Ancestry Visa Application
If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK and you are a Commonwealth citizen, you may be able to apply for a UK ancestry visa.
If you are applying for a UK ancestry visa as a relative of a British citizen you will need to be able to provide evidence of their British heritage and yours. Locating the right documents can be difficult, especially if your grandparents left the UK a long time ago.
Our network of immigration solicitors understands that securing a UK visa can mean a lot to you.
A lawyer can guide you through the ancestry visa application and requirements including sourcing supporting documents and completing the application form correctly.
What is a UK Ancestry visa?
A UK ancestry visa is a visa that enables those who have family connections the right to live and work in the UK.
It is one of the most popular routes to securing UK residency as they last for 5 years, with the option to extend for an additional 5 years. Another option when an ancestry visa ends is to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Can you work with a UK Ancestry visa?
To qualify for a UK ancestry visa, you must intend to secure employment in the UK either before your arrival or soon after.
Once you've got the visa, you're not limited in the type of work you can do. Unlike some other visas, there's no restriction based on skill level or industry. You can dive into any job once you're in the UK
You can work for an employer in a role of your choosing, full-time part-time, or even in a voluntary capacity. Or, you may decide to launch your own business in the UK.
You can also study while you work and bring your family and children with you.
What can’t you do with a UK Ancestry visa?
For your application to be successful, you must be able to support yourself financially, find accommodation, and pay rent. This is because individuals on an ancestry visa don’t have access to public funds, like benefits
You don't need to meet a specific savings threshold according to immigration rules. The key is to show that you can support yourself and any dependents, without relying on public funds.
When it comes to housing, you don't have to own or have previously rented a property in the UK to meet the requirements. Simply showing that you have accommodation available, like staying with a friend or a family member, is typically enough to fulfill the accommodation criteria.
Who can apply for a UK Ancestry visa?
If you're 17 or older and a Commonwealth citizen with at least one grandparent born in the UK, you might qualify for a UK ancestry visa.
The key requirement is having a grandparent born in Britain, by blood or adoption.
Can you apply for a UK Ancestry visa while you’re in the UK?
You can't switch to a UK ancestry visa if you're already in the UK on another type of visa.
You can only apply from within the UK if you entered the country with UK ancestry entry clearance.
What are the requirements for a UK Ancestry visa?
You can apply to a UK ancestry visa if you meet all of the below requirements:
One of your grandparents was born in the UK, or the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland before March 31 1922
You’re a Commonwealth citizen
You intend to find work in the UK
You have the finances and accommodation to support yourself
What documents do you need for a UK Ancestry visa?
As part of your UK ancestry visa application process, you'll need to submit several supporting documents.
These typically include your passport or travel document, along with other paperwork that proves your British heritage and shows that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Depending on your situation, you might need to provide some or all of the following documents:
Your birth certificate
The birth certificate of your grandparent or family member your claim is based on
The marriage certificate for parents or grandparents who were married
Adoption papers if your claim is based on your adoption, or a family member’s
Proof you are planning to work in the UK, job offers, business plan
Bank statements to demonstrate you can support yourself financially or evidence of a promise from a family member to support you
Tuberculosis test results if from a listed country
Parental consent if the applicant is under the age of 18
When can I apply for a UK Ancestry visa?
The earliest you can apply is three months before you plan to travel to the UK.
How to apply for a UK Ancestry visa
You can apply for an ancestry visa online before you travel to the UK.
You will then need to book an appointment at a visa application center to prove your identity. There your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
You should be aware the visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while they’re processing your application.
How long does it take to get a UK Ancestry visa?
Typically, it takes about three weeks to receive a decision on your UK ancestry visa application.
However, depending on your circumstances you may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
How much does a UK Ancestry Visa cost?
To apply for a UK ancestry visa, you'll need to pay an application fee, which currently stands at £637. Depending on your location, you might be able to pay an extra fee to expedite your application. Additionally, you may be required to pay the healthcare surcharge upfront to access NHS healthcare while you're in the UK. This fee is calculated annually based on the length of your visa. When it comes to hiring a licensed solicitor to assist with your ancestry visa, the cost can vary depending on factors like the complexity of your case.
On average, you can expect fees ranging from £675 to £900. However, in some instances, it could go up to £1,078.