The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens and certain other nationalities with ancestral ties to the UK to live and work in the UK. You may be eligible to apply if you are:
To qualify, you must prove that at least one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, and you must meet other eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must meet specific criteria regarding your age, financial situation, employment plans, and ancestral ties to the UK. Below is an overview of the essential requirements:
You must be able to demonstrate that you:
Need support with your visa application call us on 051-8485550 or enquire online to book your advice session with one of Ascent Immigration lawyers.
You must show that one of your grandparents was born under the following conditions:
You can claim UK ancestry if:
However, you cannot claim UK ancestry through a step-parent.
If you meet these criteria, you could be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa. To discuss your eligibility and get expert assistance with the application process, contact us today.
At Ascent Immigration, we provide expert assistance for those applying for a UK Ancestry Visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers guide you through every step, from verifying your eligibility to preparing your application and ensuring all required documents are in order. We ensure that your application aligns with the Home Office’s strict requirements, enhancing your chances of approval.
If your Ancestry Visa application is refused, we will help you understand the reasons for the rejection and advise you on the best course of action, including potential appeals or reapplications. Our tailored support addresses any issues that may arise, ensuring your case is handled with precision and care.
Once your UK Ancestry Visa is approved, Ascent Immigration will continue to provide ongoing advice to assist with your journey, including options for extending your visa or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. With our professional guidance, you can navigate the complexities of the Ancestry Visa process with confidence.
You can apply for a UK Ancestry Visa up to 3 months before your intended travel date. If applying from outside the UK, a decision is typically made within 3 weeks. In some cases, you may pay extra for a faster decision.
The Visa costs £637. Additionally, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Be sure to check how much you need to pay for the healthcare surcharge before applying.
The UK Ancestry Visa grants you permission to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. After this period, you have the option to either:
The visa provides you with the freedom to:
However, there are certain restrictions. With a UK Ancestry Visa, you cannot:
For those who meet the eligibility criteria, the UK Ancestry Visa is a pathway to live and work in the UK, with the possibility of long-term settlement. Contact us today for expert guidance and assistance with your UK visa application.
Your partner and children can apply to join you in the UK as your dependents if they meet the eligibility criteria.
A dependant can be:
When applying, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship.
You must prove one of the following:
If you aren’t living together, you’ll need to show that your relationship is ongoing, with evidence such as regular communication, financial support, or shared time together, like holidays.
Your child must:
Your partner or child must apply online. They will need to provide their fingerprints and photo (biometric information) at a visa application centre. In some cases, they may be able to pay for a faster decision.
Your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visa at any time before it expires, or at the same time as you. This includes children who have turned 18 during your stay.
However, they cannot switch if they are currently in the UK under certain visa types, such as visitor visas, short-term study, or seasonal worker visas. In those cases, they must leave the UK and apply from abroad.
If your partner or child is on a Student visa, they can only switch if they have completed their course or have been studying for a PhD for at least 24 months.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Ascent Immigration before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers – Your UK Immigration Queries Simplified!
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens and certain other nationalities with ancestral ties to the UK to live and work in the country. You may be eligible if you’re a Commonwealth citizen, a British overseas citizen or national (including British Overseas Territories citizens and British Nationals (Overseas)), or a citizen of Zimbabwe, and you can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man (or in Ireland before 31 March 1922).
To qualify, you must be 17 years or older, have sufficient funds to support yourself (and any dependents) without relying on public funds, and demonstrate that you intend and are able to work in the UK—either as an employee or self-employed. In addition, you must prove your ancestral connection by providing evidence of your grandparent’s birth in an eligible territory.
The UK Ancestry Visa is typically granted for up to 5 years. After this period, you have the option to extend your visa for another 5 years or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to settle permanently in the UK, provided you meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
Yes, your partner and children can apply as your dependents. Your partner may be your spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner (with evidence of a relationship of at least 2 years). For children, they can be dependents if they are under 18, or over 18 if they were previously registered as dependents on your or your partner’s visa. You will need to provide sufficient evidence of your relationship (such as marriage or cohabitation documents) and demonstrate that they can be supported financially without relying on public funds.
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