Welcome and integration resources
This page contains information to support Ukrainians with leave under the Ukraine Scheme to integrate into life in the UK.
The government has produced a number of guidance pages to Ukrainians to support them with the early stages of integration in the UK:
- This Welcome Guide from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities contains key information on key aspects of integration such as accessing healthcare, schools and education, legal rights and more.
- There is also this week one guidance to support with the initial steps upon arrival in the UK. This includes information about opening a bank account, applying for welfare benefits and registering biometrics.
- Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have produced this guidance for steps to be taken 4-6 months after arrival in the UK including accessing private accommodation or a new sponsorship.
- There is also a welcome guide for children under the age of 18 who are arriving without a parent or legal guardian.
- Practical guide for Ukrainians in the UK and UK Hosts
If you are unhappy or feeling unsafe with your host, please contact your Local Authority.
Opening a bank account is one suggested as one of the key initial integration steps upon arrival in the UK. The government have produced information on opening bank accounts on the welcome guide and week one guidance for Ukrainian arrivals.
There is also some key information on banking available from various sources.
- Refugee Council have a guide for people who have been granted Refugee status in England – it is not specific to Ukrainians, but is a useful resource.
- Several banks have produced guides and information on their own websites:
Below are some useful resources that can support migrants including Ukrainians to access healthcare.
- Doctors of the World have produced a translated leaflet and video explaining how to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Doctors of the World have produced a translated leaflet explaining migrants’ right to healthcare in the UK.
- Doctors of the World have produced a translated leaflet explaining the different services within the NHS and how to seek medical advice and healthcare.
- Maternity action have provided information about NHS charges for maternity care for Ukrainian women and families.
- Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Network contains links to different resources that can benefit Ukrainian arrivals accessing healthcare.
The entry stamp you received on entry into the UK provides evidence of your right to stay in the UK but is valid for the first 6 months only. To extend your stay for up to the 3 years allowed under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you will need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
A BRP is a card with your immigration status on it. You can use it to prove your right to study, work and claim any benefits you are eligible for.
If you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ identity app when applying for your visa, or visited a Visa Application centre abroad to give biometrics, then you automatically applied for your BRP as part of that and should be able to collect it on arrival in the UK from your nominated Post Office. Check your Permission to Travel email for full details on how to do this and what documents to take with you.
If you did not use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app when applying for a visa, then when you arrive in the UK, you need to apply for a BRP.
This needs to be done within 6 months of arriving. If you need to leave the UK and re-enter, then it’s essential to have a BRP first.
For further guidance: Biometric residence permits (BRPs)