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Ancestry Visa

Immigration lawyers supporting you application for an ancestry visa.

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If you need legal advice around family or immigration law, get in touch with our team of solicitors. 

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Ancestry Visa Experts

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:

  • A Commonwealth citizen
  • A British overseas citizen
  • A British overseas territories citizen
  • A British national (overseas)
  • A citizen of Zimbabwe

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.

Table of Contents

UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility

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:

General Eligibility Criteria

You must be able to demonstrate that you:

  • Are 17 years of age or older
  • Have sufficient funds to support and house yourself and any dependants without relying on public funds
  • Are able and intend to work in the UK, whether through employment or self-employment

Proving Your UK Ancestry

You must show that one of your grandparents was born under the following conditions:

  • In the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
  • In Ireland (before 31 March 1922)
  • On a ship or aircraft that was registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

Adoption and Marriage

You can claim UK ancestry if:

  • You or your parent were adopted
  • Your parents or grandparents were not married at the time of your birth

However, you cannot claim UK ancestry through a step-parent.

Next Steps

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.

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Ancestry Visa Guidance

At UKVS Solicitors, 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, UKVS Solicitors 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.

Application Timeline

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.

Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

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.

Duration of Stay

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:

  • Extend your visa for an additional 5 years
  • Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and settle permanently in the UK

What You Can Do on a UK Ancestry Visa

The visa provides you with the freedom to:

  • Work (paid, voluntary, full-time, part-time, self-employed, or as an employee)
  • Study in the UK
  • Bring your partner and children to join you

Restrictions on the UK Ancestry Visa

However, there are certain restrictions. With a UK Ancestry Visa, you cannot:

  • Switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK
  • Access public funds or benefits

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.

Partner & Children

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:

  • Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or long-term partner)
  • A child under 18
  • A child over 18 who was previously listed as a dependant on your or your partner’s visa

When applying, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship.

Your Partner

You must prove one of the following:

  • You are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognised in the UK
  • You have been living together for at least 2 years
  • You have been in a relationship for at least 2 years but are unable to live together due to work, study, or cultural reasons

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

Your child must:

  • Live with you (unless in full-time education at a boarding school, university, or college)
  • Be unmarried, not in a civil partnership, and have no children of their own
  • Be financially supported by you without relying on public funds
Ancestry Visa Guidance | UKVS Solicitors

Apply from Outside the UK

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.

Apply from Inside the UK (Extend or Switch Visa)

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.

Get Legal Support

If you would like more advice or to discuss your legal matter with one of our solicitors, you can contact our team on 0161 843 9000 or complete our enquiry form at the top of the page.

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  • Email:
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