UK Ancestry Visa allows eligible Commonwealth citizens and others with ancestral links to the United Kingdom to live, work and study in the UK. It recognises a person’s heritage and offers a clear route towards long-term residence and settlement. Applicants must be able to prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Who Can Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?
To qualify for this visa, applicants must fall within one of the following categories:
- Commonwealth citizen
- British overseas citizen
- British overseas territories citizen
- British national (overseas)
- Citizen of Zimbabwe
In addition, the applicant must be at least 17 years of age, have sufficient funds to support and accommodate themselves and any dependants without using public funds and be able and willing to work in the UK.
How Can You Prove Your UK Ancestry?
Applicants must demonstrate that one of their grandparents was born under one of the following circumstances:
- In the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
- Before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland
- On a ship or aircraft registered in the UK or owned by the UK government
It is also possible to claim ancestry if the applicant or their parent was adopted, or if the parents or grandparents were not married. However, ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
You can apply for this visa up to three months before travelling to the UK. A decision is usually made within three weeks if the application is submitted from outside the UK. Applicants who require a quicker outcome may pay for a priority or faster decision service, if available.
The visa permits residence in the UK for five years. At the end of that period, holders may either apply to extend their visa or to settle permanently by applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
What Are the Fees and Additional Costs?
The fee for applying from outside the UK is £682 per person. When extending or renewing the visa from within the UK, the application fee increases to £1,321 per person.
Applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the process. Biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, must be provided at an appointment and supporting documentation should be submitted either online or during that appointment.
What Rights Does the UK Ancestry Visa Provide?
Holders of the UK Ancestry Visa enjoy considerable flexibility. They can work in any capacity, whether full-time, part-time, paid, unpaid, self-employed, or voluntary. They may also study at any educational institution of their choice. Additionally, they are permitted to bring their partner and children to live with them in the UK, provided those dependants meet the eligibility criteria.
What Restrictions Apply to This Visa?
Applicants cannot switch into this visa category if they are already in the UK on a different type of visa. Holders of the Ancestry Visa are also not entitled to access public funds or state benefits.
Can Your Family Join You in the UK?
Yes, your partner and children can apply to join or remain with you in the UK as dependants, provided they are eligible. Dependants include your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner, as well as any child under 18, or a child aged 18 or over who was previously included on your or your partner’s visa. You must provide satisfactory evidence of your relationship when submitting the application.
How Can a Partner Qualify as a Dependant?
A partner may qualify if you can prove one of the following:
- You are married or in a civil partnership recognised in the UK.
- You have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
- You have been in a relationship for at least two years but cannot live together for valid reasons, such as work, study, or cultural restrictions.
If you are living apart, you must show that your relationship is genuine and continuing, such as by providing evidence of regular communication, financial support, shared childcare, or time spent together as a couple.
What Are the Requirements for Children Applying as Dependants?
A child must live with you, unless they are in full-time education at boarding school, college, or university. They must not be married, in a civil partnership, or have children of their own. They must also be supported financially without relying on public funds.
Children born in the UK during your stay do not automatically become British citizens. If you wish for your child to remain in the UK, you must apply for their dependant visa before they reach the age of 18.
How Do You Apply for the UK Ancestry Visa?
Applying from Outside the UK
Applications must be submitted online before travelling. As part of the process, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric information. The centre may retain your passport and supporting documents while the application is processed.
Extending or Switching Your Visa
You can apply to extend your visa for another five years as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend it.
Your partner and children must apply separately to extend their own visas, as their status does not automatically update when yours is renewed.
If your family members are in the UK on certain other visas, such as a visitor, short-term study, or seasonal worker visa, they cannot switch to the Ancestry route from within the UK and must apply from abroad instead.
When Can You Apply for Settlement?
After five continuous years in the UK on an Ancestry Visa, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This grants permanent residency, allowing you to live, work and study in the UK without further immigration restrictions. Dependants may also apply for ILR after completing five years of residence.
What Are the Key Advantages and Limitations of This Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa offers extensive rights, including the freedom to work in almost any capacity, pursue education and bring eligible family members to the UK. It also provides a clear path to permanent settlement after five years. However, holders are not permitted to claim public funds or switch into this visa from another category while in the UK.
Why Choose the UK Ancestry Visa?
UK Ancestry Visa is an exceptional route for individuals with British heritage who wish to reconnect with their roots while building a life in the United Kingdom. By maintaining lawful residence, demonstrating continued employment or study and meeting all eligibility criteria, applicants can secure permanent settlement and establish a long-term future in the UK.
Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and timely application are essential to ensure a smooth and successful process. At Morgan Smith Immigration, we specialise in guiding clients through every stage of the UK Visa process. From preparing your evidence to submitting your application, our experienced immigration advisers ensure your case is handled with precision and care. Contact us today at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected], to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards building your future in the United Kingdom.
