UK Ancestry Visa Updated 19 January 2021 A UK Ancestry Visa is a popular immigration route, available to Commonwealth citizens who have at least one grandparent born in the UK, and who are able and intend to work. The UK Ancestry Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and finally British Citizenship. Who can apply? • You must be a Commonwealth Citizen • You must be able to provide proof that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man • The grandparent can be a biological grandparent, or a grandparent by adoption. • You must be able and planning to work in the UK Dependents • You must be over 17 years old Your partner and dependent children under the age of 18 may be added to your application to join you in the UK as • You must show proof of funds to support yourself and your your dependents. dependants without relying on public funds in the UK How long can the visa holder stay in the UK? You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa. After 5 years, you can either extend your visa for a further 5 years or apply for Indefinite leave to remain if you meet the requirements. 1 2 3 4 FIRST VISA EXTENSION PERMANENT RESIDENCE BRITISH 5 years 5 years Indefinite Leave to Remain CITIZENSHIP Once approved, you will be After 5 years you will be able After 5 years in the UK After 1 year of Indefinite given permission to enter to submit further applications in the UK Ancestral Visa Leave to Remain, or if you and remain in the UK for up to extend your visa. category, you may be granted have a British spouse, you to 5 years. permission to remain in the can then apply for British UK permanently. Citizenship. Version: WL20210119 FAQs HOW DO YOU APPLY? You must apply online before you travel to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel to the UK. As part Fees of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. You will have your biometrics There may be costs associated with capturing your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) taken at your appointment. at your local visa application processing centre. You will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DECISION? Check how much it will be here. Once you have applied online, proved your identity and Visa Fee provided your documents, you will usually get a decision on your visa within 4-8 weeks. UK Ancestry Visa £516 CAN I EXTEND MY VISA? Extension - per person £1,033 You can extend your visa as many times as you like, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. CAN I SWITCH TO THIS VISA FROM INSIDE THE UK? No, you need to apply from outside the UK. Our Fees UK Ancestry Visa application £950 - £1,950 ARE ADOPTED AND STEPCHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR THE UK ANCESTRY VISA? Full start to end advice and assistance on the application forms to be submitted, full review of all documentory evidence, A person can apply for the UK Ancestry Visa if they or their assistance throughout the process and procedures of the parent are adopted. application up until the point of Home Office decision. Once There is no claim to the UK Ancestry Visa through step- the Home Office decision has been made further advice will be parents. provided on next steps. IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT ON THIS VISA? Consultation (in the office) £150 No, but you must prove that you intend to work in the UK, An in office meeting with our Immigration Solicitor to discuss and that you are able to do so. your current situation, provide full advice on available options and follow up advice in a letter. DO I HAVE TO WORK ON THIS VISA? Yes, one of the conditions of this visa is that you must work. Consultation (out of office) £250 An out of office meeting with our Immigration Solicitor to CAN I START MY OWN BUSINESS ON A UK discuss your current situation, provide full advice on available ANCESTRY VISA? options and follow up advice in a letter. Yes, there are no work restrictions on this visa. If you intend to extend your visa or apply for ILR, you must prove that you Hourly Rate £250 worked during the 5 year duration of the visa. Only where fixed fee does not apply. Woodcock Law is well placed and highly experienced in providing bespoke advice and assistance with UK Ancestry Visa applications, extensions, Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship. The Information contained herein is supplied by UK Visas and Immigration and is subject to change. While Woodcock Law Limited makes every effort to keep this document current, prices and information cannot be guaranteed. 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