UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry visa is a work visa, ie one that permits and encourages working in the UK, either in employment, self-employment or running a business, but only certain categories of person qualify for it. The rule only requires that the applicant is able to and intends to work; there is no requirement for them to find work within any particular time frame.
Who is eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa?
You must be a Commonwealth citizen aged 17 or over when you intend to arrive in the UK (but not necessarily on the date of application) and you must have at least one grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands. “Commonwealth citizen” includes some types of British national. The grandparent may now be dead or still alive.
There is no English language requirement.
What are the other requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa?
You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself in the UK and you must be able to and intend to work in the UK.
How long is a UK Ancestry visa granted for?
Five years.
How much does it cost to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
The visa application fee is £726 and there is also an IHS health surcharge fee of £1035 per year (£5,175) for five years, so total fees are £5,901.
What is the usual processing time for a UK Ancestry Visa
For entry clearance applications outside the UK it is three weeks. For leave to remain applications within the UK it is eight weeks.
Can I switch to this visa from inside the UK?
No, you cannot.
Is a UK Ancestry Visa extendable?
Yes, it can be extended for a further five years.
Can a UK Ancestry Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain?
Yes it can, after five years.
I am on a UK Ancestry Visa. Can I sponsor someone to come to the UK on a visitor visa
Yes, potentially.
