Ancestry Visa

ANCESTRY VISA

  1. What is a UK Ancestry Visa?

The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK to live and work in the UK. This visa is valid for 5 years and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It can only be applied for from outside the UK.

  1. What are the requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa?

To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You are a Commonwealth citizen.
  • You are 17 years old or over on your intended date of arrival in the UK.
  • You can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK (including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland before 31 March 1922).
  • The grandparent is your biological grandparent or a grandparent by adoption recognised under UK law.
  • You can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants.
  • You are able and intend to work or seek employment in the UK.
  • You have provided a Tuberculosis (TB) certificate, if required.
  1. How do I prove my UK ancestry?

To demonstrate UK Ancestry, you need to show that one of your grandparents was:

  • Born in the UK, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or in the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922, or
  • Born on a British-registered ship or aircraft.

Your grandparent’s birth certificate and documents proving your family relationship will be required.

  1. Can I claim UK Ancestry through adoption or if born outside marriage?

Yes, you can claim UK Ancestry if your grandparent is either:

  • Your biological grandparent, or
  • A grandparent by adoption recognised under UK law.

You can also claim UK Ancestry if you or your parent were born outside of marriage. However, step-parents cannot pass on UK Ancestry.

  1. What is the UK Ancestry visa work requirement?

You do not need to be working when you apply, but you must prove that you can work and intend to seek or take employment in the UK. A job offer or proof that you are actively looking for work can support your application. Factors like your age and health will be considered to assess your employment prospects.

  1. Can I apply for a UK Ancestry Visa while in the UK?

No, you must apply for a UK Ancestry Visa from outside the UK. It is not possible to switch into this category if you are already in the UK under another visa.

  1. What is the processing time for a UK Ancestry Visa?

You can apply for the UK Ancestry Visa 3 months before your intended travel date. You should typically receive a decision within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.

  1. What are the conditions of stay on a UK Ancestry Visa?

If granted a UK Ancestry Visa, you can:

  • Work in any job or become self-employed.
  • Study in the UK.
  • Bring your dependants (spouse, children) to the UK.

There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, so you can work in paid employment, set up your own business, or do both.

  1. Can I get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) with a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes, after 5 years of living in the UK on a UK Ancestry Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify for ILR, you must:

  • Prove you have been working or genuinely seeking work during your 5 years of residency.
  • Show you have not spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5 years.
  • Meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements.
  1. How do I maintain and accommodate myself while on a UK Ancestry Visa?

You must provide evidence that you can financially support yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds. This can include:

  • Savings or proof of funds.
  • Employment offers or evidence of job seeking.
  1. How much does the Ancestry Visa cost?

The current application fee for this visa is £637. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1035 per year of your stay in the UK.

  1. What documents are required for a UK Ancestry Visa application?

When applying for a UK Ancestry Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Valid passport and any previous passports.
  • Proof of UK ancestry, including your grandparent’s birth certificate and documents showing your relationship.
  • Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, savings).
  • Job offer or evidence of job seeking (if applicable).
  • Accommodation details (where you will stay in the UK).
  • TB test results (if required).
  • Biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
  1. Can I bring my family to the UK on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes, you can bring your spouse, partner, and children (under 18) to the UK as dependants on your UK Ancestry Visa. They will be allowed to live and work in the UK during your stay.

  1. How can Kaya Legal help with your UK Ancestry Visa application?

At Kaya Legal, our immigration barristers can help you with:

  • Assessing your eligibility for a UK Ancestry Visa.
  • Gathering the necessary documents to prove your ancestry and satisfy UKVI requirements.
  • Preparing and submitting a strong visa application to avoid delays or refusals.
  • Guiding you through the process of transitioning from a UK Ancestry Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

We specialise in helping clients with complex visa requirements, ensuring that your application is clear, complete, and successful.