The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man to live and work in the UK. If your application for this visa gets rejected, it can be frustrating. In this article, we’ll go over the most common reasons UK Ancestry Visa applications are refused and what you can do to fix them.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa?
This visa lets you live and work in the UK for up to 5 years if you can prove you have a grandparent born in one of these places:
- The UK
- Channel Islands
- Isle of Man
- The Republic of Ireland (if born before 31st March 1922)
After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK without visa restrictions.
Common Reasons for UK Ancestry Visa Rejections
- Not Proving You’re Actively Looking for a Job To qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa, you must show that you will work in the UK. Many applications are rejected because the applicant doesn’t provide enough proof that they are actively looking for a job.
What to Do:- Include emails from recruiters or job offers showing you are planning to work in the UK.
- If you plan to be self-employed, include a business plan and contact details of potential clients or suppliers.
- Attach your CV and any qualifications that show you are ready to work.
- Unable to Find Your Grandparent’s Birth Certificate One of the key documents needed for the visa application is your grandparent’s birth certificate to prove they were born in the UK or its territories. If you can’t find this document, it can lead to a rejection.
What to Do:- If you can’t find the birth certificate, seek help from an immigration lawyer. They can help you locate the certificate and advise you on alternative documents you can submit.
- Not Having Enough Funds to Support Yourself The UK Ancestry Visa requires you to show that you have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds. This means having the necessary funds in your bank account for at least 90 days before applying. You also need to pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, which can be expensive.
What to Do:- Ensure you have the required funds in your account for at least 90 days.
- You can also ask a family member or friend to sponsor you and provide a letter saying they will help you financially.
- The visa application fee is £610 per person, and the Immigration Health Surcharge costs £624 per person per year.
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected
If your UK Ancestry Visa application is rejected, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult an immigration lawyer to understand why your application was refused and how you can fix it. They can help you reapply with the correct documents.
- Reapply Correctly: After identifying the reason for rejection, gather the required documents and resubmit your application with the necessary changes.
Applying for Settlement
After holding your UK Ancestry Visa for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is a major step toward settling permanently in the UK. It’s important to get professional legal advice before applying for ILR to ensure there are no mistakes on your application.
The UK Ancestry Visa offers a great chance for eligible Commonwealth citizens to live, work, and eventually settle in the UK. If your application is denied, the best solution is to seek professional help to guide you through the process.
For expert advice on your UK Ancestry Visa application, contact Law and Visas. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of success.
