UK Ancestry Visa – Application & Requirements

As a Commonwealth citizen with ancestral links in the UK, the ancestry visa can provide you with the right to live and work in the UK on a long-term basis.

In this guide for applicants, we take a practical look at the UK ancestry visa, from what it allows you to do, to how to make your application to the Home Office.

 

Section A: What is a UK Ancestry Visa?

 

The UK ancestry route is for Commonwealth citizens aged 17 years or over who are looking to live in the UK, and who have a grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands. A UK ancestry visa is essentially a visa that will allow a Commonwealth citizen with qualifying ancestral links to the UK to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 5 years.

There are generally no restrictions under an ancestry visa as to the type of work you can undertake. Effectively, you will be allowed to carry out any type of work in the UK at any skill level.

You may wish to work in an employed role for an employer or, alternatively, you may want to establish your own business to enable you to work for yourself. It is even possible to do both under this type of visa, unlike other visa options that do not provide the same flexible employment options.

You will also be allowed to volunteer and you can also study at the same time that you are working or actively looking for work.

The UK Ancestry Visa allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions. It also provides the opportunity to study and bring family members with you. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and subsequently, British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.

 

Section B: Ancestry Visa Eligibility Criteria

 

To be eligible for a UK ancestry visa, you must be aged 17 and over, ave a qualifying nationality, be able to prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, be able and planning to work in the UK and be able to satisfy the financial requirement.

 

UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility Criteria
Criteria	Description
Age	Must be 17 years or older
Citizenship	Must be a Commonwealth citizen
Ancestry	Must have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or on a British-registered ship/aircraft
Intent to Work	Must demonstrate the intent to work in the UK
Maintenance Requirements	Must show financial stability to support oneself and any dependents

 

1. Nationality Requirement

 

You may be eligible to apply for a UK ancestry visa if you fall under one of the following:

 

a. a Commonwealth citizen
b. a British overseas citizen
c. a British overseas territories citizen
d. a British national (overseas)
e. a British subject
f. a citizen of Zimbabwe

 

To satisfy the ancestry requirement, you must have a grandparent born either in the UK (including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man), or Ireland before 31 March 1922, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft. This ancestry connection can be through either the applicant’s maternal or paternal line.

The birth of a grandparent in a British colony or a military base overseas will not make you eligible for an Ancestry visa.

You can still claim ancestry if you or the relevant parent was adopted or born outside of marriage in the UK, although UK ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents. It also cannot be claimed if relying on the birth of a grandparent in either a British colony or an overseas military base.

 

2. Financial Requirement

 

You must show you can accommodate and financially support yourself, as you will be ineligible to access public funds in the UK. To satisfy the financial requirement, you must have enough money to support and house yourself in the UK without recourse to public funds or, alternatively, have a credible offer of financial support from a third party, such as a relative or friend.

 

3. Work Requirement

 

When it comes to the work requirement, to be eligible for a UK Ancestry visa you do not have to be working at the time you apply, although you must have the ability and intention to work in the UK. This essentially means that you must able to show that you genuinely intend to seek work in the UK and you have a realistic prospect of finding work.

 

 

Section C: How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa

 

You have to apply for a UK ancestry visa from outside the UK. You cannot switch into this visa category if you are already in the UK on another type of visa, you have to be overseas to make your application.

The earliest that you can apply for an Ancestry visa is 3 months before you intend to travel. This involves completing the online application form with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the division of the Home Office responsible for the United Kingdom’s visa system.

 

Step	Description
Online Application	Complete the visa application form online
Document Submission	Submit required documents and evidence
Biometric Appointment	Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photo
Pay Application Fee	Pay the applicable visa fee
Decision Waiting Period	Wait for the processing of the application
Receive Visa Decision	Receive the decision and, if approved, the visa and Biometric Residence Permit

 

As part of your application you will need to prove your identity and nationality. You will need to schedule an appointment at an overseas visa application centre (VAC) to enrol your biometric information, including a scan of your fingerprints and a photograph of your face.

 

Section D: Ancestry Visa Supporting Documents

 

When submitting your application for an Ancestry visa, in addition to providing your current passport or valid travel document, you will need to provide various documents in support to demonstrate that you satisfy the eligibility criteria. Depending on your circumstances and the basis of your eligibility, these documents could include:

 

Document	Description
Valid Passport	A current passport with sufficient validity for the duration of your stay in the UK.
Applicant’s Birth Certificate	Proof of the applicant’s birth, showing parentage that connects to the UK-born grandparent.
Grandparent’s Birth Certificate	Proof that the applicant’s grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or on a British-registered ship/aircraft.
Parent’s Birth Certificate	If the ancestry link is through a parent, their birth certificate is needed to establish the connection.
Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate	If applicable, to prove the relationship between the applicant and their spouse or partner.
Proof of Intent to Work	Documents such as job offers, a detailed CV, or records of job search activities in the UK.
Financial Evidence	Bank statements, savings, or proof of income to show financial stability and ability to support oneself and any dependents.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Application	Confirmation of the BRP appointment for biometric information (photo and fingerprints).
Tuberculosis Test Results	If applicable, a certificate showing you have been tested for tuberculosis, required for applicants from certain countries.
Accommodation Evidence	Proof of where you will live in the UK, such as a rental agreement or letter from a host.
Previous UK Visa Documents	If applicable, any previous UK visa documents or refusals to show immigration history.

 

 

You may also need to provide additional documents, depending on your circumstances. These could include written parental consent if you are aged under 18 when you apply. We are able to advise on necessary documents if you are unsure about proving your eligibility.

In relation to the ‘work’ requirement, you do not have to be working at the time you apply for an Ancestry Visa, but you must have the ability and intention to work in the UK. In other words, you must show with reference to documentation that you genuinely intend to seek work in the UK and have a realistic prospect of finding work.

As such, you will either need the offer of a job from a UK employer or, where you plan to work for yourself, a business plan for self-employment.

You can upload your supporting documents into the UKVI online service or have your documents scanned at your VAC appointment.

 

Section E: Application Fee & Timeline

 

The Home Office application fee for a UK ancestry visa is £637.

Depending on which country you are applying from, you may be able to pay an additional fee to get your visa processed faster. You will need to check with your visa application centre as to what priority services are available.

You will also be liable to pay an immigration health surcharge to be able to access the UK’s NHS. This is calculated on an annual basis, payable upfront, for the length of your visa.

 

Read our comprehensive guide to the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge here >> 

 

Having submitted your application and supporting documentation for a UK ancestry visa, and enrolled any biometric information, a decision will usually be made within 3 weeks.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision, where you will be told this when you apply.

 

Section F: Family Members

 

If your application for a UK Ancestry visa is approved, you will be allowed to bring eligible family members to live with you in the UK. This means that any spouse, partner and dependent children can apply to accompany or follow to join you on this route. However, you must have sufficient funds to support and house your family in the UK as neither you, nor any family members coming with you, will be eligible to claim UK state benefits.

When applying under the UK Ancestry route, each dependant must also provide evidence of their relationship with you. You must also be able to prove that, as a family, you have enough money without help from public funds for maintenance and accommodation purposes.

In summary, you will need to show:

 

a. There will be adequate accommodation for both you and your partner, without recourse to public funds, that you own or occupy exclusively

b. You and your partner will also be able to maintain yourselves adequately without recourse to public funds

c. Your partner does not intend to stay in the UK beyond any period of leave granted to you as the primary visa holder

d. Your partner does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal

 

In addition, specific relationship requirements must be met to qualify as the unmarried partner of the primary visa holder, namely:

 

a. Any previous marriage or civil partnership, or similar relationship, by either partner has ended

b. You are not blood relatives

c. You have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or a civil partnership of two years or more, and

d. You both intend to live together as partners during the primary visa holder’s stay in the UK, and the relationship is genuine and subsisting

 

Any dependants must apply separately and pay the application fee. They will also each be liable to pay the healthcare surcharge. Dependants will usually be granted the same period of leave as the main visa applicant and can also take up employment.

Applications for entry clearance from outside the UK as the partner or dependant of someone with a UK Ancestry visa are made online. Ideally, it is best that you and your partner submit any application at the same time to enable you to travel together to the UK, although your partner can apply at a late date to join you.

Your partner can also apply to switch their visa from a different category if they are already in the UK. However, if they were last granted entry clearance as either a visitor or short-term student they will not be eligible to do so. They will also be ineligible if they were granted temporary admission or temporary release.

As part of the application process for entry clearance and/or leave to remain, your partner will need to enrol their biometric information, ie; a scan of their fingerprints and a digital photograph of their face, either at a visa application centre in their country of residence or at a UKVCAS service point if applying to switch or extend their leave from within the UK.

Having submitted their application and paid the relevant visa fee, your partner will also need to file any documentation in support.

 

Section G: Ancestry Visa Application Refused?

 

There are various reasons why an application for an Ancestry Visa may be refused, for example, where the applicant has failed to prove that they are actively seeking work or where they have been unable to locate their grandparent’s original birth certificate.

However, in the event that your Ancestry visa application is refused, there is no right of appeal. You will only be able to ask UKVI for an Administrative Review of their decision where you believe that the initial decision was incorrect.

In circumstances where your application has been refused on the basis that you failed to meet the eligibility criteria, or to provide the necessary documentation in support, then the refusal decision is unlikely to be overturned on review.

Take professional advice on your case to understand your options to challenge the Home Office’s decision, or whether a new application or a different immigration route would be appropriate in your circumstances.

 

You can read our full guidance on your options following a refused visa application here >> 

 

Section H: Extending an UK Ancestry Visa

 

When applying for entry clearance on the UK ancestry route, you should be granted leave for 5 years. At the end of this term, you can apply to extend your visa from within the UK for a further 5 years. To be eligible to apply to extend a UK ancestry visa, you must be able to show that:

 

a. you are working or have been actively seeking work in the UK

b. you have been able to adequately maintain and accommodate yourself, together with any dependants, and can continue to do so without recourse to public funds

c. there are no general grounds for refusal.

 

When applying to extend a UK Ancestry visa, you are not required to show continuous employment or self-employment throughout your initial 5-year stay in the UK, although you must continue to be able to work, and intend to seek and take employment. This means that even if you are currently out of work, your application for an extension to stay in the UK may still be granted, provided you can show that you are genuinely looking for work.

To apply for an extension, you will need to submit an online application prior to expiry of your current visa, together with your documentation in support. If you are looking to extend your visa, your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend at the same time. This means that they must also apply for a visa extension, where they can either apply to extend their visa at the same time or any time before their existing visa expires. If they do not extend their own visas, these will be valid until their original end date.

When applying for an extension of stay on this route, you and any dependants will each be asked to provide supporting documentation and to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to re-enrol your biometric information. You can upload any documents in support of your application into the online service or have this scanned at your UKVCAS appointment.

When applying to extend your UK ancestry visa, a decision will usually be made by UKVI within 8 weeks. During this time, you will not be permitted to travel outside of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Your application will be withdrawn if you leave this Common Travel Area, although you may be able to pay for a faster decision.

 

Section I: Ancestry Visa to ILR

 

The UK Ancestry visa is a route to settlement in the UK, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This means that, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for ILR, you will be able to settle in the UK on a permanent basis, without any time restrictions.

While you can apply to extend a UK Ancestry visa, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, applying for ILR will allow you to stay in the UK without the need for an extension application. You can also rely on your ILR status to apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for an additional 12-month period.

You can apply to permanently settle in the UK if you have lived here continuously for 5 years as a UK Ancestry visa-holder. In addition to the continuous residence requirement, you must also satisfy a knowledge of language and life in the UK. To satisfy the knowledge of English language requirement you must either be a national of a majority English-speaking country, have a degree that was taught or researched in English, or obtain an intermediate level speaking and listening qualification in English. To satisfy the knowledge of life in the UK requirement you must pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test at an approved centre.

You must also prove you have enough money to support yourself and any dependants, that you can and plan to work in the UK, and that you are still a Commonwealth citizen.

To apply for ILR, you will again need to submit an online application, together with your supporting documentation, and pay the relevant fee. However, you do not need to pay the annual healthcare surcharge if you are applying to become a permanent resident.

As with a visa extension, if you are looking to settle in the UK on the Ancestry route, your partner or any children will need to apply separately. They must also meet the financial requirement, as well as the KoLL requirement if over the age of 18. You will each need to have your biometric information re-taken at an UKVCAS service point as part of your settlement application and provide any documentation in support.

You will usually get a decision on a settlement application within 6 months if you apply using the standard service, although you may be able to pay for a faster decision.

 

Section J: Ancestry Visa to British Citizenship

 

Naturalising as a British citizen is a time and cost-intensive process. The eligibility criteria are stringent, including an assessment of the length of your UK residency, absences from the UK during your residency period, your character, language ability and financial means. If your citizenship application is refused, you will lose the application fee.

If you were born outside the UK and one or both of your parents are British citizens, you may already be classed as a British citizen by descent. In these circumstances, you will not need to apply to naturalise as a British citizen.

Seek expert immigration advice if you are looking to attain British citizenship to ensure you understand your current status and nationality options, and if you do proceed with the citizenship application, ensure your submission is comprehensive in evidencing your eligibility.

Changes under the British Nationality and Borders Act 2021 mean that someone who currently qualifies for UK ancestry could apply to register for British Citizenship. Registration under UK(M) or UK(F) routes allows individuals to avoid substantial government fees when becoming a British citizen.

However, for applicants with a spouse and/or children who are under the age of 18, this could become a more costly process. This is because when registering as a British Citizen, your dependants would then fall under appendix FM and the family route. Where there are dependants, a more economic route would be to enter the UK as a UK Ancestry visa holder. Upon entering as a family unit, you would qualify for registration as a British citizen. This also means the partner or spouse would qualify for settlement.

A way to engineer settlement and citizenship for your family unit would be for the main visa holder to qualify for registration, then register your children as British citizens under the age of 18 after three years of residence in the UK and apply for settlement for your spouse, who can then apply straight away for British citizenship by way of naturalisation under 6(2).

This is fully incorporated in the UK Ancestry Appendix, from the previous immigration rules.  This could enable a family to all hold British citizenship within 3 years. In summary, for dependent children – if they were to wait 3 years, rather than apply for ILR, the children (under 18 years of age) could be registered as British citizens under section 3(5) of the BNA 1981, removing the need for them to apply for settlement. For the dependent partner or spouse – apply for ILR after three years in the UK and one granted, straight away apply to naturalise.

 

Section K: List of Commonwealth Countries

 

The following countries are part of the Commonwealth and citizens of these countries may be eligible to apply for the UK Ancestry visa:

 

Commonwealth Countries Eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa
Antigua and Barbuda	Kenya	Saint Lucia
Australia	Kiribati	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bahamas	Lesotho	Samoa
Bangladesh	Malawi	Seychelles
Barbados	Malaysia	Sierra Leone
Belize	Maldives	Singapore
Botswana	Malta	Solomon Islands
Brunei Darussalam	Mauritius	South Africa
Cameroon	Mozambique	Sri Lanka
Canada	Namibia	Swaziland (Eswatini)
Cyprus	Nauru	Tanzania
Dominica	New Zealand	Tonga
Fiji	Nigeria	Trinidad and Tobago
Ghana	Pakistan	Tuvalu
Grenada	Papua New Guinea	Uganda
Guyana	Rwanda	Vanuatu
India	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Zambia
Jamaica	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Zimbabwe

 

 

Section L: Summary

 

The UK Ancestry Visa offers a unique pathway for individuals with ancestral connections to the UK to live, work, and study in the country. This visa route is dedicated to Commonwealth citizens who can demonstrate their lineage through a UK-born grandparent. While the benefits of this visa are significant, including the potential route to UK settlement and British citizenship, applicants must be prepared to provide extensive and specific documentation to prove their eligibility. By carefully gathering the necessary documents and meeting the outlined requirements, eligible individuals can take advantage of this visa to build a new life in the UK, reconnecting with their heritage and exploring new opportunities.

 

Section M: Need Assistance?

 

Securing a UK Ancestry Visa can be life changing. With so much at stake, you will need to ensure you complete the application form correctly and provide all necessary supporting documents to evidence your eligibility.

As UK immigration specialists, DavidsonMorris provide expert guidance on all aspects of the UK ancestry visa, including advice on eligibility and applications and routes to UK settlement and citizenship. If you have a question about the ancestry visa, contact us.

 

Section N: Ancestry visa FAQs

 

Who qualifies for UK ancestry visa?

The UK ancestry visa is for Commonwealth citizens aged 17+ with ancestral links to the UK. To qualify, you must have a grandparent who was either born in the UK or Islands, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft. You must also demonstrate your intent to work in the UK and meet the financial requirements.

 

How much money do you need in your account for a UK ancestry visa?

To be eligible for a UK ancestry visa, there is no set level of funds that you must hold. However, you must be able to show you can maintain and accommodate yourself, and any dependants, without access to public funds.

 

How many times can you extend UK ancestry visa?

You can apply to extend a UK ancestry visa as many times as you like, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, although you may also be eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.

 

Can you get married on a UK ancestry visa?

If you are living in the UK on a UK ancestry visa, you can get married without applying for any additional immigration permission. You can also apply for settlement after living in the UK for 5 years in a row.

 

What documents are required for the application?

You will need to provide a valid passport, your birth certificate, your grandparent’s birth certificate, and if applicable, your parent’s birth certificate to establish the lineage. Additionally, you will need a marriage or civil partnership certificate if applying with a partner, proof of intent to work in the UK, and evidence of financial stability.

 

Can I bring my family with me on a UK Ancestry Visa?

You can bring your spouse or partner and dependent children with you to the UK. They will need to apply as your dependents and provide relevant documentation to support their applications.

 

Can I extend my UK Ancestry Visa?

You can apply to extend your UK Ancestry Visa for another five years, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including proof of ongoing employment and financial stability.

 

Do I need to have a job offer before I apply?

No, you do not need to have a job offer before you apply for the UK Ancestry Visa. However, you must show evidence of your intent to work in the UK, which can include a detailed CV, job applications, or job offers.

 

What financial evidence is required for the UK Ancestry Visa?

You need to provide evidence that you can support yourself and any dependents without recourse to public funds. This can include bank statements, savings accounts, or proof of income.

 

Can I apply for British citizenship with a UK Ancestry Visa?

After living in the UK for five years on a UK Ancestry Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once you have held ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship, provided you meet the necessary residency and good character requirements.

 

Section O: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
UK Ancestry Visa	A visa allowing Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents to live and work in the UK.
Commonwealth Citizen	A citizen of a country that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Indefinite Leave to Remain	Permission to stay in the UK indefinitely without any immigration restrictions.
Biometric Residence Permit	An identity card containing personal details and biometric information (fingerprints, photo) for visa holders.
Maintenance Requirements	Financial criteria that must be met to show that the applicant can support themselves in the UK.
Dependent	A spouse, partner, or child who relies on the visa holder for support and can be included in the application.
Grandparent	A parent of one’s father or mother, whose UK birth qualifies the applicant for the Ancestry Visa.
Visa Extension	The process of applying to extend the duration of stay in the UK under the same visa category.
British Citizenship	Legal status of being a citizen of the United Kingdom, allowing one to live, work, and vote in the UK.
Application Fee	The cost required to submit a visa application, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa.
Financial Evidence	Documents such as bank statements or pay slips showing the applicant has sufficient funds to live in the UK.
Proof of Intent to Work	Evidence that the applicant plans to find employment in the UK, such as a CV, job offers, or job search activities.
Birth Certificate	An official document recording the birth of an individual, used to prove ancestry.
Permanent Residency	The right to live permanently in a country without becoming a citizen.
Application Processing Time	The duration it takes for the visa application to be reviewed and a decision made by UK immigration authorities.

 

 

Section P: Additional Resources

 

UK Ancestry Visa Overview
https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa

 

Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa

 

Visa Fees
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees

 

NHS Surcharge Information
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application