If you’re a Commonwealth citizen with a grandparent born in the UK, the UK Ancestry Visa could be your gateway to living, working, and studying in the United Kingdom. This unique visa offers a five-year stay with the potential to settle permanently, making it an attractive option for those with British roots.
In this blog, we’ll break down the UK Ancestry Visa, who qualifies, and how Migrate UK can help you secure your future in the UK.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland (before 31st March 1922) to live, work, and study in the UK for up to five years. Unlike many other visa categories, it doesn’t require a job offer or sponsorship, offering flexibility to explore employment opportunities, pursue education, or even start a business. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), paving the way for permanent residency and then, eventually, British citizenship.
This visa is particularly popular among young Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, and others with British ancestry, as it provides an opportunity to embrace their heritage while enjoying unrestricted access to the UK job market and lifestyle.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Commonwealth Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British national (overseas), a British subject, or a citizen of Zimbabwe.
- Grandparent Born in the UK: You must prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland (before March 31, 1922). You cannot claim ancestry through step-parents, great-grandparents, or grandparents born in British colonies or overseas military bases.
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be 17 or over on the date of their intended arrival in the UK.
- Intention to Work: You must demonstrate the ability and intention to work in the UK. This doesn’t mean you need a job offer at the time of application, but you should show a realistic prospect of finding employment, such as through a business plan or evidence of job applications.
- Financial Stability: You must prove you can support and accommodate yourself (and any dependents) without relying on public funds.
- Dependents: Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of 2+ years) and children can apply to join you in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
Additional considerations include providing a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you’re applying from a country where TB is prevalent and ensuring you apply from outside the UK, as you cannot switch to this visa from another category while in the UK.
How Migrate UK Can Assist
Migrate UK offers expert immigration services to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here’s how we can help depending on the level of support you require:
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Consultation |
Check & Advise |
Full Representation |
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Phone / video call where we discuss your eligibility for UK Ancestry. Outline of the application process flow. Written summary post call. |
Check your supporting documents. Provide you with the application form link to complete. Check your completed application form and offer revisions, where needed. Instructions for submission of application. |
Preparation of full application form on your behalf. Submission, booking biometric appointment and uploading all documents to UKVI on your behalf. Upon approval, we will provide instructions for set up your eVisa account and information regarding a future ILR application. |
With our proven track record, Migrate UK ensures your application is handled with precision and care, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your UK journey.
Contact info@migrate-uk.com if you would like to learn more about how we can support your application or if you have any questions.