The Ancestry visa is for Commonwealth citizens, who have a grandparent born in the UK and enables them to enter, live, work and settle in the United Kingdom on the basis of this ancestry. This category can only be applied from outside the UK and is normally granted for 5 years.
UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, the applicant must be above 17 years old and satisfy the below requirements.
- Be a Commonwealth citizen
- Have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man or you must have a grandparent that was born in the Republic of Ireland prior to 31 March 1922.
- Be able to and intend to work in the UK
- Must be in a position to support and accommodate self and family without recourse to public funds.
The applicant must also show that they have enough funds in the bank account and also pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge. It is possible to establish and meet the relationship requirement if the applicant or their parents were previously adopted, and if such adoption is recognizable under UK laws.
Conditions of Leave and Settlement
Applicants in this group are typically awarded 5 years of leave if they are successful. The main benefits of this method are that no work sponsor is required, and candidates are able to live and work in the UK without restriction, as well as bring their spouse, partner, and/or dependant children with them. Dependents are likewise permitted to stay with the primary applicant for the duration of their stay, with no limits on their job.
Applicants may apply for settlement in the UK after completing five years of stay. To be eligible for the settlement, they must show that they worked or were actively looking for work during their five-year stay. In addition, candidates must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the five years preceding up to settlement, and they must meet the English language and life in the UK requirements.