--- title: "UK Ancestry Visa" slug: "uk-ancestry-visa" date: 2024-03-30 modified: 2024-12-14 author: "First Last" description: "UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens with one UK-born grandparent to be eligible to live & work in the UK." canonical_url: https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/personal-immigration/uk-ancestry-visa/ source: https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/personal-immigration/uk-ancestry-visa/ focus_keyword: "UK Ancestry Visa" word_count: 2629 reading_time: "14 min read" schema_type: "WebPage" robots: "index, follow" lang: en-US --- # UK Ancestry Visa ## UK Ancestry Visa you may be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa If you are a citizen of one of 56 Commonwealth countries and have at least one grandparent who was born in the UK. If your application is successful, you will be able to work and study in the UK with minimal restrictions for up to five years. [Book Your Call](/contact) Learn More ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4786-677x1024.png) ![UK Ancestry Visa​](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rectangle-4788-5-2-740x1024.webp) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4787.png) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Group-1000011186.svg) Rated 5.0 on Google “Absolute Dream to Deal With” Dene Geary “They Handled Everything” Sylvette Jacobs “Professionalism at its Very Best” Jeff Grove UK ANCESTRY VISA OVERVIEW ## Understanding the UK Ancestry Visa ## Understanding the UK Ancestry Visa If you have British ancestry and are considering moving to the UK, the UK Ancestry Visa could be your pathway to doing so. Eligible Commonwealth citizens with at least one grandparent born in the UK can apply for this type of visa. Holders of the UK Ancestry Visa can also be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, upon fulfilling certain requirements. This enables them to become fully integrated members of British society, enjoy the privileges of UK residency, and potentially become British citizens. [Book Your Consultation](/book-your-consultation/) [+44 (0) 203 146 0900](tel:+4402031460900) [enquiries@rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk](mailto:enquiries@rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk) [Enquiry Form](/contact) ![Legal 500 Immigration lawyer in London](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/legal-500-2025.webp) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/88820700-8719-4e1e-9812-e905b4cb0788.png) ![Award-Winning London Immigration Lawyers](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1646283401492-1-2-2-1.png) - 5.0/5 Our clients rate us as excellent. We scored 5.0/5 ## Our Immigration Services - [UK Skilled Worker Visa](/personal-immigration/work-visas/uk-skilled-worker-visa/) - [UK Start-up and Innovator Visas](/personal-immigration/work-visas/start-up-innovator-visa/) - [Global Talent Visa](/personal-immigration/work-visas/global-talent-visa/) - [High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa](/personal-immigration/work-visas/high-potential-individual-visa/) - [Visas for Graduates of UK Universities](/personal-immigration/work-visas/graduate-visa/) - [Tier 1 Investor Visa Extensions and ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)](/personal-immigration/work-visas/investor-visa/) - [Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa Extensions](/personal-immigration/work-visas/entrepreneur-visa/) - [Parent or Adult Dependant Relative Visa](/personal-immigration/family-visas/parent-or-adult-dependant-relative/) - [Spouse or Civil Partner Visa UK](/personal-immigration/family-visas/partner-or-spouse/) - [Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa](/personal-immigration/family-visas/fiance/) - [Unmarried Partner Visa UK](/personal-immigration/family-visas/unmarried-partner/) - [Family Member of PBS Migrant Visa](/personal-immigration/family-visas/family-member-of-pbs-migrant/) ## How Can Rove Legal Help ## How Can Rove Legal Help At Rove Legal, our team of immigration law experts can help you to navigate the complex process of preparing your application and submitting it to UKVI. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Line-28.svg) ### A Truly Bespoke Support We will help you to gather all the required supporting documents to ensure your application is submitted fully and accurately, giving you the best chance for success. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Line-28.svg) ### Proactive Advice If your application is unfortunately denied, we can advise you on the merits of requesting an Administrative Review from UKVI, or whether a new application would be more suitable to your circumstances. There is no right of appeal for Ancestry visa refusals. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Line-28.svg) ### Expert Lawyers If your Ancestry visa expiry date is approaching, we can help you to apply for an extension for a further five years. If you have already completed five years’ continuous residence in the UK, we can instead advise you on your eligibility for ILR. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ## Eligibility Criteria for UK Ancestry Visa ## Eligibility Criteria for UK Ancestry Visa Securing a UK Ancestry Visa is a multi-step process that requires meeting certain visa requirements. To qualify for the UK Ancestry visa, you must be at least 17 years old and belong to one of the following categories: Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas), or citizen of Zimbabwe. You must also have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. However, to meet the specific criteria for the visa, you must show that you have the intention and ability to work in the UK. Sponsor Licences are integral to UK businesses for sourcing talent globally, especially across sectors like Healthcare, Hospitality, Construction, Telecoms, IT, and Media. The process to secure such a licence is stringent, and keeping it active necessitates strict regulatory compliance. [Book Your Call](/contact) ![UK Ancestry Visa](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rectangle-4780-634x1024.webp) List of Eligible Commonwealth Countries If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you meet the initial requirement for being eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa. The list of eligible countries includes: **Africa:**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, Zimbabwe. **Asia:** Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka. **Canada** **Caribbean:**Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago **Europe:**Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom **Oceania:**Pacific, Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu Grandparent's Birthplace Requirements To be eligible for this visa, at least one of your grandparents must have been born: - In the United Kingdom, which includes the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man - In what is now called The Republic of Ireland, before 31 March 1922 - on a British-registered ship or aircraft. If your parent was adopted or if your parents or grandparents were unmarried, you may be still eligible for UK ancestry. It is crucial, however, to include evidence of legal adoption within the application. Note that ancestry claims cannot be made through step-parents. Financial Self-Sufficiency Prospective applicants for the UK Ancestry Visa should anticipate the need for financial independence and readiness to work in the UK. Key requirements include: - There are no minimum financial requirements. However, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family without reliance on public funds. - To support your application, you can provide bank statements or a reliable sponsorship letter from a friend or family member in the UK. Failing to demonstrate sufficient financial resources can lead to the refusal of your UK Ancestry Visa. ![ancestry visa uk](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rectangle-4781-790x1024.webp) APPLICATION PROCESS ## Application Process for UK Ancestry Visa ## Application Process for UK Ancestry Visa To apply for a UK visa, you need to complete an online form provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which is a department of the Home Office responsible for handling visa applications in the UK. It’s worth noting you cannot switch to Ancestry Visa while in the country of a different visa. Additionally, you’ll need to be outside the UK to be able to apply. During the application, you’ll be asked to provide your identity and nationality documentation. Typically, this involves visiting a visa application centre (VAC) to have your photo and fingerprints taken. Supporting Documents To start the application process, you need to collect all the necessary documents and seek proper guidance. These include full birth certificates for you and the ancestors through whom ancestry is claimed, and if applicable, marriage certificates. In cases of adoption, legal adoption papers must be provided to prove the lineage through the adopted parent or if you are adopted. Additionally, you’ll need to prepare your current passport or another suitable travel document, evidence of plans to work in the UK, evidence to support dependants, and your marriage certificate or civil partnership document, if applicable. Each document serves as a stepping stone towards a successful visa application. In addition to these, it’s essential to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. You can demonstrate this by providing valid bank statements, reliable offers of financial assistance, or a practical budget proposal. If there have been name changes for parents or grandparents since birth, official documents like marriage certificates or deed polls are needed to trace the lineage accurately. Furthermore, if you’re from certain countries, your tuberculosis (TB) test results are also required as part of the health and safety regulations for entering the UK. Application Fees and Additional Costs The application fee for the British Ancestor visa is now £637. In addition, applicants must also pay a healthcare surcharge to gain the right to access NHS. A biometric residence permit (BRP) fee of £19.20 is also required. If you need your UK Ancestry Visa to be processed faster, you have two options to choose from. You can pay extra for either the priority service or the super-priority service. The priority service guarantees a decision within 5 working days, while the super-priority service ensures a decision by the end of the next working day. Processing Time and Decision In most cases, the UK Ancestry Visa application processing time is about 3 weeks from the moment of submitting your biometric enrollment. RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ## Rights and Restrictions of UK Ancestry Visa Holders ## Rights and Restrictions of UK Ancestry Visa Holders If you possess a UK Ancestry Visa, you have the freedom to work in the UK without any limitations on the nature of your job, be it full-time or part-time. Bear in mind that UK Ancestry Visa holders are not permitted to access public funds. Therefore, maintaining financial stability through your own means or through employment is crucial for upholding your visa status. ![ancestry visa uk application guide](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rectangle-4905-_1_-1024x1024.webp) ## Dependants and Family Members ## Dependants and Family Members A dependant is defined as your partner (spouse, civil or unmarried partner) or your child under the age of 18. Dependants must apply for a UK visa online from outside the UK, provide biometric information, and potentially pay an additional fee for a faster decision on their application. To bring your dependents to the UK, it is necessary for you, as the primary visa holder, to demonstrate that you can provide financial support and accommodation for them without relying on public funds. Additionally, evidence of your relationship with your dependents is required. ![Sponsor Licence​ Renewal](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rectangle-4905-1024x1024.webp) EXTENDING AND RENEWING ## Extending and Renewing the UK Ancestry Visa ## Extending and Renewing the UK Ancestry Visa The UK Ancestry Visa can be extended indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. If you wish to stay beyond the initial 5-year period but are not yet ready or qualified to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can still extend your visa. To do so, you must apply online before your existing visa expires and include any dependent family members who are also applying. At the moment, the fee for extending an Ancestry visa is £1,048, which includes the NHS healthcare surcharge. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4772.jpg) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4773.jpg) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4774.jpg) Our Process ## 3 Easy Steps to Your Visa ## 3 Easy Steps to Your Visa Say goodbye to complicated immigration applications and endless documentation. Our senior partners are ready to make the process smooth and easy for you! After holding ILR for 12 months, applicants can apply for British citizenship. This step requires a demonstration of continued UK residence and adherence to all legal and financial obligations. 1. Contact us to book your complimentary consultation Fill in our [contact form](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/contact/) with a brief overview of your situation and we will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our immigration law experts. 2. We’ll review your case and provide a quotation During your free consultation, we will provide guidance on how we can support you with your immigration needs. Once we have assessed your current situation and objectives, we will advise on the best course of action. 3. Leave the complex legal matters to us Once you have approved the quote, we will supply you with our full terms of business. After the terms have been agreed to, we will work closely with you (or on your behalf where appropriate) to achieve your immediate and long-term UK immigration goals. PATHWAY TO ILR ## Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship ## Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship Ancestry Visa holders are eligible to apply for IRL after five years of residency in the UK. The key prerequisites are: Applicants must have resided in the UK continuously for the preceding five years and should not have spent more than 180 days outside the country in any given year. Proof of consistent employment or self-employment over a five-year period is required. Applicants must pass both an English language test and Life in the UK test. Applicants must provide additional evidence, such as birth and marriage certificates, to prove their eligibility. Applicants must provide additional evidence, such as birth and marriage certificates, to prove their eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate that they can appropriately accommodate themselves and any dependents and produce a complete financial evaluation confirming that their income matches the required level after all deductions. ## Success Stories ## Success Stories Sorry, your ID is maybe not correct (If you did not place any ID that means auto-detect does not work.). And please make sure that your selected element is developed with Swiper. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rectangle-78-4-1024x572.webp) ### Facilitating Global Talent Acquisition for an American EV Automotive Company Sponsor licence application to support the sponsorship of key sales staff in the UK. [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/american-ev-automotive-company/) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4910-1024x572.webp) ### Immigration Guidance for a US Law Firm’s UK Expansion Advised a US law firm with over 1000 staff on immigration queries for their UK... [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/us-based-law-firm/) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-78-min-1024x572.jpg) ### Sponsor Licence Application for UK CEO and Specialists in Renewable Energy Project The business had a contract for a renewable energy project in the UK and used... [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/renewable-energy-project/) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-78-1-1-1024x572.webp) ### Global Recruitment Support For One of the Largest Vertical Farming Units in The World Sponsor Licence application needed as part of international recruitment strategy. [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/tier-1-investment-visa-advice/) ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-78-2-1-1024x572.webp) ### Eurazeo Expands in UK with Sponsor Licence & Global Mobility Numerous Global Mobility applications made for workers transferred from overseas offices [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/european-private-equity-firm/) ![FCA regulated Bank](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rectangle-4910-1-1-1024x572.webp) ### FCA Regulated Tejara Bank Secures Sponsor Licences for Senior Leadership and Key Workers Additional licence applications for companies invested in to support recruitment of key [Read more](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/case-study/fca-regulated-investment-bank/) [View all Case Studies](/case-studies/) ## Our Testimonials ## Our Testimonials ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) This firm can only be described as excellent. Their knowledge of immigration law is second to none. The fast efficient way that they deal with situations is first-class professionalism at its very best. Once you have used Jay and his team you will never use anyone else. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) Jay Moghal of Rove Legal is extremely professional and has deep and impressive knowledge of all aspects of immigration law and procedure. He is creative and a great communicator, fierce and energising, encouraging the pursuit of his clients’ cases with impeccable judgement. I would not hesitate to recommend Jay. His knowledge and professionalism shines through in every event. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) Jay and his team assisted with switching over from a student BRP to a spousal one. All I had to do was show up to my appointment and take my fingerprints/photos. They handled the rest! What a dream. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) Rove Legal were an absolute dream to deal with. Jay Moghal was our appointed lawyer and he was excellent to deal with. He ensured we submitted all of the required documents and when our application was delayed with COVID challenges he chased the UK Government to expedite the issue and ensure a successful outcome. Highly recommend Rove Legal and Jay to anyone who needs immigration to support. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) Highly recommended. Jay is a thorough professional, who reviewed the case in depth, looked after all the aspects and his suggestions on what I should submit with the case were spot on. I don’t think my case would have been accepted without his help. ![](https://rovedev.republicmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/quotes.jpg) I had a very good experience with Mr Jay Moghal. I faced a couple of problems and appreciate his professionalism and transparency to deal with my issues and solve the problem. I highly recommend him. YOU MAY WONDER... ## Frequently Asked Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions How long can I leave the UK on an Ancestry visa? You can leave the UK for no more than 180 days in any 12-month period to be eligible for indefinite leave to remain on an Ancestry visa. Can you get married in the UK on an Ancestry visa? Yes, you can get married in the UK on an Ancestry visa, but it won’t change the immigration status and you cannot sponsor a spouse visa until you have completed five years on your ancestry visa. What is the ancestry spousal visa in the UK? The Ancestry Dependant visa permits the spouse and children who are dependant on an Ancestry Visa holder to reside in or come to the UK. Can dependants accompany UK Ancestry Visa holders to the UK? Yes, spouses, civil or unmarried partners, and dependent children under 18 can accompany a UK Ancestry Visa holder to the UK.