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How to Welcome Refugees

Read below about the different Community Sponsorship routes and how to take part.

Named Community Sponsorship

If you have a specific person or people in mind that you would like to sponsor to the UK, you will need to apply through the Named Sponsorship route. This is still in development, and eligibility and role requirements have not yet been confirmed by government. We expect applications to open in 2027. Read below to find out what steps you can take now to get ready.

Communities for Afghans

Support Afghan refugees rebuild their lives in your community. You will need to form a group of 6+ people, find suitable accommodation, and provide support to the family for three years. There is no fundraising requirement. Contact one of these organisations to get started: Refugee Council, Gulab Sorkhe or The Afghan Welcome Project

Community Sponsorship via UK Resettlement Scheme

Welcome refugees who have been identified and prioritised by UNHCR due to their vulnerability and urgent need. You will form a team of volunteers, secure suitable accommodation, and raise £9,000. Once approved, you will welcome a refugee family at the airport and support them through their first year in the UK, helping them access services, build connections, and settle into their new community. Find out more here

Homes for Ukraine

Become a Sponsor and help a displaced Ukrainian. The role of a sponsor is to provide a safe and welcoming home for Ukrainians who have been displaced by war. Sponsors commit to hosting guests for a minimum of six months, offering support as they settle into life in the UK. Read government guidance. USPUK can facilitate the matching process between Ukrainians seeking safety and hosts in the UK. Hundreds of Ukrainians are still in urgent need of a sponsor.

How to Welcome through the Named Sponsorship Scheme

The government has not yet published details of how the sponsorship scheme will work, or requirements. This means ...

We cannot yet confirm whether the person or people you want to welcome will be eligible to be sponsored under this scheme.

We cannot yet confirm the requirements of Community Sponsorship Groups or what they will be expected to do.

It is likely that sponsors will need to form a group of committed volunteers, fundraise, find suitable accommodation, and provide integration support (such as learning English, finding employment, accessing essential services, social support). The exact group, fundraising and accommodation requirements have not been confirmed.

That might feel a long way off, but there are things you can do to prepare in advance.

Groups will need to:

  • Build a strong team of volunteers
  • Fundraise
  • Develop a support plan
  • Build community networks

LSOs will be organisations that are accredited by the Home Office. They will provide support, guidance and oversight of your group. They will assess your capability and plans, and submit your application to the Home Office.

Applications to be LSOs will open in Autumn 2026 - there are not currently any approved LSOs. We will share a list of accredited LSOs as this becomes available.

We will share more information about how to get involved as it becomes available.

Sign up to the Named Sponsorship Network to be kept up to date with developments.

Sign up to the Named Sponsorship Network