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

Overview and purpose

This guide is for local authorities in Scotland. Other guides include: Super Sponsor Scheme and Homes for Ukraine: guidance for hosts and Scotland for Ukrainians; a guide for displaced people.

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 remains 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 Scottish 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 local authorities in supporting Ukrainian guests who arrive under 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 about the Family Scheme Visa can be found at  Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme Visa. The Ukraine Family Scheme Visa closed to new applications on 19 February 2024.

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, or who has arranged a private match.

“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).