How to avoid visa Homes for Ukraine fraud
The Homes for Ukraine program, launched by the UK government in 2022, allows Ukrainians to obtain a free visa to safely move to the UK and live with a sponsor for at least 6 months. However, there has been a recent increase in the number of cases of fraud related to the processing of documents. Registered charity USPUK working closely with both sponsors and Ukrainians willing to come to the UK, has identified common scam tactics and actively works to raise awareness, provide accurate information, and support victims of fraud through consultation and reporting channels.
The main signs of fraud:
Offer of a visa for money (600–1000 pounds, sometimes more).
Payment or “deposit” is required in advance
An agency or “assistant” submits an application from their email without your access
You can't meet your sponsor via video call
Visa without a real sponsor, through Ireland or with fake, forged letters (this method with entry letters was valid until December 2023, and now entry to the UK is only possible with a vignette or an electronic visa)
Appointment to the visa application center for a fee
Pseudo-sponsors who take money but don't provide housing
Description of some of the many fraudulent schemes
#1 People in the UK who want to make money from sponsorship usually work with scammers, receiving a share of the profits for each application submitted. They knowingly provide their personal details and go through all the checks, giving the impression that they are really ready to host guests. In such cases, visas may be approved, but after several suspicious applications in a row, the local authorities begin an investigation and block further applications. This does not stop the unscrupulous sponsor - he continues to charge money for "visa assistance" obviousy with no guarantees. There is a known case when one such sponsor submitted more than 20 applications. He was blacklisted by the Home Office, and all applicants were refused.
#2 Sponsors who formally meet the program requirements charge Ukrainians money for a visa, but do not provide housing or rent it out for market price. They also can abuse their guests by making them work as lived-in Au Pair, cleaning or care worker. This is a violation of the program terms, and such cases should be reported to local authorities.
#3 Deliberate deception of real sponsors by Ukrainians who, after the approval of a real visa, disappear without explanation. In such situations, there are no financial losses, but moral damage is caused - real sponsors lose trust in the program and no longer wish to participate in assistance.
#4 You are offered to apply for your electronic eVisa (which is done in a few clicks on the gov.uk website after arriving in the UK). Some agencies charge from £50 for help setting it up. This is a technical transfer of your real visa to an online UKVI account and no one needs to pay for it. If you need help setting up an eVisa, contact charities.
⚠️ Attention:
This is not a full list of fraud schemes that our charity is aware of, so please always stay alerted about any suspicious offers. Applying for Homes for Ukraine is always free, as is biometrics at the visa center. Some “helpers” charge an additional fee not only for filling out the application, but also for an appointment at the visa center, fictitious “certificates” and translations that are supposedly necessary for obtaining a visa. All this is just a way to profit from gullible people.
How to apply for a Homes for Ukraine visa correctly:
Find a real sponsor (preferably through official resources).
Communicate with him personally (video call, photo and video rooms, meeting his family)
Complete the official application on GOV.UK with your sponsor. This takes around an hour and is not a complicated process. If you need help completing the application, please contact us for a free consultation at info@uspuk.org
Book an appointment and provide biometrics in the country of your preference. Note that a limited number of visa centres might charge an extra booking fee (for example, one in Antalya/Turkey etc.). In this case the payment should be made directly to the TLS Visa Centre Website, not to any individual account or external website.
After you come to live with your sponsor, notify your local council of your arrival. Read all the steps you need to take when you arrive in the UK here.
Why it is important to avoid intermediaries:
Agency visas with fake sponsors lead to refusal.
Data can be stolen or used without the sponsor's consent
You risk being rejected by UKVI or being blacklisted.
Where to contact in case of fraud:
Official form: Reporting fraud – Homes for Ukraine (GOV.UK)
You can also write to USPUK.org - we handle complaints and pass on information to the relevant authorities.
🛑 Don't pay for something that should be free. Check your sources. Protect yourself.
USPUK ia a recognised provider under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine Visa Scheme, USPUK continues to support safe and appropriate sponsorship matches for displaced Ukrainians.
You can make a difference
At USPUK, we support not only Ukrainian families on their journey to the UK but also the generous hosts who open their homes to them. From the moment they register on our website throughout their hosting experience, we are here to help.
If you’d like to help someone on their journey to a new beginning, consider becoming a host today. Visit our Become a Host page to learn more.