UK Ancestry visa
UK Ancestry visa
If you are a Commonwealth citizen with a UK-born grandparent, you may be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa. This visa lets you live, work, and study in the UK for five years, offering a clear path to permanent settlement. You can also bring your partner and children if eligible.
Check your eligibility today. Contact Axis Solicitors for a free initial assessment. Secure your future in the UK with our professional guidance.
British Ancestry Visa
The British Ancestry visa, also known as the UK Ancestry visa, is an immigration visa that allows Commonwealth citizens to live and work in the UK. If you are a Commonwealth citizen and can demonstrate that one of your grandparents was born in the UK (including Ireland before 31 March 1922), you may apply for this visa, which permits a stay in the UK for five years.
Features of the UK Ancestry Visa
- Work Flexibility: During the five-year period, individuals are allowed to work without restriction.
- Travel Freedom: There is freedom of re-entry and exit from the UK multiple times.
- Pathway to Settlement: The Ancestry visa is issued for five years, after which the applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
- Continuous Residence Requirement: To apply for ILR, the applicant must have spent five continuous years in the UK and must be employed.
- Family Inclusion: Through this route, the spouse or dependents of the applicant are also eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa.
Requirements For UK Ancestry visa
You are eligible to apply for this visa if you are one of the following:
- a Commonwealth citizen
- a British overseas citizen
- a British overseas territories citizen
- a British national (overseas)
- a citizen of Zimbabwe
Furthermore, you must also provide evidence that one of your grandparents was born within either:
- the UK
- the Channel Islands
- the Isle of Man
- today’s Ireland before 1922
- a ship or aircraft which was registered in the UK or owned by the UK government
To prove the status of your grandparent, you can provide birth certificates or other official records to fulfil this condition.
Additional eligibility requirements for the UK Ancestry visa:
- be 17 years or older
- be capable of financially sustaining yourself and possible dependents without relying on public funds
- intend to work in the UK (either employed or self-employed)
You do not require an employment offer or a sponsor to apply for this
Depending on your specific situation, the requirements you have to meet can be slightly different. It is always recommended to consult an experienced immigration solicitor for accurate guidance.
Applying for a UK Ancestry visa
All Applications must be made online for the UK Ancestry visa before travelling to the U.K. The associated government application fee is currently £637. and you may also have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
As a part of the application process, an appointment at a visa application centre will be booked. This is where you will need to prove your identity and provide various documents such as:
- your current passport or travel document
evidence of your UK-born grandparent - proof of your financial situation
confirmation of your intention to work in the UK
After your biometric appointment, you should receive a decision within three weeks. Ancestry visa applications can be submitted at the earliest three months before travelling. Depending on where you are applying from, faster decisions (priority service) may be offered as an additional service.
The benefits of the UK Ancestry visa
A successful UK Ancestry visa application permits you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. Furthermore, this visa type allows you to study, travel, and access several public services. It also permits you to bring your partner or children with you if they meet the specific requirements under the Immigration Rules.
After living in the UK for five years on the UK Ancestry visa you may be eligible to either:
- apply to extend your visa for up to five years OR
- apply to permanently settle in the UK (known as applying for indefinite leave to remain)
To settle permanently, you must again meet certain requirements, such as passing an English language test and demonstrating that you have been employed or actively searching for employment for the last five years.
UK Ancestry visa services:
- Free initial consultation to assess your eligibility and circumstances to advise you on the best route.
- Full application service, where we handle every aspect of your application from start to finish.
- Document checking service, where we review your documents and ensure they meet the requirements.
- Interview preparation service, where we coach you in presenting yourself more confidently during the interview.
- Appeal service, where we represent you in case your application is refused or challenged.
- Tailored service to ensure your visa is successful.
- We also provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your residence in the UK.
- Assisting you to extend your visa, apply for British citizenship, or deal with other legal aspects of your new life.
Contact us today to for a free initial assessment.
How Axis Solicitors Can Help You
Applying for a UK Ancestry visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. It involves gathering the correct documentation, accurately completing the online application form, and attending a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. Applicants must also stay informed about the latest rules and regulations in this visa category. Mistakes or omissions in an application can lead to delays, rejections, or even refusals.
This is where professional and experienced immigration solicitors can make a significant difference. We have successfully assisted numerous clients worldwide in obtaining UK Ancestry visas to settle in the UK.
FAQ: UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry visa, often referred to as the British Ancestry visa, provides several significant advantages for eligible Commonwealth citizens:
Work Flexibility: With this visa, you have the freedom to work in any profession or job without restrictions during the five-year period, allowing for career growth and opportunities.
Travel Freedom: The visa enables you to travel in and out of the UK as frequently as you like, offering the convenience to visit family, friends, or explore other destinations without hassle.
Pathway to Settlement: After completing five years on the Ancestry visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a pathway to permanent residency in the UK.
Continuous Residence Requirement: To be eligible for ILR, you must have resided continuously in the UK for five years and maintained employment throughout this period.
Family Inclusion: This visa extends to your spouse and dependents, allowing them to apply and enjoy the same benefits, making it an ideal option for those looking to relocate with their family.
If you require expert legal advice and assistance with your UK Ancestry visa application, contact Axis Solicitors for guidance.
If you want to apply for a UK Ancestry visa, you need to do it from outside the UK. You cannot switch to this visa category or extend your stay if you are already in the UK on another visa.
You can start your UK Ancestry visa application up to 3 months before your planned trip. The processing time for this visa category is usually 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.
To extend your UK Ancestry visa, you must show that you still meet all the criteria for the initial application.
You can apply even if you are not working at the moment, but you must prove that you are able to work and have a genuine intention to find or take a job in the UK.
If approved you can get an extension of up to 5 years on your UK Ancestry visa.
At Axis Solicitors, we have a team of expert immigration solicitors who can help you challenge a refusal of your UK Ancestry visa application. Whether you applied for entry clearance, further leave to remain or settlement on the basis of UK Ancestry, we can advise you on the best course of action to take.
In case the Home Office made a mistake while applying the Immigration Rules or their own policy to your case, we can request an Administrative Review to correct the error.
If the Home Office acted unlawfully, unreasonably or improperly in refusing your application, we can apply for Judicial Review and represent you in court.
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