Ancestry Visa UK – Specialist Solicitors

The UK ancestry visa or British ancestry visa is a UK visa for immigration, which allows a Commonwealth citizen to immigrate to the UK. If an individual is a Commonwealth citizen and is able to show that one of his/her grandparents was born in the UK (including Southern Ireland prior to 31 March 1922), then he or she may apply for a visa that will allow to stay in the UK for a period of 5 years.

Features Of the Ancestry Visa UK

• During the 5 year period, individual is allowed to work without restriction.
• There is also freedom of re-entry and exit in the UK for multiple times.
• Ancestry visa is issued for a period of 5 years and after the completion of 5 years, the applicant may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR). Applying for ILR, the applicant must have spent 5 continuous years in the country and must be employed anywhere.
• Through this route, the spouse or dependents of the applicant are also eligible to apply for UK ancestry visa.
• Applicants for UK ancestry visa must be employed anywhere as they are not allowed for public funding.
• It is not necessary for the individuals to have UK work permit; they are allowed to seek for any employment opportunity.

The following are the benefits of the UK ancestry visa

• Since the application is based on family ties, so no points based skills assessment is required as under Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP).
• Also, unlike UK Business visa, candidates do not need to create jobs or invest in the UK.
• Unlike UK visit visas, (travel / tourist visas), ancestry visa is intended as a route to settlement within the UK. A UK work permit can lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK (ILR) otherwise known as permanent residency. UK ancestry visa is granted for 5 years after which candidates can make an application for permanent residency in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements of Ancestry Visa UK

To qualify, the following conditions are to be met:

• Applicant must be a Commonwealth citizen.
• He must be aged 17 or above.
• The application may be considered valid based on the British birth of any one of his/her 4 grandparents, alive or deceased.
• If the applicant or one of the applicant’s parents is adopted, he/she may be eligible for a Family Visa.
• The applicant should provide the proof of the adoption. (Please note that applications from candidates with a grandparent who was born in the Republic of Ireland before March 1992 are also valid).