The super sponsor route is closed for new applications.

If you have already applied your application will still be considered.

We will review the decision to pause the super sponsor route regularly.

If your visa application is sponsored by the Welsh Government, we will ensure you have accommodation from day one of your arrival in Wales.

We normally allocate rooms in one of our ‘Initial Accommodation’ venues. We sometimes call these 'Welcome Centres'. You may be allocated a room in a hotel, university, holiday park or activity centre.

We may instead offer you the chance to live with a host in Wales without needing to go into ‘Initial Accommodation’ first. Please read our 'Accommodation – Move directly to live with a host' section for more details.  Any hosts we use will already have had checks completed to make this placement as safe as possible.

Our accommodation offer is intended to be for no longer than 6 months. We are likely to ask you to move to alternative accommodation more quickly than this. Alternative accommodation could be with a host or a rented property. We aim to make this offer within 3 months.

You will not be given a choice about where your accommodation is located in Wales. We will ask you if you need to live in a particular area but we may not be able to agree to any preferred location.

If you choose to leave your allocated ‘Initial Accommodation’ for more than 2 weeks you may be considered to have withdrawn from our offer. This means that you will not be permitted to re-enter ‘Initial Accommodation’ upon your return. We will consider requests for longer absences from ‘Initial Accommodation’. Permission must be gained in advance of your absence.

We will not expect you to pay towards your support during the first 5 weeks after arrival inn ‘Initial Accommodation’. This is called the ‘Welcome Phase’. After 5 weeks, we will expect you to make financial contributions towards meals, laundry and other costs. This is called the ‘Support Phase’. During the Welcome Phase we will support you to apply for financial assistance which can pay towards these costs.

You will be expected to behave reasonably whilst staying in ‘Initial Accommodation’. Our ‘Code of Conduct’ explains what we expect of you during your stay.

We will seek to move you to longer-term accommodation as soon as possible. This is likely to be in another part of Wales. This is called the ‘Move On Phase’. Moving to longer-term accommodation will help you to settle into a community. Your Local Authority will provide service to help you integrate.

If we allocated you a host placement without needing to go to ‘Initial Accommodation’, you will already be in the ‘Move On Phase’.

If your visa is sponsored by the Welsh Government, we will give you accommodation as soon as you arrive in Wales.

We may offer you the chance to live with a host in Wales without needing to go into ‘Initial Accommodation’ first. This means that when you arrive in the UK, you will live with a host. Any hosts we use will already have had checks completed to make this placement as safe as possible.

We do this to help you settle into longer term accommodation at the earliest opportunity. It will also help you become part of the community in which you are living.

Before you travel -

We will talk to you about any requirements / needs that you may have, for example:

• how many people will need to live together?
• do you have any specific needs (e.g. a cot or special dietary requirements)?
• are there any healthcare needs that you want us to be aware of?
• do you smoke?
• do you have any allergies?
• will you bring any pets?
• do you have any needs connected to your religious beliefs?
• are there school age children (3 – 16 years) or younger with you?

We ask these questions to help us match you with a suitable host.

If we can, we will put you in contact with the host before you travel. This will help you get to know each other and ask any questions that you may have.

Help and Support -

Your host will help you access the support you need. This will be like the support you would get if you moved into our Initial Accommodation.

This should include:

• emergency toiletries and clothing on arrival if needed.
• £200 welcome payment for each guest
• health checks
• help to register with a GP (a local doctor)
• help to register for a BRP (Biometric Registration Permit)
• support with applying for Universal Credit and opening a bank account
• help to find education for adults and children including English language lessons (ESOL)
• employment advice

We have set up a helpline for anyone who is sponsored by Welsh Government. The helpline will call you once your visa is approved by the UK Government. This will help us to get to know you and your needs. We can help you understand how to get to Wales. We can also be prepared for your arrival.

You can call the helpline on 08081751508 from within the United Kingdom. From outside the United Kingdom, the number is +4402045425671. Calls from outside the UK may be charged but the number is free from inside the UK.

This helpline is available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Everyone who we sponsor will have access to a free telephone interpretation service whenever you need it. You will be provided access to this after you have spoken to the helpline. This service is available for 8 weeks each (extend to 16 weeks maximum). Call the helpline if your access runs out after 8 weeks.

When living in ‘Initial Accommodation’ you will also likely have access to a free in-person interpreter at certain times.

When you arrive in the UK, most public transport in England, Scotland and Wales is free for the first 48 hours. To use it, you will need to show your passport and a boarding pass or ticket showing your arrival into the UK. 

The Welcome Ticket scheme ended on 1 April 2024 and is no longer available. You will now need to pay for travel on bus and train services in Wales.

You may be eligible for one of the free or discounted travel schemes also available if you are:

• 60 years or over
• a disabled passenger
• a child or young person

Please see Traveline Cymru or contact them on 0800 464 00 00 for information. Your local bus operator may also be able to help.

Children at primary or secondary school may be able to get free home to school transport.

Information is also available on transport costs if you are in further education.

When staying in our accommodation, you will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct like the one below:

Code of conduct

We want all residents to feel welcome, comfortable and safe. We ask you to behave respectfully to staff and other residents.   All guests are aware before arrival that initial accommodation is available as a temporary arrangement.  It enables guests to begin to settle and prepare for independent life in Wales.  All guests therefore are required to engage positively with the local authority to find longer term housing arrangements.  You are required to cooperate with staff supporting you to find longer term accommodation and follow this code of conduct.

Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of your accommodation offer. Especially if your continued presence is likely to cause distress to others. You must agree to this code of conduct if you want to continue to be eligible to stay within initial accommodation.  Thank you for your co-operation.

• I will be respectful and considerate to others, including staff and residents.
• I will not use any sexual language or behaviour towards other residents or towards staff. I understand that sexual harassment and abuse are criminal offences and are never acceptable.
• I will speak kindly to other residents and staff, without aggression or a raised voice but with respect and consideration.
• I will ensure the children that I am responsible for are supervised at all times.
• I will not use physical punishment on children, including smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking.  I understand that, in Wales, all types of physical punishment are illegal.
• If consuming alcohol on site, I will drink responsibly. I will ensure my behaviour is not disruptive or upsetting to other residents or staff.
• I will not consume any illegal substances on site. If I am found with illegal substances the police will be informed. I may be arrested.
• I will not bring firearms, offensive weapons or fireworks of any kind on site. Firearms, offensive weapons or fireworks of any kind are not permitted on site.
• I will be considerate of other people’s personal space. I will respect people's personal boundaries even if their boundaries are different to my own. I will always obtain consent before I touch another person.
• I will keep noise to a minimum, that does not disturb others, particularly between the hours of 23.00 and 8.00.
• If my accommodation has families with children, I will behave in a way that is considerate to the children and their parents/guardians/carers.
• I will not smoke inside the accommodation or use e-cigarettes/vapes.
• I will use designated areas to smoke or vape, or I will smoke off-site.
• I will ensure that cigarettes are extinguished and e-cigarettes/vapes are disposed of properly (as advised on packaging).  If rechargeable, I will ensure it is charging in a safe place.
• I will keep communal areas clean and tidy and keep my personal belongings in my room.
• I understand that I am responsible for my personal belongings and that liability will not be accepted for loss or damage to personal property.
• I will lock my door when leaving my room unattended.
• I will follow the accommodation’s rules on fire safety and will not cover smoke detectors.
• I will ensure that I know where my emergency fire assembly point is.
• I will not cook food in my room or use kitchen appliances that have not been provided by the accommodation provider in my room.
• I will not cause damage to the accommodation site or leave unreasonable mess in any rooms.
• I will not cause damage to anyone else’s property or room.
• I will be responsible for damage, mess or injury caused by children or pets in my care.
• I will report any maintenance or health and safety issues to staff on site.
•  I will not attempt to fix anything myself in my room or on site.
• I will dispose of waste properly.
• I will not allow unauthorised visitors to live in my room. I will be responsible for damage, mess or injury caused by unauthorised visitors.  I understand that I am responsible for the behaviour of my visitors and may be asked to leave me accommodation if their behaviour causes disruption or upset to other residents.
• I will inform staff if I am staying away from the accommodation overnight. 
• If I leave the accommodation for more than 2 weeks without agreement from the local authority, I am aware that I will not be able to return to my accommodation. If the absence will be for more than 2 weeks, permission needs to be sought from the local authority before making travel arrangements.  Permission is only likely to be given in exceptional circumstances.  Normally, a maximum of 4 weeks away will be permitted during my stay in Initial Accommodation.  Additional short absences may be permitted if I have compelling reasons for absence. 
• I will engage with my local authority to find suitable longer-term accommodation, and in doing so:
  • be honest about my housing needs.
  • be honest about my financial situation.
  • provide information as requested, such as bank statements and other documents.
• I will attend regular meetings with local authority case workers to enable them to undertake housing needs assessments and affordability assessments with me and discuss my accommodation options.
• I will attend property viewings that are arranged for me.
• I will pay the move on administration charge if I refuse 2 or more reasonable offers of suitable accommodation.  More information about the charge can be found here. If I refuse to pay the charge, I may be required to leave my accommodation.

The Welsh Government reserves the right to move residents between accommodation sites (if alternative accommodation is available).  Serious or repeated breaches of this Code of Conduct is also likely to lead to your offer of accommodation being withdrawn.  We may involve the police.  If laws have been broken, you may be prosecuted.

If you cause damage or mess which require repair or cleaning, you will be required to pay towards the costs. You will also be expected to pay if it is caused by children or pets in your care. You will also be expected to pay if it is caused by unauthorised visitors.

Thank you for helping us to create a place of sanctuary for all Ukrainians arriving in Wales.

Signature of guest:

Name of guest:

Upon arrival in Wales, we will provide you with support. If you are allocated a room in ‘Initial Accommodation’ this will include:

•         Accommodation
•         Food
•         Laundry
•         £200 interim payment
•         Free telephone interpretation services
•         Setting up bank account
•         Applying for Universal Credit (social security payments)
•         Registering with local schools
•         Registering with local health services
•         Advice services
•         Employment information and support
•         Understanding about living in Wales
•         Free public transport
•         Essential items

During the initial 5 weeks, we will not expect you to pay for these services. We call this period the ‘Welcome Phase’.

If you are allocated a host placement instead of ‘Initial Accommodation’, the services you receive will be different. You will still receive:

• £200 interim payment
• Free telephone interpretation services
• Free public transport
• Hosted accommodation

We will ask your host and local authority to provide support too.

After 5 weeks we will expect you to start making financial contributions towards some of these services. After 5 weeks you should be receiving Universal Credit (or been assessed as ineligible due to your savings). You may even have employment in place. After this we expect you to have income or savings to help pay towards costs. We call this period the ‘Support Phase’.

Our aim is to ensure fairness between different groups of people needing support. This includes Ukrainians in our initial accommodation, those living with hosts, and UK nationals. We also aim to help you to do more for yourself during your time in initial accommodation. We think this will help people feel more in control of their lives and ready to move to alternative accommodation.

After 5 weeks, you will be expected to pay towards meals, laundry, pets and essential items. Further details are below.

Food - We will aim to provide self-catering accommodation to enable you to cook for yourself. Where self-catering accommodation is not possible, we will ask you to pay towards at least one meal per day. This will normally be the lunchtime meal. If your child is in school, many will be able to access Free School Meals. If you are staying in a venue with no catering or self-catering facilities, you will be provided with vouchers for two meals per day. Your Local Authority will let you know what the arrangements are for your venue.

Laundry – In most cases, we will stop providing a free laundry service. You will be asked to take responsibility for doing your own laundry. Where it is possible laundry facilities will be provided on site. You will need to buy your own laundry detergent and pay to use the machines. Where this is not possible you may be asked to pay the venue a fee to do your laundry. Your Local Authority will let you know what the arrangements are for your venue.

Pets - If you have a pet living with you in initial accommodation you will be expected to cover the cost for your pet. This includes food, vet bills and other costs of supporting a pet. If your pet cannot stay with you in your current accommodation, you may be moved to pet-friendly accommodation if we can find this. We will not normally expect you to cover the cost of kennels or other animal homing costs if we cannot find you pet-friendly accommodation.  If you refuse the offer of pet-friendly accommodation without good reason, you may be asked to contribute to the costs of homing your pets. You will need to find alternative arrangements for your pet when our 6 month offer ends.

Transport – In some venues, taxis or other transport has been provided for guests. During the Support Phase we will expect you to utilise the free public transport offer in most circumstances. There may some occasions where alternative transport needs to be made available. Your Local Authority will let you know the arrangements for your venue.

Interpretation – we provide free telephone interpretation via Language Line. This continues for 8 weeks. Your Local Authority should provide in-person interpretation. This may only be for a few hours per week during your stay in initial accommodation. Your Local Authority will let you know the details.

Essential items - You may have been provided with essential items such as toiletries, sanitary products or nappies. We have changed this so that you will now be expected to cover the cost of these items after the Welcome Phase.

You will receive help to register for a bank account and access social security payments. We will make sure you receive a full health assessment. Children will have education activities and adults will be given English or Welsh tuition classes. We will start to prepare you for the labour market if you are able to work.

We understand that moving on from initial accommodation can be daunting. We want to support you with making decisions about what happens next. We also need to make sure that our accommodation has space to greet new Ukrainian arrivals.

Local Authority staff will discuss your circumstances before offering you onward accommodation.

You may be offered a placement with a host family in their home. You may also be offered a different form of accommodation such as private rental. There is a limited number of private rental options available across Wales. It is likely that most of our guests will be asked to accept a placement with a host. The accommodation may be in a different part of Wales.

You can also try to find your own home through renting privately. There are organisations that can help you with this. Using websites like Rightmove or Zoopla can help you to understand if you could afford to rent privately.

Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Your sponsors will be paid £500 per month for up to a year by the UK Government. This payment is to say thank you for helping provide accommodation. It will help sponsors with additional costs they may have, such as higher energy bills.
The money is not meant to pay for your food or other support. You have been granted access to Public Funds which can pay for this. This includes Universal Credit if you are eligible. See the 'Money' section of this website for more information. 

We have given local authorities guidance to help them make decisions on what accommodation is offered to you. The local authority will consider your needs when making an offer.

Once you have been assessed, the local authority will email you with an offer of accommodation. The email will give you some information about the accommodation and the area where it is located. They will talk to you to help you understand more about the offer. They may also arrange for you to talk to other organisations to give you more information.

You can refuse an offer of accommodation, but it must only be if there is good reason. Good reasons will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and we have given local authorities guidance on what this might include.

If you refuse two reasonable offers of 'move on' accommodation you will be charged a weekly service charge. This is not an accommodation or rent charge and it will be charged until you accept an offer of accommodation or until our 6-month commitment ends.

The weekly service charge amount will change from Monday 7 August 2023. The new charge will also increase after three or four refusals of accommodation.

Please see Refusing 'Move On' Accommodation: Frequently Asked Questions page for details of the move on service charge. There are details of how much you will have to pay if you refuse two or more offers of accommodation.

Your Local Authority will explain how they will collect the charge. If you do not pay the weekly charge this will be considered a violation of the code of conduct, and you may be asked to leave the initial accommodation.

Full details of the refusal policy can be found here: Homes for Ukraine: framework for accommodation [HTML] | GOV.WALES

See the Refusals Policy section of our website for full details.

If you are travelling with your pet to the UK it must meet the rules for entry. It should have:

• had a vaccination against rabies. Your pet will need a blood test 30 days later to make sure the vaccine worked. You will have to wait 3 months after the blood test to travel to the UK;
• been microchipped;
• a pet passport or health certificate;
• had tapeworm treatment.

If it your pet does not meet these rules it will have to go into quarantine. You will not have to pay for this but your pet may be in quarantine for up to four months. You can find out more here: Bringing your pet to the UK from Ukraine - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If your pet meets all the rules please check before you travel that:

• your sponsor is happy to accept pets; and
• the place you will be staying is suitable for pets.

If you are coming to Wales as part of the Super Sponsor scheme you may not be able to keep your pet with you in your initial temporary accommodation. We want you to feel at home but most initial accommodation is not suitable for pets.

Home Office advise not to leave the UK before you have your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). BRP plus an International Passport is needed to travel back to UK. Foreign Office strongly advise not to travel to Ukraine unless it is for emergency.

The Ukrainian embassy has information about travel and passports on its website. If you left the country without your passport, you will need to get a replacement for travel.

There are two options:

1. Temporary 'White Passport' - these will allow one way travel to Ukraine. It is valid for 30 days. It will not allow travel back to UK.

2. Full international passport - these are issued by the Ukrainian embassy. In-person appointments are necessary. Appointments can be booked online, but the appointment slots are limited.

International travel is ok under the Ukraine visa schemes. Some benefits, such as Universal Credit, will be invalidated if there is an absence of 28 days or more. Please inform the Department of Work and Pensions if you intend to be away for longer than 28 days.

Whilst living in our ‘Initial Accommodation’ you will normally only be permitted 2 week absences. If you wish to be absent for longer you must receive agreement from the local authority. If we agree that you have good reasons, this may be permitted. If you do not receive agreement, you will be considered to have withdrawn from our offer of ‘Initial Accommodation’. Your room will be reallocated to others after 2 weeks. A maximum of 4 weeks away will be permitted during my stay in Initial Accommodation.