Requirements, application process and more…
A UK Ancestry visa can be a fantastic tool for Commonwealth citizens and Zimbabwean nationals to secure long term entry to the UK to work. The Ancestry visa allows Commonwealth citizens with ancestral links to the UK to live and work in the UK for 5 years initially.
Background
The visa may be extended for a further 5 years. It offers a route to settlement after 5 years and to British citizenship.
UK Ancestry visas are a rare visa category. However, the UK Ancestry visa is underutilised. In 2022, 3,559 UK Ancestry visas were granted, a 3% (-114) decrease from 2021. Here we try to explain the requirements, application process and more.
What are the requirements? Do I qualify for an ancestry visa in the UK?
To qualify for the Ancestry visa, you must meet a specific set of requirements:
You must prove that you are:
A commonwealth citizen, a citizen of Zimbabwe or a British overseas citizen.
Aged 17 or over.
The grandchild of a UK born grandparent, or a grandparent born in the islands (Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man), Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft.
Able to work or intends to take or seek employment in the UK.
Able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any family members while in the UK without the need to claim or seek state funds.
You cannot claim ancestry through step-parents. If you or your parents were adopted or your parents or grandparents were not married, you can still claim ancestry. .
Can I apply for an Ancestry visa in the UK?
You must apply for a UK Ancestry visa before you travel to the UK.
The earliest that you can apply is 3 months before your intended travel date to the UK. Applications are made online via the Home Office’s website.
As part of your application, you must prove your identity at a visa application centre. At your appointment, your biometrics will be taken (fingerprints and and photograph).
How long does it take to get a decision?
Once you have submitted your online application, proven your identity and provided all of your documents, you can usually expect to get a decision with 3 weeks.
How long does the UK Ancestry visa last?
The UK ancestry visa allows you to live and work in the UK for a period of 5 years.
How much does an Ancestry visa application cost?
The UK Ancestry visa costs £726, however, there are additional fees that you need to be aware of, this includes the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge is an additional fee that applicants need to pay at the same time as their application visa fee. The Immigration Health Surcharge costs £1,035 per year of the length of the visa. This amounts to £5,175 payable at the time of application, per person.
You may have pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application. Any dependants that you bring with you to the UK may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
If applying for yourself, your partner and your two children, you can expect to pay over £20,000 depending on the age of the children.
Does it offer a route to settlement?
Yes. The Ancestry visa offers a route to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Ancestry visas are normally granted for 5 years and you can apply for settlement after you have lived in the UK for 5 years. If the requirements are not met, you can extend your visa.
Does it offer a route to British citizenship?
Yes it does, after you and your family members have held settlement for 12 months.
Can I bring my dependant family members?
Yes. You can bring your partner and children to join you in the UK as your dependents. You must be able to provide evidence of your relationship to your dependents when you apply.
Your dependents must meet the eligibility requirements.
Your partner:
You are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognised in the UK or you have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years.
You’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture
If you and your partner don’t live together, you’ll need to prove to the Home Office that you have an ongoing commitment to one another. To do this, you can provide evidence that you:
Support each other financially.
Care for any children you have together.
Spend time together as a couple. For example by travelling or attending events together.
Communicate regularly with each other.
Your child:
Live with you (unless they’re in full time education at boarding school, college or university)
Not living an independent life be married, be in a civil partnership or have any children.
Be supported by you without using public funds.
Your partner and child must also apply online and from outside of the UK.
Written by Mya Alghali
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If you have questions or concerns or you would like straightforward immigration advice, or help with applying for a UK Ancestry visa, Thomas Chase Immigration can help. Our processes are tried and tested. We offer an individual touch when assisting you and presenting the matter to UKVI.
