Apply for a UK Ancestry visa if one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have any questions or require legal assistance with your UK Ancestry visa application, please contact us at 0203 417 3700. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Page Contents

  1. What is a UK Ancestry visa?
  2. UK Ancestry visa requirements
  3. Documents required for UK Ancestry visa
  4. How to apply for a UK Ancestry visa?
  5. UK Ancestry visa application processing time
  6. How long you can stay in the UK?
  7. How can we help with your UK Ancestry visa application?
  8. Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor
  9. Need legal advice & assistance?

What is a UK Ancestry visa?

The UK Ancestry visa is a type of visa that allows individuals with a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man to live and work in the UK for a period of up to 5 years.

This visa is designed for individuals who have ancestral ties to the UK and wish to live and work there. To qualify for the UK Ancestry visa, applicants must demonstrate their ancestral ties, provide evidence of their ability to support themselves financially, and show their intention to work in the UK.

After living in the UK on an Ancestry visa for 5 years, individuals may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or settlement, provided they meet certain residency and other requirements.

To ensure a successful application for the UK Ancestry visa, it is advisable to seek expert guidance. Our experienced immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors are ready to assist you throughout the application process. Contact us today at 0203 417 3700 for personalised legal advice and support.

UK Ancestry visa requirements

You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you’re one of the following:

  • a Commonwealth citizen
  • a British overseas citizen
  • a British overseas territories citizen
  • a British national (overseas)
  • a citizen of Zimbabwe

To be eligible for a UK Ancestry visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Ancestral ties to the UK: You must be able to prove that you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. This is the primary requirement for the Ancestry visa.
  • Age requirement: There is no specific age requirement for the Ancestry visa, but you must be at least 17 years old.
  • Intent to work: You must demonstrate that you intend to work in the UK. This could include providing a job offer from a UK employer or evidence of your job search efforts.
  • Financial requirements: You must be able to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. This means you should have sufficient funds to cover your accommodation, living expenses, and any dependents.

You must meet all other requirements depending on your circumstances. Feel free to ask a question to our expert immigration solicitor regarding a UK Ancestry visa application.

Documents required for UK Ancestry visa

When applying for the UK Ancestry visa, you will need to submit several documents to support your application. Here is a general list of documents you might need for a UK Ancestry visa application:

  • Valid passport: You'll need a valid passport or travel document.
  • Birth certificate: Your full birth certificate proving your relationship to the UK-born grandparent.
  • Evidence of your UK-born grandparent's nationality: This could include their birth certificate, passport, or any other official document proving their UK citizenship.
  • Evidence of your intention to work: Provide evidence of your intention to work in the UK. This could include a job offer letter from a UK employer or evidence of your job search in the UK.
  • Proof of sufficient funds: You need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the UK. This could include bank statements, evidence of income, or personal savings.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to provide TB test results as part of your visa application.

Remember, the checklist provided is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your circumstances. It's always advisable to consult with an immigration solicitor to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

How to apply for a UK Ancestry visa?

Applying for the UK Ancestry visa involves several important steps. Below, we outline the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a UK Ancestry visa:

  1. Gather the necessary documents
  2. Complete the online application form
  3. Pay the application fees
  4. Book and attend the biometric appointment
  5. Submit supporting documents
  6. Wait for a decision

UK Ancestry visa application processing time

You should get a decision on your UK Ancestry visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK using a standard service.

Visa application using super priority service

You may be eligible to apply for a visa using the "Super Priority Service" to get a faster decision by the end of the next working day (within 24 hours). You'll need to pay the "Super Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.

Visa application using priority service

You can choose the "Priority Service" when you apply for a visa to get a faster decision within 5 working days. You'll need to pay the "Priority Service" fee in addition to the visa application fee.

Applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

How long you can stay in the UK?

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on a UK Ancestry visa. If you've lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa, you may be able to either apply to extend your visa for a further 5 years or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

How can we help with your UK Ancestry visa application?

At Wembley Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors can provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire UK Ancestry visa application process. From assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to representing you in any correspondence with the Home Office, we are here to ensure a smooth and successful application journey.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

  • Provide detailed immigration advice.
  • Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
  • Explain the entire UK visa application process.
  • Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
  • Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
  • Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
  • Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
  • Upload all the supporting documents.
  • Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
  • Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.

Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.

Book a consultation with an immigration solicitor

For detailed advice, you can book an In-Person, Online, or Phone consultation session with our expert UK immigration solicitors in London for just £60 (Plus VAT).

During the consultation session, our immigration solicitor will discuss your immigration matter in detail and advise you about the relevant immigration laws, procedures, requirements, and documents.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

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