Super Sponsor Scheme and Homes for Ukraine: guidance for local authorities

Overview and purpose

The UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme relies on individuals in the UK, with at least 6 months leave to remain, acting as a sponsor and matching with people displaced from Ukraine. 

The Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme is a quicker and safer route for displaced people from Ukraine to come to the UK. It removes the need for applicants to be matched prior to being given permission travel to the UK. 

By acting as ‘Super Sponsor’, rather than waiting for the UK Government’s matching process, Scotland can provide sanctuary immediately, welcoming significant numbers with the right safeguards in place. Those arriving under Super Sponsor arrangements are encouraged not to accept informal offers of accommodation as these have not been subject to the necessary checks.

The Scottish Super Sponsor Scheme continues to be paused for new applications. We are doing this to make sure we can provide support and sanctuary to those displaced people who are in Scotland already or will shortly be arriving. 

Applications made under the Super Sponsor Scheme before 13 July 2022 will be processed and visas issued under the Super Sponsor Scheme will still be valid. 

As with other resettlement schemes, local authorities working in partnership with other statutory service providers have a critical role to play in its success. They are uniquely placed to provide the support required to ensure those arriving are given the warmest possible welcome. This is what Scottish local authorities have done and will continue to do for those who have arrived from many countries through asylum, resettlement and relocation programmes. With the support of the Scottish Government they will continue to do so for people displaced from Ukraine.

This guidance outlines the role of councils in supporting Ukrainian guests who arrive under both the Scottish Super Sponsor scheme and who match privately into Scotland through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

This guidance does not cover displaced people coming in via the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Information concerning the 'Family Scheme Visa' can be found on gov.uk.

Definitions

"Super Sponsor” refers to the Scottish Government in its role under the Scottish Super Sponsor scheme.

“Host” or “hosts” refers to an individual, group or organisation who has been approved to accommodate an individual or household from Ukraine under the “Homes for Ukraine” sponsorship scheme, or has agreed to participate in the Scottish Super Sponsor scheme. Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme a person individually matched may be referred to as a “sponsor” or “sponsors”.

“Guest” or “guests” refers to an individual or household previously resident in Ukraine, prior to 1 January 2022, who has secured a visa under the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme, which enables them to be housed by a sponsor (Host).