Ancestry Visa Service UK

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, applicants must:

• Be a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen, British national (overseas), British subject, or citizen of Zimbabwe.
• Provide evidence that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
• Demonstrate the ability and intention to work in the UK, even if not employed at the time of application.

Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents:

   • Full birth certificate.
   • Birth certificates of the parent and grandparent proving ancestry.
   • Marriage certificates (if applicable).
   • Legal adoption papers (if relevant).
   • Proof of intention to work (job offer or business plan).
   • Recent bank statements showing financial stability.
   • Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required.

2. Submit Application:

   • Apply online via the UK Home Office website.
   • Pay the £682 application fee (updated from £637).
   • Pay the immigration health surcharge for NHS access.
   • Attend a biometric appointment.

3. Visa Decision & Travel:

   • Processing time: 3 weeks.
   • Expedited processing may be available.

Bringing Family Members

• Eligible family members can apply separately and must provide proof of their relationship.
• Partners can switch visa categories, except if previously granted entry as a visitor or short-term student.

Settlement & Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• After 5 years, ancestry visa holders can apply for ILR, allowing permanent settlement.
• Applicants must meet language, life in the UK, and financial requirements.
• Excessive absences from the UK may affect ILR eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for a UK ancestry visa?

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.

Can I switch to this category?

You cannot switch into this visa category if you are already in the UK on another type of visa, you must be overseas to make your application.

How much does a UK ancestry visa application cost?

The Home Office application fee for a UK ancestry visa is £682.

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.

How long does a UK ancestry visa application take?

The earliest that you can apply for an ancestry visa is 3 months before you travel.

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, which you will be told when you apply.

Can you bring family on the UK ancestry route?

If your UK ancestry visa is approved, eligible family members can join you in the UK. They must provide evidence of their relationship with you and apply separately, paying the application fee and healthcare surcharge. They will have the same period of leave as the main applicant and can work. Your partner can switch their visa category if already in the UK, except if they were last granted entry clearance as a visitor or short-term student, or if they were granted temporary admission or release.

What if my ancestry visa application is refused?

If your Ancestry Visa application is refused, you can request an Administrative Review from UKVI if you believe the initial decision was incorrect. However, if your application was refused due to not meeting eligibility criteria or providing necessary documentation, it is unlikely to be overturned. Seek professional advice to explore your options for challenging the Home Office's decision or considering a different immigration route.

How long can you be out of the UK on an Ancestry Visa?

If you leave the UK and your ancestry visa expires, you can apply for a new visa from your home country. Remember also that if you want to apply for ILR, you must not have excessive absences from the UK.

Does the UK ancestry visa lead to settlement in the UK?

The UK ancestry visa leads to settlement in the UK, known as indefinite leave, to remain (ILR), allowing you to permanently settle without time restrictions. You can apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years as a UK ancestry visa-holder and meet language, life in the UK, and financial requirements.

How much 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.

Why Choose UK Visas?

Choose UK Visas for trusted, hassle-free visa services. Our team of experts ensures accurate applications and personalised assistance, tailored to your needs. We provide fast processing, giving you peace of mind and saving you time. With competitive pricing and a commitment to excellence, trust us to handle your visa application professionally. Contact us today and start your journey to the United Kingdom.