UK Ancestry Visa

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Overview 

The UK Ancestry Visa is designed for individuals from Commonwealth countries or British Overseas territories with a grandparent born in the UK, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK. This visa also permits the inclusion of dependent family members and is valid for an initial period of 5 years, post which the holder may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be at least 17 years old, citizens of a Commonwealth country or a British Overseas territory, and apply from outside the UK. A crucial requirement is having a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or, before 31st March 1922, in the present-day Republic of Ireland. The applicant must also intend to work in the UK and be financially self-sufficient.

Eligible Commonwealth Countries

The visa is open to citizens from a wide range of Commonwealth countries, including the countries listed below:

• 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
• Australia
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

Grandparent Eligibility 

Applicants need to demonstrate that they have a grandparent born in specified territories or on a British-registered vessel or aircraft. Adoption counts towards ancestry claims, but step-parents do not.

Financial Self-Sufficiency Requirement

While there's no fixed financial requirement, applicants must prove their ability to support themselves and any dependants without accessing public funds.

Bringing Dependents to the UK

The main applicant can include their partner and children under the age of 18 as dependents on their application.

Applying for a UK Ancestry Visa

The application process entails completing an online form, submitting the necessary supporting documents, paying applicable fees, and attending a biometric data appointment at a visa application center.

Necessary Documentation

Required documents include a current passport, full birth certificates of the applicant and their qualifying grandparent, and proof of intent to work in the UK. Financial evidence to support the applicant and their dependants in the UK is also needed.

Processing Time

Decisions are typically made within 3 weeks of application.

Visa Duration and Rights

Holders of the UK Ancestry Visa can work, study, and bring immediate family members to the UK, but cannot access public funds. The visa duration aligns with a 5-year stay, after which ILR may be sought.

Extension and ILR Pathway

Before the visa expires, holders can apply to extend their stay or pursue ILR after 5 years, subject to meeting continuous residence requirements and other conditions such as financial stability and intent to work in the UK.

Our team of expert immigration consultants is ready to assist with your visa application to ensure it meets all the necessary criteria for a successful outcome.