Before applying, you should check whether the person or family you hope to sponsor meets the government's eligibility requirements. Lead sponsors: refugee eligibility criteria

In summary, they must:

• Be living outside their country of nationality (or former country of residence if stateless).
• Have been living in one of the participating countries before 1 October 2026:
  • Bangladesh
  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Malaysia
  • Egypt
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
• Have been registered with the UNHCR or relevant authorities before 1 October 2026.
• Be recognised as a refugee:
  • have been verified by UNHCR as meeting the definition of a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention; or
  • are eligible Palestinian refugees whose protection needs have been assessed through the Home Office's approved process (further details to come).
• Pass UK government’s identity, security and suitability checks.
• Be nominated and supported by an approved UK sponsorship group

You can read the full government guidance here: Lead sponsors: refugee eligibility criteria

Please note: Citizens UK does not set these rules. We cannot answer questions or advise on the eligibility of specific individuals or families.

All sponsorship applications must be submitted through an approved Lead Sponsor Organisation (LSO).

LSOs are accredited charities that will:

• Support community sponsorship groups
• Assess sponsorship plans and ensure standards are met
• Submit applications to the Home Office
• Provide ongoing oversight and guidance

Applications for organisations wishing to become LSOs opened in October 2026. We expect the first LSOs to be accredited in early 2027.

There are currently no approved LSOs.

Please note: Citizens UK is not able to take on individual sponsorship requests. As no Lead Sponsor Organisations have yet been approved, we are also unable to refer individuals or groups to an LSO.

Sponsorship is a significant commitment and cannot be done alone.

The government has not yet set full eligibility requirements or responsibilities for sponsorship groups.

However, we do know that you must have at least five committed volunteers with clear roles and responsibilities. We would recommend around 8-12 people for a strong team.

We recommend mapping and reaching out to local faith institutions and community organisations to help find volunteers. Welcome Churches have map of churches that have committed to welcoming refugees: https://welcomechurches.org/find

Refugees arriving through the scheme will be able to access benefits and employment - so you are not responsible for their day-to-day living costs.

However, sponsorship groups will still need to cover a range of upfront resettlement costs. These may include:

• Furniture and household items
• Initial food and essentials
• Interpreters and Translation Costs
• Travel costs (including pick up from the airport)
• Accommodation related costs, e.g. Rent top-ups where housing costs exceed benefits
• Lead Sponsor application fees

The amount required will vary depending on local circumstances, accommodation arrangements, family size and your LSO.

As a rough guide, groups should expect to raise approximately £9,000-£15,000.

IT IS PROHIBITED TO CHARGE THE REFUGEE(S) FOR THESE FUNDS.

You will need accommodation that is:

• Safe and secure
• Affordable and sustainable
• Suitable for the individual or family
• Accessible to local services and transport

The government are still developing the criteria and guidance for accommodation - we will update as this becomes available.

Housing arrangements will be assessed by the Lead Sponsor Organisation and must meet Home Office requirements.

Please do not sign tenancy agreements, purchase property, or make financial commitments at this stage.

There are currently no guarantees about timescales or approvals.

Successful sponsorship is about much more than housing. Consider how you would support someone to:

• Access healthcare, schools, and other local services
• Learn English
• Understand their local area
• Build friendships and community connections
• Find education, training or employment
• Meet their individual aspirations
• Become confident and independent in the UK

Groups will be expected to provide support for at least one year, and accommodation should be available for at least two years.

Each LSO will have its own assessment process and requirements.

Once they are satisfied that your group meets the required standards, they will submit the application to the Home Office on your behalf.

Sponsorship applications are expected to open around Spring 2027.

After submission, the Home Office and relevant international partners will assess whether the nominated person meets the eligibility criteria, and run identity and security checks. They will also arrange visa processing and travel arrangements.

This process is likely to take several weeks or months, depending on the circumstances of the case and the in-country situation.

Once all approvals are complete, your group will welcome the individual or family at the airport and bring them to their new home!

The government's current aim is for the first arrivals under the scheme to come to the UK in Autumn 2027.

Your group will then support them as they settle into their new community, helping them to access services, learn English, find employment, build local connections, and develop confidence and independence.

Throughout this period, your Lead Sponsor Organisation will continue to provide oversight, guidance and support.

Your group will be responsible for providing support for one year and ensuring suitable accommodation is available for at least two years.