ANCESTRY VISA
The ancestry visa allows Commonwealth citizens over 17 to enter the United Kingdom for 5 years on the basis of their grandparents' ties.
This visa allows you to bring dependants and is a route to settlement.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Work (including full-time, part-time, and self-employed)
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Volunteer
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Study
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Bring dependants (partner or children)
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Settle after 5 years
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Switch to this visa if you entered the UK on a different visa
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Receive public funds
WHAT YOU CAN'T DO
REQUIREMENTS
Valid Passport
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You must have a valid passport at the time you apply.
Commonwealth citizen
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You must provide evidence that you are a Commonwealth citizen.
Ancestry
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Your grandparent must have been born in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
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Alternatively, your grandparent may have been born before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland.
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Alternatively, your grandparent may have been born on a ship or aircraft registered in the UK or owned by the UK government.
Financial Requirement
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You must show that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself (and any dependants), without receiving benefits.
Tuberculosis
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You may be required to take a tuberculosis test depending on which country you apply from.
Criminal Record
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You may be required to produce a criminal record certificate.
An ancestry visa can only be applied for outside the UK.
The current application fee is £682.
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year.
TERM AND FEES
PROCESSING
The current processing time for ancestry visa applications is approximately 3 weeks.
Depending on your eligibility and which country you apply from, you may be able to pay for an enhanced service. The 'priority service' should provide you with a decision within 5 working days from the date of your biometrics appointment. The 'super priority service' is even faster, providing a decision within 1 working day.
Successful Application
If your application for an ancestry visa is successful, you will receive a visa vignette inside your passport. This will confirm the length and conditions of your entry clearance.
Application Refused
If your application for an ancestry visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter outlining the reasons. There is no right of appeal but you may wish to consider an administrative review if you believe an error has been made.
OUTCOME
NEXT STEP
Once you have completed 5 years in the UK on the ancestry visa, you can apply to extend your visa or to settle in the UK.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Ancestry visas can be complex, particularly when relying on evidence from decades ago. Mistakes can be costly, time-consuming, and may even have a significant impact on future immigration applications to the Home Office, which means it is very important to have experts by your side who can make the process easier and give much needed confidence to make a strong application.
At Lace Law LLP, we offer comprehensive support throughout your ancestry visa journey. From your initial consultation to the final decision, you will have a dedicated expert who will meticulously prepare your application, maintain regular communication, and promptly respond to any concerns along the way. We pride ourselves on this personal approach, which we feel not only provides a greater experience to you, but also increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Don't let the process be more stressful than it needs to be. Contact us today to have a dedicated partner by your side on your immigration journey.
