force officers will stamp this to confirm you arrived.
If you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
If you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to apply, your passport won’t be stamped, the Border Force officers can check your status digitally.
If you have a letter with permission to enter the UK
Border Force officers will stamp your passport with a 6-month entry stamp.
What you can do in the UK when you have an entry stamp
This entry stamp proves that you are allowed to:
- work
- rent a property
- study
- claim benefits in the UK
If you have applied for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you have been to a visa application centre overseas and already given your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo of your face), your visa will be valid for 90 days and on arrival you can collect the BRP form from the nominated collection point (which you chose as part of your application).
The BRP will expire on 31 December 2024 and you will not need a BRP from 1 January 2025. You’ll be able to prove your immigration status online, without a BRP. UKVI will update their information on how to prove your immigration status in early 2024. You do not need to do anything and your immigration status will not be affected.
If you applied before 19 February 2024 you will be given 3 years’ “leave to enter” (this means you are allowed to stay for 3 years). If you applied on or after 19 February 2024 you will be given 18 months’ “leave to enter” (this means you are allowed to stay for 18 months).
You will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit to show to employers that you are allowed to work.
A Biometric Residence Permit is a card with your immigration status on it. You can use it to prove your right to study and claim any benefits you’re eligible for.
If you intend to be away from the UK for more than 4 consecutive weeks in a single period, you should notify your local council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Getting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Your permission letter will tell you if you need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and where to get it, when you arrive in the UK.
You need to get it within 10 days of arriving or by the expiry date on your visa, whichever is later.
A BRP is a card with your immigration status on it. You can use it to prove your right to study and claim any benefits you’re eligible for.
If you need to provide your biometric information
Your permission letter might say you need to provide your biometric information once you’re in the UK.
If it does, you need to do this within 6 months of arriving in the UK to get your BRP. This will allow you to stay for up to 3 years.
Fill in the online form to start the process of providing your biometric information.
Using your bank card
If you have a working bank card you should be able to use it to take money out when you arrive in the UK.
If you don’t have a bank card or access to money, speak to someone at the welcome point or your host, who should be able to help you work out what your options are.
Arriving in Scotland and Wales on the government sponsorship scheme
New applications to these schemes are on hold.
If you have applied for sponsorship from the government in Scotland or Wales you will be given temporary accommodation and help to find safe, longer-term accommodation. You will also get food, clothing, medical attention, and emotional support if needed.
All existing applications will continue to be processed and existing visa holders can travel to Scotland and Wales and will supported as planned.
More information is available on the Scottish Government website and the Welsh Government website.
Last updated 19 February 2024 + show all updates
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Guidance has been updated following changes to the Homes for Ukraine Immigration Rules on 19 February 2024.
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