UK Ancestry Visa
What is UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa is for Commonwealth citizens or British Overseas citizens/nationals who can trace their ancestry back to a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. This visa allows the holder to live, work, and study in the UK. After an initial 5-year stay, holders of the UK Ancestry Visa can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows them to settle permanently in the UK.
UK Ancestry Visa eligibility requirements
To qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Be 17 years of age or older
Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe.
Apply from outside the UK
Provide evidence that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
Have the intention to work in the UK
Demonstrate that you possess sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds
Commonwealth countries include:
Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and many more.
To qualify, your grandparent must have:
Been born in the UK, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands.
Been born on a British-registered aircraft or ship.
Been born in what is now the Republic of Ireland before March 31, 1922.
Adopted Children: If you or your parents are adopted, you may still apply, but you must provide legal adoption evidence. However, you cannot apply through step-parents.
What You Can Do with a UK Ancestry Visa:
Work in any role and for any employer in the UK.
Study in the UK.
What You Cannot Do:
Switch to this visa if you are already in the UK on another visa.
Access public funds such as welfare benefits.
Botswana
Cameroon
Gambia
Ghana
Kenya
Kingdom of Eswatini
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Rwanda
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Uganda
United Republic of Tanzania
Zambia
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
India
Malaysia
Maldives
Pakistan
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
Saint Lucia
St Kitts and Nevis
St Vincent and The Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Cyprus
Malta
United Kingdom
Pacific
Australia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Can You Bring Dependents? Yes, you can bring eligible family members, such as a spouse or partner and children under 18, as dependents on your UK Ancestry Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you be out of the UK on an Ancestry Visa?
To be eligible for ILR after 5 years on the UK Ancestry Visa, you must not be absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any year. Prolonged absences could affect your application.
Can the UK Ancestry Visa be extended?
Yes, you can extend your Ancestry Visa after 5 years. Extensions can be made as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for ILR or British Citizenship?
After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after an additional 12 months, provided you meet all requirements (including language proficiency and the Knowledge of Life in the UK test).
What if My UK Ancestry Visa Application is Refused?
If your application is refused, you can apply for an administrative review if there was an error or make a new application. Consulting an immigration lawyer, such as those at Push Legal Services, can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of success.
For further assistance with your UK Ancestry Visa application, contact us at 0333 0124 253 or via our online enquiry form. Let our expert team guide you through the process and maximize your chances of success.
For further assistance with your UK Ancestry Visa application, contact us at 0333 0124 253 or via our online enquiry form. Let our expert team guide you through the process and maximize your chances of success.