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Ancestry Visa
OVERVIEW
Ancestry Visa Application
If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK and you are a Commonwealth citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa.
Applying for a UK Ancestry Visa requires clear evidence of your British ancestry and your personal eligibility. Finding the correct documents can be challenging, especially when family members left the UK many years ago. Professional guidance can make this process significantly easier.
Our network of experienced immigration solicitors understands how important securing a UK visa can be for you. A lawyer can guide you through every stage of the application, from identifying the correct documents to completing the application accurately.
What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
A UK Ancestry Visa allows individuals with qualifying British ancestry to live and work in the UK.
This visa is issued for 5 years and can be extended for another 5 years. After completing the required period in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to settle permanently.
Can You Work With a UK Ancestry Visa?
Yes. You must intend to work in the UK to qualify for this visa.
Once granted, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do. You can:
Work full-time or part-time
Be self-employed or start a business
Work in any industry or skill level
Undertake voluntary work
Study alongside working
You can also bring your partner and children with you.
What Can’t You Do With a UK Ancestry Visa?
You cannot access public funds or benefits.
You must show that you can:
Support yourself financially
Arrange accommodation
Pay rent without relying on public funds
There is no fixed savings requirement. You simply need to demonstrate financial stability and suitable accommodation, which may include staying with family or friends.
Who Can Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?
You may qualify if:
You are 17 years or older
You are a Commonwealth citizen
You have at least one grandparent born in the UK
Your grandparent was related by birth or adoption
Can You Apply From Inside the UK?
You cannot switch to a UK Ancestry Visa if you are already in the UK on another visa.
You may only apply from within the UK if you entered with UK Ancestry entry clearance.
UK Ancestry Visa Requirements
You must meet all of the following:
One grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922
You are a Commonwealth citizen
You intend to work in the UK
You can financially support yourself and any dependants
You have suitable accommodation
Required Documents for a UK Ancestry Visa
You may need to provide:
Your passport or travel document
Your birth certificate
Your grandparent’s birth certificate
Marriage certificates (parents or grandparents, if applicable)
Adoption papers (if relevant)
Proof of intention to work (job offer or business plan)
Bank statements or financial support evidence
Tuberculosis test results (if required)
Parental consent (if under 18)
When Can You Apply?
You can apply up to three months before your intended travel date to the UK.
How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
Applications must be submitted online before travelling to the UK.
You will then attend a visa application centre where your:
Photograph
Fingerprints
will be taken. Your passport may be retained while your application is processed.
Processing Time
Most applications are decided within three weeks.
Priority services may be available for faster decisions depending on your location.
Cost of a UK Ancestry Visa
Application fee: £637
Healthcare surcharge: payable upfront, based on visa length
Legal assistance fees typically range between £675 and £900, depending on case complexity
Length of Stay
A UK Ancestry Visa is valid for 5 years.
You can:
Extend the visa for additional 5-year periods
Apply for indefinite leave to remain after meeting residence requirements
There is no limit on the number of extensions.
Time Outside the UK
To qualify for indefinite leave to remain, you must not spend more than 180 consecutive days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
If you exceed this limit, you may still extend your visa, but you will not qualify for permanent residence at that time.
Bringing Your Family to the UK
You may bring:
Your partner
Children under 18
Children over 18 who were previously dependants
You must provide evidence of your relationship and show that you can support them financially.
Reasons for UK Ancestry Visa Refusal
Applications may be refused if:
Ancestry evidence is insufficient
Required documents are missing
Fees were not paid correctly
Additional information requests were ignored
There are unspent criminal convictions
If Your Application Is Refused
You may:
Request an administrative review
Submit a new application
Apply for an alternative visa route
Professional legal advice can help identify the best next steps.
How We Can Help
Our experienced immigration solicitors can assist you with:
Tracing and verifying ancestry documents
Preparing and reviewing applications
Advising on eligibility and visa options
Supporting you after a refusal
A successful application can be life-changing. Our team is here to support you at every stage of your UK Ancestry Visa journey.
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Our Immigration solicitors are ready to help
With straightforward pricing – so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lawhive is an online platform that lets you work with a licensed solicitor instantly online. By making your British Citizenship Application through Lawhive, you'll get updates from your solicitor from anywhere and be able to check on the status 24/7. You can exchange messages and files with your solicitor directly through the Lawhive platform, and access our support team whenever you need.
Absolutely, Lawhive has a network of SRA licensed solicitors able to help with Ancestry Visa. We'll assign you with a solicitor who is able to get started right away. All Lawhive solicitors are fully regulated and are specialists in their legal area, with at least 10+ years of experience.
Getting started is easy. Just describe your matter and the help you're looking for and we'll assign you a solicitor. If you're unsure what you need, let us know and we can arrange for a solicitor to advise on the best course of action. Once your case has launched, you'll work directly with your solicitor through the Lawhive platform using any mobile, tablet or computer. You'll also get support from the Lawhive team anytime you need.
The cost for a licensed solicitor to help with your Ancestry Visa is dependent on many factors including the complexity and specific requirements of the case.
Lawhive aims to have a solicitor assigned and actively working on your case within 24-hours. The time to complete the matter depends on a few factors such as how straight-forward your case is and how fast any other parties respond. Using Lawhive ensures you get a solicitor who knows what they’re doing and has specialist experience in Immigration law.
It is certainly possible, although it depends on the complexity of your circumstances. If this is a requirement for you, please let us know when you describe your matter. Our aim is to have a solicitor working on your case within 48 hours, but usually this happens much faster, in as little as 1-2 hours.
Lawhive has one of the largest networks of Immigration solicitors in the UK. As soon as we’ve received details of your case, we will assign a specialist solicitor with relevant experience to your situation. All solicitors operating through Lawhive are fully licensed and regulated by the SRA, and have a minimum of 10+ years experience.