UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry visa entitles Commonwealth citizens who have UK ancestry to live and work in the UK without restriction.
Ancestry Visa Requirements
To qualify for an Ancestry visa, applicants must be at least 17 years of age, a Commonwealth citizen and have UK ancestry. Ancestry visa applicants must intend to work in the UK and have sufficient funds to support themselves.
UK ancestry can be claimed if the applicant can show that at least one (1) of their grandparents was born:
- In the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man; or
- In the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922; or
- On a British-registered ship or aircraft.
UK ancestry can be claimed if the relationship to the relevant grandparent is through adoption (of the applicant or the applicant’s parent) but cannot be claimed through step-parents.
Ancestry visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.
Ancestry Visa Entitlements
An Ancestry visa entitles the holder to live and work in the UK temporarily. An Ancestry visa is usually granted for an initial period of five (5) years and extensions may be granted.
Spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age may be included on the visa application to accompany their spouse or parent to the UK.
A UK Ancestry visa may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK.
Ancestry Visa Processing Time and Costs
| ANCESTRY | OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE) | INSIDE THE UK (FLR) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Main Application Fee | UK£265 | UK£550 |
| Government Partner Application Fee | UK£265 | UK£275/550* |
| Government Child Application Fee | UK£265 | UK£275/550* |
| Advanced Migration Service | US$399 | |
| Premium Migration Service | US$1499 | |
| Processing Times | 1-12 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.
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