The UK Ancestry Visa is a work route for eligible Commonwealth citizens with a qualifying UK-born grandparent. It gives broad work rights and can be attractive for employers because it does not require sponsor licence sponsorship.
Officially called the UK Ancestry visa on GOV.UK.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
A UK Ancestry Visa is for eligible Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over who can prove a qualifying grandparent connection and intend to work in the UK. The application fee is £726, permission lasts 5 years, and the usual outside-UK decision time is 3 weeks.
£726
Application fee
5 years
Length of stay
3 weeks
Typical decision
What is the Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa allows eligible Commonwealth citizens to live and work in the UK where they can prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland, or on a qualifying UK ship or aircraft.
The route does not require a UK sponsor licence or Certificate of Sponsorship. That makes it commercially useful where an employer wants to hire someone who independently qualifies through ancestry.
The visa is granted for 5 years and is a route to settlement. After 5 years, the applicant may be able to apply to extend for a further 5 years or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Ancestry Visa.
📄
Commonwealth Citizenship
The applicant must be a Commonwealth citizen and be aged 17 or over. Nationality evidence and identity documents are essential.
💼
Qualifying Grandparent
The applicant must prove a qualifying grandparent birth connection. GOV.UK confirms ancestry can be claimed through adoption or unmarried parents, but not through step-parents.
£
Work and Support Funds
The applicant must be able and planning to work in the UK and must have enough money to support and house themselves and any dependants without public funds.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Ancestry Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work in employment or self-employment without a sponsor licence.
- Study in the UK while holding ancestry permission.
- Bring eligible partner and children as dependants.
- Apply for settlement after 5 years if requirements are met.
- Extend for a further 5 years instead of applying for settlement.
✗ You Cannot
- Switch into this route inside the UK from another visa.
- Claim public funds while on the route.
- Qualify through step-grandparents under the ancestry rules.
- Apply without intending to work in the UK.
- Rely on unsupported family history without birth and relationship evidence.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £726 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Usually £1,035/year |
| Length of visa | 5 years |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
| Dependants | Fee applies per person |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Ancestry Eligibility
Check Commonwealth citizenship, age, grandparent birthplace and ability/intention to work in the UK.
Gather Civil Documents
Prepare passport, full birth certificate and birth or marriage documents proving the family link to the grandparent.
Prepare Funds and Work Evidence
Show that you can support yourself and intend to work in the UK.
Apply from Outside the UK
Submit the online UK Ancestry application and pay the fee and IHS.
Receive Your Decision
UK Ancestry applications outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks.
Speak to Our Team Today
Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your case
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Ancestry Visa from employers and applicants.
What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
A UK Ancestry Visa lets eligible Commonwealth citizens live and work in the UK if they can prove a qualifying grandparent connection. It is granted for 5 years and can lead to settlement.
How much does a UK Ancestry Visa cost?
The GOV.UK fee for a UK Ancestry Visa is £726. The Immigration Health Surcharge is usually payable in addition.
How long does a UK Ancestry Visa last?
The visa lasts 5 years. After 5 years, the applicant may be able to extend for another 5 years or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Who qualifies for a UK Ancestry Visa?
The applicant must be a Commonwealth citizen, aged 17 or over, able to support themselves, able and planning to work in the UK, and have a qualifying grandparent connection.
Can I work on an Ancestry Visa?
Yes. The route allows paid work, voluntary work, full-time work, part-time work, employment and self-employment.
Do employers need a sponsor licence for Ancestry Visa holders?
No. Ancestry Visa holders do not need sponsorship under this route, which can make recruitment simpler for UK employers.
Can I bring my partner and children?
Yes, eligible dependants can apply under the UK Ancestry route. Each dependant must meet the relevant rules and pay any required fees.
Can I switch into the UK Ancestry route from another visa?
No. GOV.UK states you cannot switch into this visa if you came to the UK on a different visa.
Does the UK Ancestry Visa lead to ILR?
Yes. UK Ancestry is a route to settlement and applicants may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
How long does a UK Ancestry Visa decision take?
GOV.UK says you should usually get a decision within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.
Need Help With Your Ancestry Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.