UK Ancestry Visa
You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if one of your grandparents was born in the UK and you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country or a British overseas citizen.
In this comprehensive guide to UK Ancestry visa, we will explain everything including eligibility, requirements, documents, and provisions for family members.
Whether you want to apply for or extend your UK Ancestry visa, call our immigration solicitors in London today at 0203 959 7755 for legal advice and help.
Table of Contents
- What is the UK Ancestry visa?
- Who qualifies for an Ancestry visa to the UK?
- UK Ancestry visa requirements
- UK Ancestry visa document checklist
- How to apply for an Ancestry visa from outside the UK?
- UK Ancestry visa processing time
- How much does the UK Ancestry Visa cost?
- Extending your UK Ancestry visa
- UK Ancestry visa dependents (your partner and children)
- Common reasons for UK Ancestry visa refusal
- Role of an immigration solicitor
- How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
- Frequently asked questions about the UK Ancestry visa
What is the UK Ancestry visa?
The UK Ancestry visa lets Commonwealth citizens live and work in the UK if one of their grandparents was born there.
UK Ancestry visa is valid for five years, with the possibility of extension and eventually applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
If you're considering applying for a UK Ancestry visa, Moeen & Co. Solicitors can help. Call us at 0203 959 7755 or fill in our online enquiry form for expert advice on the UK Ancestry visa.
Who qualifies for an Ancestry visa to the UK?
To qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, you must meet the following criteria.
You must be one of the following:
- a Commonwealth citizen
- a British overseas citizen
- a British overseas territories citizen
- a British national (overseas)
- a citizen of Zimbabwe
You must also prove one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
UK Ancestry visa requirements
To be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements.
You must:
- be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
- be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
- have at least one grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
- demonstrate that you can and intend to work in the UK.
- show that you can support yourself and your dependents without needing public funds.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.
UK Ancestry visa document checklist
It's crucial to check all Ancestry visa documents are up-to-date and correct. This helps avoid delays and boosts our chances of getting approved.
When applying for a UK Ancestry visa, you'll need to provide several documents to support your UK Ancestry visa application:
- Your current passport or travel document.
- Proof of commonwealth citizenship.
- Your birth certificate.
- The birth certificates of the parent and grandparent through whom you are claiming ancestry.
- Marriage certificates (If applicable).
- Evidence that you can and intend to work in the UK, such as job offers.
- Bank statements or other financial documents to show you can support yourself and any dependents.
- Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.
How to apply for an Ancestry visa from outside the UK?
To apply for a UK Ancestry visa, the applicant will need to submit an online visa application along with all the supporting documentation and visa fees.
To apply for a UK Ancestry visa, you must go through these simple steps:
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents and ensure they are up to date.
- Online Application: Complete the online application form on the UK government website.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee, which is currently £637.
- Biometric Appointment: Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at the nearest visa application centre.
- Submit Application: Submit your application and supporting documents.
- Wait for a Decision: The decision typically takes up to 3 weeks.
UK Ancestry visa processing time
You should receive a decision on your UK Ancestry visa within 3 weeks once you've applied online from outside the UK and attended your biometric appointment.
You may be able to apply for a UK Ancestry visa using Priority Service to get a faster decision. You'll need to pay a Priority Service fee in addition to the application fee.
The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.
How much does the UK Ancestry Visa cost?
The application fee for a UK Ancestry visa is currently £637. Additional costs may include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Priority Service fees.
Extending your UK Ancestry visa
If you wish to stay longer in the UK after your initial five years, you can apply to extend your Ancestry visa for a further five years.
UK Ancestry visa holders must apply to extend their visa before it expires to continue living legally and working in the UK.
After living in the UK for five continuous years on an Ancestry visa, you may apply for ILR, which allows you to live in the UK without time restrictions.
UK Ancestry visa dependents (your partner and children)
A UK Ancestry visa allows you to bring family members such as spouse, partner, or children to join you in the UK as your 'dependants' if they're eligible.
A 'dependant' is any of the following:
- Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
- your child under 18
- your child aged 18 or over who was previously on your or your partner's visa as a dependant
Each family member will need to apply separately and meet specific criteria.
Common reasons for UK Ancestry visa refusal
Many people face issues with their UK Ancestry visa applications. One big problem is not having all the needed documents. It's crucial to make sure you send in all the forms and supporting papers correctly. If you're missing something, your application will likely be rejected.
Not having enough money is another big issue. Home Office requires applicants to show they can support themselves without needing public help.
Also, not having strong enough proof of your UK ancestry can cause problems. You must have solid evidence that links you to a UK-born grandparent.
For more information and your eligibility assessment, you can contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors by calling 0203 959 7755 or filling out the online enquiry form.
Role of an immigration solicitor
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.
Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:
- Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
- Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
- Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
- Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
- Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
- Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.
If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!
How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?
If you have questions or need help with your UK Ancestry visa application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in Hayes, London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:
- Phone - Call us on 0203 959 7755
- Email us - info@moeenco.com
- Online - Fill in our online enquiry form
- Visit our office - Room 1, The Winning Box, 27-37 Station Road, Hayes UB3 4DX
We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre.
Frequently asked questions about the UK Ancestry visa
Yes, your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children under 18 can join you, provided they apply separately and meet the requirements.
Yes, you can apply to extend your UK Ancestry visa for another five years before your current visa expires.
After five continuous years in the UK on an Ancestry visa, you can apply for ILR. You must provide evidence of continuous residence, employment, pass the Life in the UK test, and meet the English language requirement.
Yes, the UK Ancestry visa permits you to work, study, or be self-employed in the UK without any restrictions.
If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal. Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer may be beneficial in such cases.
Yes, you can travel in and out of the UK as often as you like, but you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period to maintain eligibility for ILR.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.
