The UK Ancestry visa is a type of visa that allows Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens with a grandparent who was born in the UK (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) to live, work and study in the UK.
Requirements for UK Ancestry ILR
In order to apply for settlement or indefinite leave to remain on the basis of UK Ancestry, you will need to demonstrate the following:
- That you have submitted a valid application for settlement on the basis of UK Ancestry;
- That you meet the relevant suitability requirements;
- That you continue to meet the ancestry, work and financial requirements;
- That you have spent five years in the UK with permission on the UK Ancestry route as a person with UK Ancestry (it is worth noting that this does not need to be your most recent grant of leave);
- That you have been continuously resident for that five-year period;
- That you meet the relevant English language and Life in the UK requirements.
UK Ancestry Visa to ILR and British citizen
You can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK under the Ancestry Visa. It should be noted that ILR is not automatically granted, rather you will need to submit a full ILR application. After spending at least 12 months in the UK after receiving ILR, you will be able to apply to become a British citizen.
The application for ILR is completed online2 and it is advisable not to apply more than 28 days before your current visa expires. You will also need to arrange an appointment with your local UKVCAS office to have your photo taken and your signature and fingerprints scanned (also referred to as your biometric information).
To be eligible for ILR, you will need to prove:
- you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents
- you intend to work in the UK
- you are still a Commonwealth citizen
- you have passed the Knowledge of language and life in the UK
- you meet the English language requirement (e.g. by having a CEFR English qualification with at least level B1 in speaking and listening)
When submitting your application for ILR, you will need to provide evidence that while on an Ancestry visa UK for the past 5 years, you have been actively working or genuinely seeking work during the 5 years of your visa.
Ancestry Visa Help
Our experienced immigration advisers can work with you to help you secure your UK Ancestry Visa. We will work with you to assess whether your heritage makes you eligible which can include sourcing and locating family history documents for you, to use as evidence for the Home Office.
We will also perform a document check and fill your application out using expert knowledge. Our services also involve one of our lawyers producing a Letter of Representation. This letter references your supporting documents, relevant UK immigration laws and cases in support of your application. This will maximise your chances of a successful UK Ancestry Visa application.
Get in touch online today or call 0208 638 5532 o to speak to an expert immigration adviser, or complete the online inquiry form.
