UK Ancestry

What is a UK Ancestry Visa?

A UK Ancestry visa enables either Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, British nationals (overseas) or citizens of Zimbabwe who can prove they have a grandparent born in the UK or Islands to live and work in the UK.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa?

In order to successfully apply for a UK Ancestry visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be 17 years of age or older;
• Must be either a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British national (overseas), British overseas territories citizen, or a citizen of Zimbabwe;
• Must prove one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man;
• Must plan to work in the UK;
• Must initially apply from outside the UK;
• Must have enough money to support and house themselves and any dependants; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a UK Ancestry Visa Valid for?

A UK Ancestry visa is initially granted for 5 years.

Can a UK Ancestry Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of a UK Ancestry vias, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, they will be granted permission to stay in the UK for up to another 5 years.

There is no limit on the number of times applicants can extend this visa so long as they still meet the relevant requirements.

Does a UK Ancestry Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a UK Ancestry visa for 5 years, they will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long an applicant wishes and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, an applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship. If, however an applicant is married to a British Citizen, an applicant will not need to wait 12 months and may be eligible to apply immediately for British Citizenship by naturalisation after obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany a UK Ancestry Visa Holder?

The partner and children (under 18) of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the UK Ancestry visa holder.

How Long Does it Take for a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a UK Ancestry visa application submitted outside the UK within 3 weeks. An application for a UK Ancestry visa made within the UK is usually decided within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee is £531.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.