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Named Community Sponsorship: safe and legal routes for refugees
Communities across the UK have a proud history of providing sanctuary to those
feeling conflict and persecution in other countries. Community sponsorship schemes
empower local people to help refugee families find safe homes and rebuild their lives
in communities across the UK.
“I think the community definitely feels richer because of the families being here - they
add something with their different cultures.” - Community Sponsor
In November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the creation of
new, safe and legal routes for refugees to resettle in the UK. These routes will make
named community sponsorship the primary means by which refugees are resettled
in the UK, with voluntary and community organisations given greater involvement in
welcoming and supporting them.
Communities will be able to identify refugees from abroad that they would like to
sponsor to come to the UK. Communities will take on responsibility for things like
securing housing, access to local services, and local English-language tuition, while
the Government maintains oversight and responsibility for vetting refugees before
they arrive.
“…we must now build an asylum system for the world as it is—one that restores
order and control, that opens safe and legal routes to those fleeing danger across
the world, and that sustains our commitment to providing refuge for this generation,
and those to come.” - Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, 17 th November 2025
Named community sponsorship hands control to local communities over the
resettlement of refugees in their area. It is a proven mechanism that operates at a
large scale in other countries strengthening communities and supporting refugees’
integration. Research from the University of Birmingham found that Community
Sponsorship contributes to more outward-looking, open and inclusive communities,
and more positive attitudes towards refugees.
Communities have the power to create a more welcoming society
Since 2016, over 350 communities across the UK have welcomed more than 600
refugees through the Community Sponsorship scheme, as well as many thousands
more under the Homes for Ukraine scheme that was established following Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Named sponsorship builds on proven models. In Canada, over 368,000 refugees
have successfully integrated through private sponsorship since 1979, and the United
States received 3 million applications to sponsor vulnerable migrants between 2022-24.
What we know so far
Who can sponsor?
Community groups, universities and employers will be able to identify and support refugees to come to the UK and build new lives in local communities. The roles, responsibilities and eligibility criteria for sponsors are still being mapped out by Government, no firm details on financial requirements, accommodation expectations or application criteria have been confirmed. Sponsors will be required to apply through a Government-accredited Lead Sponsor Organisation (LSO).
What is a Lead Sponsor Organisation?
LSOs are anticipated to be registered charities or Community Interest Companies (CICs) that provide wrap-around support, training and oversight for sponsoring groups. Final details are still being worked through by Government.
Who can be sponsored?
Individuals will need formal refugee status recognised through international protection processes, with assessments expected to be carried out by UNHCR. We do not yet know which nationalities, countries or regions will be included in the scheme. Individuals already navigating the asylum process in the UK will not be eligible through this pathway.
How will refugees access the scheme?
Community groups, universities and employers will identify individuals they wish to support. LSOs will then support groups to submit applications to the Home Office for consideration. Refugees will not be able to apply to the scheme themselves.
This community-led approach builds on a decade of sponsorship experience within the sector, and on the strength of local relationships - enabling communities to play a direct role in supporting people seeking safety.
When will the scheme open?
Applications to become an accredited LSO are anticipated to open in Autumn 2026. Government may amend timescales, but we anticipate the first refugees could arrive through the scheme from Autumn 2027.
How many people could benefit?
Government has yet to formally announce figures. Our experience over the past ten years shows that when communities are empowered to welcome refugees, they build lasting relationships, strengthen local connections and help people rebuild their lives with dignity. The scale of Named Sponsorship's impact will depend as much on the willingness of communities across the UK as on the policy itself.
Stay Informed
The CSA and our members are building a list of organisations and individuals who want to stay informed as Named Community Sponsorship develops in the UK. By completing this form, you're agreeing to receive updates on the scheme, including how to get involved, as this work progresses.