The UK Ancestry Visa is a popular immigration route for Commonwealth citizens with British family heritage. It offers the chance to live, work and eventually settle in the UK – provided you can prove that one of your grandparents was born here. Whether you’re looking to build a career, reunite with relatives or explore your roots, this visa could be the key to a long-term future in the UK.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UK Ancestry Visa, including eligibility, application requirements and how to plan for settlement.
Who can apply for an Ancestry Visa?
To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must meet specific criteria. This visa is only open to Commonwealth citizens who are aged 17 or over and applying from outside the UK. Most importantly, you must have a grandparent who was born in one of the following places:
- The United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man)
- Ireland – but only if the birth occurred before 31 March 1922
It’s worth noting that it doesn’t matter which of your parents your qualifying grandparent is related to. You can apply even if the link is through adoption or the birth took place outside marriage. However, you must be able to prove the chain of connection using official documentation.
What do you need to prove?
The most important element of a successful application is having strong evidence. The Home Office will expect to see clear proof of your ancestry, your identity and your intention to work in the UK. That usually means providing:
- Your birth certificate
- The birth and marriage certificates of your parent and grandparent
- Your valid passport
- Evidence you can support yourself (e.g. recent bank statements)
- Proof of your intention to work (e.g. job applications, job offers or a CV)
If any documents are missing, damaged or not in English, this could delay or even prevent your application. You may also be asked for additional evidence – particularly if your family history involves adoption or legal name changes. In complex cases like these, it’s advisable to seek legal advice early in the process.
What does the Ancestry Visa allow you to do?
Once granted, an Ancestry Visa gives you considerable freedom. You can work in almost any role, whether employed or self-employed and you’re also allowed to study or set up a business. If you have family, you can bring your partner or children with you as dependants, as long as you meet the financial requirements.
You’ll be free to travel in and out of the UK during your visa’s validity. And after five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step toward British citizenship.
How long does the Ancestry Visa last?
A UK Ancestry Visa is valid for five years. During this time, you are expected to live and work in the UK and maintain continuous residence. You can leave the country for holidays or short trips but long absences could affect your ability to extend your visa or apply for settlement.
If you decide not to apply for ILR after five years, you can renew your visa, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria and intend to continue working. However, most applicants use the Ancestry Visa as a route to permanent residency and ultimately British citizenship.
Pathway to settlement and citizenship
After five continuous years in the UK on an Ancestry Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This grants you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without being subject to immigration controls.
To be eligible for ILR, you must show that you’ve been working or actively seeking work throughout your stay. You’ll also need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements, unless exempt.
One year after securing ILR, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship – allowing you to hold a British passport and enjoy full rights as a UK national. The entire journey from arrival to citizenship typically takes a minimum of six years.
Common reasons for rejection
While the Ancestry Visa route is relatively straightforward, it can be refused if your documents are incomplete or if the Home Office doubts your intention to work. Rejections can also occur if:
- You fail to prove your ancestry clearly
- You have insufficient funds to support yourself
- You don’t meet the good character requirement (e.g. criminal record)
To reduce your risk of refusal, it’s important to get your documentation in order and provide a strong application. If you’re unsure about any part of the process – especially ancestry proof – a solicitor with immigration experience can guide you through it.
Can you switch to an Ancestry Visa from within the UK?
Unfortunately, you cannot switch to a UK Ancestry Visa from inside the UK. The application must be made from your home country or another country where you have legal residence. If you’re currently on a different visa and wish to change to the Ancestry route, you will need to leave the UK and apply from abroad.
Get expert legal advice on UK Ancestry Visa applications
Ancestry Visa applications can become complicated when family records are unclear or scattered across different jurisdictions. At Osbourne Pinner Solicitors, our immigration solicitors can help you gather the right evidence, check your eligibility and submit a strong, compliant application.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess your case and provide practical next steps. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or planning your move to ILR, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today via the form below, call0203 983 508 or email [email protected] to speak with our immigration law specialists.
You can come to our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester – or speak to us on a video call if you’d prefer a remote consultation.
