Family Visas
UK Ancestry Visa
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 remains valid for five years and permits eligible dependants. Applications must be submitted from outside the UK, and applicants must demonstrate an intention to work upon arrival.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa?
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 remains valid for five years and permits eligible dependants. Applications must be submitted from outside the UK, and applicants must demonstrate an intention to work upon arrival.
Who can apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?
Eligibility requirements include:
Age 17 or older
Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen, British national (Overseas), or Zimbabwean citizen status
A grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland (before 31 March 1922)
Applying from outside the UK
Evidence of work plans in the UK
Sufficient funds to support yourself and dependants without public assistance
Eligibility through adoption (not step-grandparents)
Financial and work requirements for UK Ancestry Visa
There is no specific minimum financial threshold, but you must demonstrate that you can support yourself and your family without claiming benefits.
Work plans may include employment or self-employment arrangements.
Eligible Commonwealth countries
Commonwealth citizens include those from Australia, Canada, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, and over 50 other countries.
Supporting documents for your UK Ancestry Visa
Required documentation:
Valid passport and travel documents
Full birth certificates (applicant, parent, grandparent)
Grandparent's UK birth proof
Work plan evidence (job offer, CV, business plan)
Financial documentation (31-day bank statements)
Adoption papers (if applicable)
Marriage or civil partnership certificates (dependants)
TB test certificate (if country-required)
UK Ancestry Visa fees and healthcare surcharge
Visa fee
£531
Biometric enrolment
£19.20
NHS surcharge
£1,035 per adult annually and £776 per child annually
Priority and super-priority processing
Faster processing options are available (location-dependent):
Priority service
£500, decision within 5 working days
Super-priority
£800, decision by end of the next working day
Bringing your family
Eligible dependants include a spouse or civil partner and children under 18, each requiring separate visa applications.
UK Ancestry Visa extension and renewal
There is no limit on the number of extensions, provided you still meet the requirements.
The extension fee is £1,048 with the NHS surcharge applicable.
Pathway to settlement and citizenship
Following five years of continuous UK residence, applicants may pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by demonstrating:
Continuous UK residence (maximum 180 days annual absence)
Active employment or job-seeking status
English language and Life in the UK test proficiency
British citizenship applications become available after 12 months on ILR status.
Reasons for UK Ancestry Visa refusal
Applications may be refused due to:
Incomplete documentation
Ancestry verification failure
Insufficient work or financial plans
Criminal convictions
Missed deadlines or fee issues
Administrative reviews or resubmission options exist for refusal cases.
Contact us for UK Ancestry Visa legal advice today
Cromwell Wilkes offers expert immigration legal guidance for applicants navigating the UK Ancestry Visa process.
Their London-based team assists with eligibility assessment, evidence gathering, application preparation, and refusal challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what clients ask us most. Still unsure? Book a free consultation and we will talk it through.
Book a free consultationNo, you must apply for a UK Ancestry Visa from outside the UK. You cannot switch to this visa category from another type of visa while already in the UK.
You do not need a confirmed job offer, but you must show that you intend to work in the UK. This can include evidence such as job applications, interviews scheduled, or a business plan if you're self-employed.
Yes. The UK Ancestry Visa allows you to live, work and study in the UK for up to 5 years.
Yes. You can include your partner and any children under 18 as dependants in your visa application, provided you can financially support them without relying on public funds.
The visa is granted for 5 years. After this period, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application is refused, you may be eligible to request an administrative review or reapply, depending on the reason for refusal.
Yes. You can apply to extend your Ancestry visa if you are not yet eligible for ILR or choose not to apply for settlement. There is no limit to the number of extensions you can apply for, provided you meet the requirements.
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