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UK Ancestry Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > UK Ancestry Visa

UK Ancestry Visa – Overview

The UK Ancestry Visa allows eligible Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live, work, and study in the UK for five years. After five years, visa holders can apply for settlement (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

Key Points:

For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent

5-year visa with work and study rights

Pathway to ILR and citizenship after 5+ years

No access to public funds

You can use your grandparent’s birth in the UK even if they left the UK decades ago to live and work there yourself.

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    Eligibility Requirements for the UK Ancestry Visa

    Applicants must meet age, financial, and ancestry criteria. They must also intend to work in the UK and have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.

    Key Points:

    Age 17 or above

    Intend to work or be self-employed

    Must be a Commonwealth citizen or from listed territories

    Have a qualifying grandparent born in the UK, Ireland (before 1922), or certain territories

    Must prove direct lineage through birth/adoption certificates

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    Documents Required for the UK Ancestry Visa

    Evidence must cover identity, finances, work intentions, and ancestry lineage. Additional documents may be needed for dependents or name changes.

    Key Points:

    Valid passport and full birth certificate

    Grandparent’s birth certificate proving UK birth

    Marriage/adoption certificates if applicable

    Bank statements proving financial stability

    Evidence of job offer or self-employment plans

    Tuberculosis test results (if required)

    Application Process and Deadlines

    Applications must be submitted online from outside the UK, with biometric appointments booked in advance.

    Key Points:

    Apply online via gov.uk

    Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre

    Apply within 3 months of travel date

    Processing typically takes 3 weeks (priority available)

    Fees and Surcharges

    The application and NHS fees must be paid upfront.

    Key Points:

    Application fee: £682

    NHS surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year, £776 per child per year

    Additional fees for document translation or priority processing

    Rights and Restrictions on the Ancestry Visa

    Visa holders enjoy broad work and study rights but cannot claim benefits.

    Key Points:

    Work in any sector (employed or self-employed)

    Study at any level

    Bring dependents (spouse, children)

    No access to public funds

    Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 Years

    After five years on an Ancestry Visa, holders can apply for ILR, provided they meet residence, financial, and language requirements.

    Key Points:

    Absences ≤ 180 days in any 12-month period

    Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language rules

    Application fee: £3,029

    Eligible for citizenship after 12 months of ILR

    Common Reasons for UK Ancestry Visa Refusals

    Applications often fail due to incomplete evidence or eligibility errors.

    Key Points:

    Not a citizen of an eligible country

    Missing grandparent birth evidence

    Lack of proof of funds or work intentions

    Inaccurate or incomplete forms

    Failure to reply to Home Office queries

    Options After a UK Ancestry Visa Refusal

    Applicants can request an administrative review if a clear error occurred but have no automatic right of appeal.

    Key Points:

    Administrative review if decision error suspected

    Fresh application if refusal due to missing evidence

    Immigration lawyer advice recommended before re-applying

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

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