If you have UK ancestry, you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa, a great option for Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, and citizens of Zimbabwe who want to live, work, and study in the UK. This visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years, and after that, you can apply for permanent settlement (ILR). Here’s everything you need to know about the UK Ancestry Visa, including the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the benefits.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa allows individuals with UK ancestry to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. To qualify, you must prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Ireland before 1922, or on a UK-registered ship or aircraft.
Visa holders can work, study, and bring their partner and children to the UK. After 5 years of living in the UK on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a step toward becoming a British citizen.
Who is Eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa?
To be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa, you must:
- Be a citizen of the Commonwealth, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), or Zimbabwe.
- Have a grandparent who was born in:
- The UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, or
- Ireland before 31st March 1922, or
- A UK-registered ship or aircraft.
- Be 17 years or older.
- Have enough money to support yourself without needing public funds.
- Be able to work in the UK or plan to do so.
It’s important to note that you can still apply for this visa even if your parent or grandparent was adopted. However, you cannot apply through a step-parent.
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes, you can bring your partner and children to live in the UK with you. To bring your partner, you must be:
- Married or in a civil partnership, or
- Have been living together for at least 2 years.
Children must be financially dependent on you, live with you (unless they are at school or university), and cannot be married or in a civil partnership.
How to Apply for the UK Ancestry Visa
You can apply for the UK Ancestry Visa online through the UK government website. The application steps are as follows:
- Fill out the online application.
- Pay the application fee of £637.
- Pay the immigration health surcharge (for access to the NHS).
- Book an appointment at a visa application center to have your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken.
- Submit documents to support your application (see below for a list).
You can apply for the visa up to 3 months before you travel to the UK. The Home Office usually processes applications within 3 weeks, though it may take longer if they need more information or documents.
Documents You Need for the UK Ancestry Visa
You will need to provide various documents to prove your eligibility. These may include:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A full birth certificate.
- Evidence of your UK ancestry (e.g., your grandparent’s birth certificate).
- Proof of your finances (e.g., recent bank statements).
- A TB test certificate (if applicable).
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if bringing your partner).
- Adoption papers (if relevant).
Can the UK Ancestry Visa Be Extended?
Yes, the UK Ancestry Visa can be extended for another 5 years. You must apply for the extension before your current visa expires. The extension fee is £1,048, plus the immigration health surcharge. Your partner and children’s visas will need to be extended at the same time.
Applying for ILR After 5 Years
After 5 years on the UK Ancestry Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This allows you to stay in the UK permanently without needing to apply for a visa. The ILR application fee is £2,885 per person, but there is no healthcare surcharge to pay. Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after an additional year of living in the UK.
At Law and Visas, we can help you understand the eligibility requirements and guide you through the application process. Contact us today to get expert advice on your visa options!
