Ancestry Visa UK - Hire an Ancestry Visa Lawyer

Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), and Zimbabwe citizens may apply for UK Ancestry visas if they:

• Have one grandparent born:
• In the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or
• Before 31 March 1922 in the territory which is now Ireland, or
• On a British-registered ship or aircraft
• Are over 17 years of age
• Have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependants
• Are eligible to work in the UK and intend to do so

Proving your British heritage is the key to be eligible to apply through this route. You may also claim ancestry if:

• You or your parent (who is the son/daughter of the concerned grandparent) were adopted
• Your parents or grandparents were not married

However, please be advised that step-children cannot claim UK ancestry.

You will be required to submit the following supporting documents along with your visa application:

• Current passport or any other similar travel ID
• Your birth certificate
• The birth certificates of the concerned parent and grandparent based on whom you are claiming your UK ancestry
• Documents proving that you are planning to work in the UK
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your and your dependents’ (if any) expenses (such as bank statements dated within 31 days from your visa application date)
• Documents proving that the concerned parent or grandparent of yours has changed their name since birth, if applicable
• Legal adoption papers (in case you or your parent is adopted)
• Tuberculosis test results (where applicable)
• Proof of relationship if your eligible family members are applying with you (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.)

Having an immigration consultant review your documents can significantly reduce errors and delays. Our legal experts carefully assess your paperwork, ensuring compliance with Home Office standards.

You will need to apply for a UK Ancestry visa from outside the UK. You will not be allowed to switch to this visa if you are already in the UK on a different visa.

Similar to all UK visas, applying for a UK Ancestry visa is an online process. You will have to start with creating an account on the Home Office website with your valid email ID. Please have all your supporting documents and other relevant information ready with you so as to answer the questions on the online form completely and accurately.

Once you have completed the online form, please submit the same along with scanned copies of required documents and pay the required processing fees. Next, please book an appointment at a UK visa application centre near your location in your home country.

On the date of your appointment at the local visa application centre, you will be submitting your passport and supporting documents at the centre as well as providing your biometric details. You may also have to attend a visa interview.

You cannot apply for your visa more than three months before you travel to the UK.

Typically, the Home Office takes up to three weeks to process a UK Ancestry visa application from the day of document submission. However, this may increase if your application is incomplete or not accurate, or you are asked to submit further evidence, or your local UK embassy/consulate is experiencing an increased visa demand.

You may avail the super priority service to get a decision in the next working day by paying an additional fee of £500
or the priority service to get a decision within five working days by paying in addition to the usual visa processing fee.

The processing fee for a UK Ancestry visa is £726. You may also have to pay a healthcare surcharge for yourself and your dependants (if any) while applying for the visa, which is £1035/year per adult and £776/year per minor.

A UK Ancestry visa is valid for five years, renewable as many times as you wish thereafter as long as you apply before your current visa expires and you continue meeting the eligibility requirements. Your dependants may apply to extend their visa either at the same time as you or at any time before their current visa expires.

To renew, you will need to apply online and pay a processing fee and the applicable healthcare surcharge. You will also have to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information. You can also have your supporting documents scanned at your UKVCAS appointment if you are unable to submit them online during application.

The Home Office may take up to eight weeks to reach a decision. You will be allowed to stay in the UK during this period as long as you have applied before your current visa expiry date. However, please do not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision, to avoid the withdrawal of your application.

Alternatively, you may apply for ILR after living in the country for five years on a UK Ancestry visa, provided you meet the relevant requirements. You can use ILR to become a British citizen eventually.