What is the UK Ancestry Route?
The UK Ancestry Route is a visa category designed for Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland before March 31, 1922. It allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for an initial period, with the possibility of extending and eventually obtaining permanent residency, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Who can apply for the UK Ancestry Route?
To be eligible for the UK Ancestry Route, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen (BOTC), British Overseas citizen (BOC), or a citizen of Zimbabwe.
- Be aged 17 or over.
- Have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland before March 31, 1922.
- Intend to live and work in the UK.
- Be able to financially support yourself and any dependents without relying on public funds.
Additional criteria may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
What are the requirements?
The UK government outlines specific requirements for obtaining a UK Ancestry Route visa. These include:
- Proof of your ancestral link
- Evidence of your relationship to your grandparent
- Meeting the financial requirement to support yourself and any dependents
- English language proficiency requirements
For a comprehensive list of requirements, please refer to the official UK government website
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How to apply for the UK Ancestry?
The application process for the UK Ancestry Route can be complex. We are here to guide you through. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Gather the required documents to show that you meet the requirements
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the visa application fee
- Submit your application and supporting documents to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Additional criteria may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
How much does it cost?
The current cost for the UK Ancestry Route application fee is £1,523.
Additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances, such as the healthcare surcharge and priority service fees.
Refer to the UK government website for fees
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How how long does it take to process?
It typically takes around 6 months to receive a decision from UKVI.
However, processing time can vary depending on individual circumstances.
What happens when the visa is issued?
Once your UK Ancestry Route visa is issued, you can travel to the UK and start living and working there.
The initial visa is usually valid for up to 5 years.
You can then apply for extensions and eventually obtain ILR, allowing you to reside permanently in the UK
Can the visa be extended?
Yes, the UK Ancestry Route visa can be extended after the initial validity period.
You can typically apply to extend your visa for further periods until you reach the eligibility criteria to apply for ILR.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application
