What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens, British Overseas citizens, and certain nationals with a grandparent born in the UK (or the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) to live, work, and study in the UK. Holders can bring their dependent family members. The visa is initially granted for five years, after which holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent settlement.
UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Be a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, a British national (overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe.
- Apply from outside the UK.
- Provide proof that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
- Plan to work in the UK.
- Have sufficient funds to support and house yourself and your dependents without accessing public funds.
Commonwealth Countries
Eligible countries include Botswana, Kenya, India, Canada, Australia, and others across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific. Contact us for the complete list of eligible countries.
UK Ancestry Grandparent Requirement
You must prove at least one grandparent was born:
- In the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, or on a British-registered aircraft or ship.
- In what is now the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922.
Applicants may claim ancestry through adoption but not through step-grandparents. Legal adoption papers must be included in such cases.
Financial Requirement
There is no specific amount of funds required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient resources to support themselves and any dependents in the UK without relying on public funds.
Dependants of a UK Ancestry Visa Holder
Dependents include partners and children under 18. Separate applications are required for dependents, allowing them to join the main applicant in the UK.
How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
- Complete the online application form up to three months before traveling to the UK.
- Submit required supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee, NHS healthcare surcharge, and biometric residence permit (BRP) fee.
- Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometrics.
- Receive a decision within three weeks.
Required Documents
Documents may include:
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Full birth certificates for yourself and the parent/grandparent linking your ancestry.
- Evidence of intent to work in the UK (e.g., job offer or business plan).
- Financial proof, such as a recent bank statement.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates (if applicable).
- Adoption papers (if applicable).
- TB test certificate (if required for your country).
UK Ancestry Visa Costs
The application fee is £531, plus an NHS healthcare surcharge and a BRP fee of £19.20.
Updated NHS Healthcare Surcharge
- £1,035 per year for adults.
- £776 per year for children under 18.
Priority Processing
Applicants can opt for:
- Priority service (£500 for a decision within five working days).
- Super-priority service (£800 for a decision the next working day).
Permitted and Prohibited Activities
You can:
- Work freely in the UK.
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- Bring eligible dependents.
You cannot:
- Switch to this visa if already in the UK.
- Access public funds.
Time Spent Outside the UK
If applying for ILR, you must prove continuous residence in the UK for five years, with no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
Extending a UK Ancestry Visa
If you do not qualify for ILR after five years, you can extend your visa. The fee for extension is £1,048, plus the NHS healthcare surcharge.
From UK Ancestry Visa to British Citizenship
After obtaining ILR, you may apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Declined Applications
Applications may be refused for reasons such as insufficient evidence, unspent criminal convictions, or non-payment of fees. Options include administrative review, reapplication, or applying for a different visa.
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