UK ANCESTRY VISA

If you have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa. This visa allows Commonwealth citizens to move to the UK for up to five years – with a direct route to settlement and British citizenship.

The UK Ancestry Visa allows eligible Commonwealth citizens and British Overseas nationals with a UK-born grandparent to live, work and study in the UK. It is valid for five years and includes the option to bring eligible dependants.

After five continuous years of residence, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and later British citizenship. You must apply from outside the UK and show that you intend to work once here.

To qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa, you must:

• Be 17 years or older
• Be a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen, British national (Overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe
• Have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or in Ireland (before 31 March 1922)
• Be applying from outside the UK
• Show evidence that you plan to work in the UK
• Have sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants without public funds
• You can also apply through adoption but not through step-grandparents.

There is no specific minimum financial threshold, but you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and your family without claiming benefits. You must also show genuine plans to work, whether through employment or self-employment.

Commonwealth citizens include those from: Australia, Canada, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, and over 50 other countries.

You will need to provide:

• Valid passport and travel documents
• Full birth certificates (yours, your parent’s, and grandparent’s)
• Proof of grandparent’s UK birth
• Evidence of plans to work (e.g. job offer, CV, business plan)
• Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements from past 31 days)
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Marriage/civil partnership certificates (for dependants)
• TB test certificate (if required based on your country)
• Let our solicitors advise you on what’s required for your specific case.

Visa fee: £531

Biometric enrolment: £19.20

NHS surcharge: £1,035 per adult per year / £776 per child per year

Faster processing is available (depending on location):

Priority service: £500 – decision in 5 working days

Super-priority: £800 – decision by end of next working day

You can include:

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Children under 18
• Each dependant must submit their own visa application.

If you don’t yet qualify for ILR, you can apply to extend your visa. There is no limit on the number of extensions, provided you still meet the requirements.

Extension fee: £1,048
NHS surcharge applies

Our solicitors can guide you through your renewal to avoid delays or refusals.

After five years on an Ancestry visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must show:

• You’ve been continuously resident in the UK (no more than 180 days out per year)
• You are still working or actively seeking work
• You meet English language and Life in the UK test requirements
• After 12 months on ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

UK Ancestry Visa applications may be refused due to:

• Incomplete documentation
• Failure to prove ancestry
• Lack of work plans or financial support
• Criminal convictions
• Missed deadlines or fee issues

If your application is refused, we can help you explore your next steps, including administrative reviews or resubmissions.

If you’re planning to live and work in the UK based on your ancestral ties, expert legal guidance can ensure a smooth and successful application. At Cromwell Wilkes, we support clients through the UK Ancestry Visa process with confidence and clarity.

Our team of experienced immigration lawyers in London will guide you every step of the way – from checking your eligibility and gathering evidence to preparing a strong application or challenging a refusal.

Contact us today for personalised legal advice and take the first step toward building your future in the UK through your family heritage.