As a Commonwealth citizen with ancestral links to the UK, the Ancestry visa provides a route to live, work and study in Britain on a long-term basis. The visa allows flexibility in employment, including the ability to work for an employer, establish your own business, or combine both. It also provides a route to settlement and, eventually, British citizenship.
In this guide for applicants, we explain what the UK Ancestry visa is, the eligibility criteria, how to apply, what documents are required, and the potential routes to settlement and citizenship. We also highlight common pitfalls and considerations when preparing your application to the Home Office.
Section A: What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry visa is available to qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over who can prove they have a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or in Ireland before 31 March 1922. It also covers those with a grandparent born on a British-registered ship or aircraft. This visa provides permission to live and work in the UK for an initial period of five years.
There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do under this visa. You may take up employment, set up your own business, or combine both. Voluntary work and study are also permitted, giving visa holders extensive flexibility compared with other UK work routes.
Family members, including partners and dependent children, can join you under this visa category provided they meet the relationship and financial requirements. After five continuous years in the UK, Ancestry visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once ILR has been held for a further 12 months, it is then possible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting the nationality requirements.
Section Summary: The Ancestry visa offers Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents the opportunity to live, work and study in the UK without employment restrictions. It also provides a pathway to permanent settlement and eventual citizenship.
Section B: Ancestry Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, applicants must meet a series of eligibility requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. These cover age, nationality, ancestry, intention to work, and financial stability. Each element must be evidenced through appropriate documentation to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 17 years or older on the date of application |
| Nationality | Must be a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas), British subject, or a citizen of Zimbabwe |
| Ancestry | Must have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland (before 31 March 1922), or on a British-registered ship or aircraft |
| Intent to Work | Must show ability and genuine intention to work in the UK |
| Financial Requirement | Must demonstrate adequate funds to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds |
1. Nationality Requirement
You must hold one of the qualifying nationalities to apply. This includes Commonwealth citizens and certain other UK-related statuses, such as British overseas citizens and British subjects. The ancestry link must be through a grandparent born in the UK (including the Islands), in Ireland before 31 March 1922, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft.
Ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents, nor does the birth of a grandparent in a former British colony or at a military base overseas qualify. However, applicants may rely on ancestry where adoption or birth outside marriage is involved.
2. Financial Requirement
There is no fixed minimum savings amount set by the Home Office. Instead, applicants must provide credible evidence that they can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without relying on UK public funds. This could be shown through bank statements, savings, income, or reliable third-party support, provided the evidence demonstrates genuine access to the funds.
3. Work Requirement
Applicants do not need to have secured employment before applying. However, they must be able to show both the capacity and genuine intention to work in the UK. Evidence might include job applications, interview invitations, a detailed CV, or a business plan for self-employment. UKVI will assess whether the applicant has a realistic prospect of finding employment once in the UK.
Section Summary: To qualify, applicants must be of the correct nationality, aged 17 or over, prove their ancestral link, and demonstrate financial stability and a genuine intention to work. The Home Office will expect comprehensive evidence to confirm these requirements.
Section C: How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
Applications for a UK Ancestry visa must be made from outside the UK. It is not possible to switch into this category from within the country. The earliest you can submit your application is three months before your intended date of travel. The application is made online through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), followed by attending a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometrics.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Complete and submit the online application form via the UKVI website |
| Document Submission | Provide required supporting evidence to show eligibility |
| Biometric Appointment | Attend an overseas visa application centre to enrol fingerprints and facial photograph |
| Pay Application Fee | Pay the standard visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
| Decision Waiting Period | Await a decision on your application, usually within three weeks |
| Receive Visa Decision | If approved, collect your visa and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) |
As part of your application, you will need to prove both your identity and nationality. Most applicants will need to schedule an appointment at a VAC to have their biometrics recorded. At this appointment, your fingerprints will be scanned, and a digital photograph will be taken. In some cases, you may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, but this depends on your nationality and passport.
Section Summary: Applications must be submitted online from overseas, supported by documentary evidence, and followed by a biometric appointment. The standard processing time is three weeks, although priority services may be available depending on the country of application.
Section D: Ancestry Visa Supporting Documents
When applying for a UK Ancestry visa, you must provide documents to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements. These will vary depending on your circumstances but will usually include proof of identity, proof of ancestry, evidence of intent to work, and evidence of financial stability. The documents must be original or officially certified copies, and where not in English or Welsh, must be accompanied by a certified translation.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | A current passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality |
| Applicant’s Birth Certificate | Proof of your birth, showing parental details to establish the family link |
| Grandparent’s Birth Certificate | Evidence that your grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland before 31 March 1922, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft |
| Parent’s Birth Certificate | Where needed to confirm the link between you and your grandparent |
| Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate | If applying with a spouse or partner |
| Proof of Intent to Work | Job offers, a detailed CV, job applications, or a business plan if self-employed |
| Financial Evidence | Bank statements, savings accounts, or evidence of third-party financial support |
| Accommodation Evidence | Proof of where you will live in the UK, such as a tenancy agreement or letter from a host |
| Tuberculosis Test Certificate | Required for applicants from certain countries, as listed on GOV.UK |
| Previous UK Immigration Records | Where relevant, details of any prior visas, refusals, or immigration history |
Applicants under the age of 18 will also need written consent from a parent or guardian. Additional evidence may be required depending on the individual case, and UKVI may request further documentation after submission. Supporting documents can usually be uploaded to the UKVI online system or scanned at your visa application centre appointment.
For the work requirement, you do not need to already be employed when you apply, but you must demonstrate both the ability and genuine intention to work in the UK. Evidence may include job applications, recruitment correspondence, or business planning documentation if intending to be self-employed.
Section Summary: Supporting documents must confirm your ancestry, financial stability, intent to work, and accommodation arrangements. The Home Office requires comprehensive and reliable evidence to be satisfied that you meet the criteria for an Ancestry visa.
Section E: Application Fee & Timeline
The Home Office application fee for a UK Ancestry visa is £637. This is payable at the point of online submission. In addition, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. The IHS is payable upfront for the full length of the visa and is charged annually.
Depending on the country of application, you may be able to purchase an optional priority or super-priority service for an additional fee. These services can significantly shorten the processing time, although availability depends on the local visa application centre.
- Standard processing: Around three weeks from the biometric appointment
- Priority processing: Available in some countries for an additional fee (usually within 5 working days)
- Super-priority processing: Available in limited locations, typically providing a next-working-day decision
In addition to the application fee and healthcare surcharge, applicants should also budget for associated costs such as biometric appointments, translation of documents, or courier fees if required by the visa application centre.
Section Summary: The UK Ancestry visa costs £637 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Standard processing is around three weeks, with priority and super-priority services available in some countries. Applicants should also account for related administrative costs when preparing their applications.
Section F: Family Members
If your UK Ancestry visa is granted, you can bring eligible family members to join you in the UK. Dependants may include a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and any children under the age of 18 at the time of application. Each dependant must make a separate application, pay the visa fee, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Dependants are normally granted leave in line with the primary applicant and will be able to work and study in the UK. However, the main visa holder must demonstrate that there are sufficient funds to support and accommodate all family members without access to public funds.
- Accommodation: Adequate housing must be available for the whole family, without reliance on public funds
- Financial maintenance: Evidence must show the ability to maintain all family members in the UK
- Relationship evidence: Documents proving the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, must be provided
Unmarried Partners
Unmarried partners can qualify as dependants if they can prove a genuine and subsisting relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership of at least two years. To qualify, both partners must intend to live together permanently in the UK and any prior relationships must have legally ended.
Children
Children under the age of 18 may apply as dependants. If they turn 18 during their time in the UK, they can usually continue as dependants provided they were granted leave before turning 18. Evidence of parental responsibility and financial support will be required.
Dependants already in the UK on another visa route may in some cases switch into the Ancestry dependant category, but not if they were last granted entry as a visitor, short-term student, or under temporary admission or release. Applications from within the UK are submitted through the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS), which includes enrolling biometric information.
Section Summary: Dependants such as spouses, partners and children can join an Ancestry visa holder, provided financial and relationship requirements are met. They must each apply and pay separately, and will usually be granted leave in line with the primary applicant, with permission to work and study.
Section G: Ancestry Visa Application Refused?
There are a number of reasons why an application for a UK Ancestry visa may be refused. Common issues include insufficient evidence of the grandparental link, lack of documentation showing financial stability, or failure to prove a genuine intention to work in the UK. Applications can also be refused if the applicant has a history of immigration breaches or falls for refusal under the general grounds of the Immigration Rules.
If your application is refused, you will not normally have a full right of appeal. Instead, you may request an Administrative Review if you believe that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has made a casework error. However, if the refusal was based on missing evidence or failure to meet eligibility requirements, an Administrative Review is unlikely to overturn the decision.
In limited cases, applicants may be able to challenge a refusal by way of judicial review. This is a legal process in the courts to review whether UKVI acted unlawfully in making the decision, but it is complex, costly, and usually requires legal representation.
Where the refusal is based on evidential gaps, the most practical option is often to reapply with stronger supporting documents. Taking professional advice can help assess whether Administrative Review, judicial review, or a fresh application is the best route forward in your circumstances.
Section Summary: Refusals are usually based on missing or insufficient evidence of eligibility. There is no standard appeal right, but applicants may request Administrative Review or, in limited circumstances, pursue judicial review. In many cases, reapplying with stronger evidence will be the most effective approach.
Section H: Extending a UK Ancestry Visa
A UK Ancestry visa is initially granted for five years. At the end of this period, visa holders may apply to extend their stay for a further five years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. There is no limit on the number of extensions that can be granted, although many applicants will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
To qualify for an extension, you must demonstrate that you are either employed, self-employed, or actively seeking work in the UK. You must also show that you and any dependants can continue to be adequately maintained and accommodated without access to public funds. The Home Office does not require proof of continuous employment throughout the initial five years, but you must remain able and willing to work.
- You must still be a Commonwealth citizen or hold another qualifying nationality
- You must demonstrate intention and ability to work in the UK
- You must show maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds
- You must not fall for refusal under the general grounds of the Immigration Rules
An extension application must be submitted online before your current visa expires. Each dependant must also apply to extend their visa separately, either at the same time as the main applicant or before their current leave runs out. Dependants’ visas will not automatically extend when the main applicant’s visa is extended.
Applicants and their dependants will need to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) appointment to re-enrol biometric information, and supporting documents must either be uploaded online or scanned at the appointment. Standard processing is usually up to eight weeks, and applicants must remain within the Common Travel Area during this time. Faster processing options may be available for an additional fee.
Section Summary: Ancestry visa holders can extend their stay in five-year increments if they continue to meet the requirements. Dependants must also apply separately. Applications must be made before expiry of the current visa, with biometric enrolment and documentary evidence required.
Section I: Ancestry Visa to ILR
The UK Ancestry visa provides a direct route to settlement in the UK, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After completing five continuous years of lawful residence on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR, provided you meet all the relevant requirements under the Immigration Rules.
ILR grants permanent residence, allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions. It also removes the need for further visa extensions and is a necessary step before applying for British citizenship.
- Continuous residence: You must have spent five years in the UK without excessive absences, generally no more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period
- Knowledge of language and life in the UK: You must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement, unless exempt
- Work and financial ability: You must still be able and willing to work and be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without public funds
- Nationality status: You must remain a Commonwealth citizen or otherwise hold an eligible status at the time of application
Applications for ILR are made online. Each applicant, including dependants, must provide supporting documents and re-enrol biometric information at a UKVCAS appointment. Unlike visa applications, the Immigration Health Surcharge is not payable when applying for settlement.
Standard ILR applications are typically decided within six months, although priority services may be available at an additional cost. During this period, applicants should not travel outside the Common Travel Area, as this will automatically withdraw the application.
Section Summary: ILR can be obtained after five years on the Ancestry visa, provided continuous residence, knowledge of English and life in the UK, and financial stability are demonstrated. ILR removes immigration restrictions and is a stepping stone towards British citizenship.
Section J: Ancestry Visa to British Citizenship
After securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the Ancestry visa route, many individuals choose to apply for British citizenship. Citizenship provides full legal status in the UK, including the right to a British passport and the ability to vote in UK elections. However, the process is subject to strict eligibility rules under the British Nationality Act 1981.
The standard route requires Ancestry visa holders to first obtain ILR and then wait 12 months before applying to naturalise, unless married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, in which case you may apply immediately after being granted ILR.
- Residency requirement: Applicants must usually have lived in the UK for at least five years and held ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen)
- Absences: Applicants must not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five-year qualifying period, and no more than 90 days in the final 12 months
- Language and Life in the UK: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of English and pass the Life in the UK Test, unless exempt
- Good character requirement: Applicants must not have serious or recent criminal convictions or immigration breaches
Children of Ancestry visa holders may, in some cases, be registered as British citizens rather than applying to naturalise. For example, children under 18 may be eligible for registration if their parents have settled in the UK. Registration routes vary depending on circumstances, and legal advice is often recommended to assess eligibility.
Applicants should be aware that citizenship applications are expensive and non-refundable if refused. It is therefore important to provide complete and accurate supporting evidence to avoid delays or rejection.
Section Summary: Citizenship is usually available after holding ILR for 12 months, subject to residency, absence limits, language, life in the UK, and good character requirements. Dependants may qualify for earlier registration routes, but applications must be carefully prepared to avoid refusal.
Section K: List of Commonwealth Countries
Citizens of the Commonwealth are eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa, provided they meet the other requirements of the route. Below is the list of current Commonwealth member states whose nationals may qualify, subject to proving their ancestral connection.
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Kenya | Saint Lucia |
| Australia | Kiribati | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Bahamas | Lesotho | Samoa |
| Bangladesh | Malawi | Seychelles |
| Barbados | Malaysia | Sierra Leone |
| Belize | Maldives | Singapore |
| Botswana | Malta | Solomon Islands |
| Brunei Darussalam | Mauritius | South Africa |
| Cameroon | Mozambique | Sri Lanka |
| Canada | Namibia | Swaziland (Eswatini) |
| Cyprus | Nauru | Tanzania |
| Dominica | New Zealand | Tonga |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Ghana | Papua New Guinea | Tuvalu |
| Grenada | Rwanda | Uganda |
| Guyana | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Vanuatu |
| India | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
| Jamaica |
Section Summary: The Ancestry visa is open to citizens of all Commonwealth countries, provided they meet the ancestry and other requirements. Applicants must still prove their lineage through a qualifying UK-born grandparent and meet the work and financial rules.
Section L: Summary
The UK Ancestry visa offers a valuable opportunity for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live, work, and study in the UK. It is one of the most flexible visa categories, allowing employment at any skill level, self-employment, volunteering, and study without restrictions. Dependants such as partners and children can also accompany the main applicant, provided financial and relationship criteria are met.
Successful applicants are granted a five-year visa, with the possibility of extension or settlement after this period. Once Indefinite Leave to Remain is secured, British citizenship may follow for those who meet the nationality law requirements. The visa does not require sponsorship or a confirmed job offer, but applicants must demonstrate their intent and ability to work, as well as their financial means to live in the UK without public funds.
Because of its requirements around documentation, proof of ancestry, and evidence of intention to work, careful preparation of an application is essential. By ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and supported with comprehensive evidence, applicants can make full use of this immigration route to reconnect with their heritage and establish a long-term future in the UK.
Section Summary: The Ancestry visa is a highly flexible immigration route for Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents. It enables family migration, work, study, and a clear path to settlement and citizenship for those who can meet the Home Office’s evidential requirements.
Section N: Ancestry Visa FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about the UK Ancestry visa, based on the Immigration Rules and current Home Office guidance.
Who qualifies for a UK Ancestry visa?
The visa is open to Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), British subjects, and citizens of Zimbabwe, aged 17 or over. Applicants must have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland before 31 March 1922, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft. They must also intend and be able to work in the UK and demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
How much money do I need to apply?
There is no fixed minimum financial threshold. However, applicants must show that they can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without relying on public funds. Evidence can include bank statements, savings, income, or confirmed third-party support.
Do I need a job offer before applying?
No. You do not need a job offer at the time of application. However, you must provide evidence of your intention and ability to work, such as a CV, job applications, interview invitations, or a business plan if planning self-employment.
Can I extend my Ancestry visa?
Yes. Ancestry visas can be extended in five-year increments as long as you continue to meet the requirements. There is no limit on the number of extensions, but many applicants instead apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous residence.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. You can bring a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (if you can prove a relationship akin to marriage of at least two years), and dependent children under 18. Each dependant must apply separately and pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Can I get married in the UK on an Ancestry visa?
Yes. You may marry or enter a civil partnership while living in the UK on an Ancestry visa. This does not affect your immigration status, and you can continue towards ILR after five years of residence, provided you still meet the other requirements.
What documents are required for the application?
Core documents include a valid passport, your birth certificate, your grandparent’s birth certificate, and if needed, your parent’s birth certificate to establish the family link. You may also need marriage or partnership certificates, financial evidence, proof of accommodation, and documents showing intent to work. If applying from certain countries, a tuberculosis test certificate will also be required.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If refused, you will normally only have the option to request an Administrative Review if you believe a caseworking error was made. Judicial review may be available in limited cases. Otherwise, a fresh application with stronger evidence is often the best course of action.
Can I apply for British citizenship with an Ancestry visa?
Yes, but only after first securing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You may apply to naturalise as a British citizen once you have held ILR for at least 12 months (unless married to a British citizen, in which case you may apply immediately after ILR). You must also meet residency, absence, language, Life in the UK Test, and good character requirements.
Section Summary: The FAQs confirm that while the Ancestry visa is flexible and attractive, applicants must still meet strict evidential requirements. Financial stability, intent to work, and proof of ancestry are central to a successful application, while dependants can also benefit from this route.
Section O: Glossary
Key terms associated with the UK Ancestry visa are explained below to help applicants better understand the terminology used in the Immigration Rules and guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UK Ancestry Visa | A visa that allows qualifying Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live and work in the UK. |
| Commonwealth Citizen | A citizen of one of the member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residence in the UK, granting the right to live, work, and study without time restrictions. |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | A secure identity card containing details and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) of visa holders. |
| Maintenance Requirement | The financial obligation to demonstrate sufficient resources to live in the UK without public funds. |
| Dependent | A spouse, partner, or child under 18 who relies on the primary visa holder and can apply to join them. |
| Grandparent | The parent of one of your parents. Their UK birth qualifies you for the Ancestry visa if other conditions are met. |
| Visa Extension | The process of applying to extend an Ancestry visa beyond its initial five-year validity. |
| British Citizenship | Legal status as a citizen of the United Kingdom, which may be obtained by naturalisation after ILR. |
| Application Fee | The fee payable to the Home Office for processing a visa or settlement application. |
| Financial Evidence | Documents such as bank statements, savings, or income records to prove financial stability. |
| Proof of Intent to Work | Evidence that an applicant plans to work in the UK, such as job applications, CVs, or a business plan. |
| Birth Certificate | An official record of a person’s birth, used to establish family lineage for an ancestry application. |
| Permanent Residency | The right to remain in the UK indefinitely without further immigration restrictions. |
| Application Processing Time | The period it takes UKVI to review and decide on a submitted visa application. |
Section Summary: The glossary provides clear explanations of key immigration terms relevant to the Ancestry visa route, helping applicants understand the rules, requirements, and terminology they will encounter during the application process.
Section P: Additional Resources
For official guidance and further details about the UK Ancestry visa, applicants should refer to the following authoritative resources:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Ancestry Visa Overview | https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa |
| Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa | https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa |
| Visa Fees | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees |
| NHS Surcharge Information | https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application |
| UK Ancestry Visa Guidance (DavidsonMorris) | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/uk-ancestry-visa/ |
| Youth Mobility & Other Work Routes (Xpats.io) | https://www.xpats.io/youth-mobility-visa-uk/ |
| UK Ancestry Visa Guidance (Xpats.io) | https://www.xpats.io/uk-ancestry-visa/ |
Section Summary: Applicants should always consult GOV.UK for the most up-to-date information on eligibility, process, and fees. DavidsonMorris and Xpats.io also provide detailed practical guidance and support resources for preparing applications.
