UK Ancestry Visa

The UK Ancestry visa is for Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK. You must apply for this visa from outside the UK; you cannot "switch" to this route if you are already in the country on a different visa.

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Before starting the online form, you must collect original documents that prove your lineage. If any document is not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation (a translation verified by a professional translator as an accurate reflection of the original).

• Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document.
• The Paper Trail: You must prove your connection to your grandparent. This requires your full birth certificate, the birth certificate of the parent you are claiming through, and the birth certificate of the grandparent born in the UK.
• Name Changes: If you, your parent, or your grandparent changed names (for example, through marriage or adoption), you must provide marriage, civil partnership, or adoption certificates to link the names on the birth certificates.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements from the last 3 months showing you have enough savings to support yourself and any dependents without claiming public funds (government benefits).
• Work Intention: You must show you are "able and intending" to work. It is highly recommended to include a CV, evidence of job searches in the UK, or professional memberships.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If you live in a country where a TB test is required for UK visas, you must include a valid test certificate.

Step 2: Apply Online

You must complete the application on the official UK Government website.

1. Create an account and fill out the application form.
2. Pay the Visa Fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). You must pay the full 5-year IHS cost upfront to complete the application.
3. Save your application reference number.

Step 3: Provide Biometrics

Once your online application is submitted, you will be directed to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.

• At the appointment, staff will take your fingerprints and a digital photograph (biometrics).
• Depending on the VAC, you will either upload your supporting documents to their online portal beforehand or bring them to the appointment to be scanned.

Step 4: Receive a Decision

The Home Office will review your application. If approved, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing you to enter the UK. You must travel to the UK within the validity dates on that sticker. Once you arrive, you will collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or access your digital immigration status, which grants you the right to live and work in the UK for 5 years.

The following costs are per person. If you are bringing a partner or children, they must pay the same fees.

Note: This total does not include costs for TB testing, document translations, or local Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees.

• Standard Processing: You will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks after attending your appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
• Priority Service: If available in your region, you can pay an extra fee to receive a decision within 5 working days.
• Document Validity: Your TB test certificate (if required) is typically valid for 6 months. Your bank statements must be no older than 31 days on the date you submit your online application.
• Path to Settlement: This visa is valid for 5 years. After living in the UK for 5 continuous years (spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent residency.