The UK Ancestry Visa application can be made by Commonwealth citizens who wish to live and work in the UK. Commonwealth citizens are generally citizens of countries which were previously colonies of the UK. If your application is successful you will be granted leave in the UK for a period of 5 years and you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Applying for a UK Ancestry Visa
In order to submit a successful UK Ancestry Visa application to the UKVI department of the Home Office Applicants must satisfy the requirements listed under the Immigration Rules. The main requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa are as follows:
- Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens at the time of their application (although they do not need to have been Commonwealth citizens at birth);
- Anyone applying for a UK Ancestry visa must make their application from outside the UK;
- Applicants must be able at least 17 years old;
- Applicants must be able to prove that that one of their grandparents was born in the UK or in the Islands of Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man or in the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1992 or on a British – Registered ship or Aircraft;
- Applicants must be able to work and intend to take or seek employment in the UK. This is one of the key requirements which Applicants often fail to satisfy as the Home Office is vague and it is unclear what constitutes searching for employment;
- Applicant must also be able to demonstrate that they can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents while in the UK without recourse to public funds.
It is important to note that Applicants must be able to show that they have Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK unless an Applicant is exempt by virtue of their age, physical or mental condition. If your application is successful you will be granted leave in the UK for a period of 5 years and you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What you can and can’t do on a UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Applicants to undertake some activities in the UK but Applicants should be aware that there also some restrictions on this visa. The UK Ancestry Visa allows Applicants to:
- Applicants are permitted to work without any restrictions;
- Applicants can undertake study at UK universities, colleges and other institutions; and
- Lastly, Applicants can apply to bring their family members.
However, Applicants should be aware that they cannot:
- Applicants cannot change (‘switch’) into this visa if you’re already in the UK on another visa;
- Applicants cannot apply within the UK but may be able to apply for an extension within the UK; and
- Applicants cannot have recourse to public funds.
For more information on what activities are permitted under the UK Ancestry Visa please contact our specialist immigration team comprising of both Solicitors and Barristers today.
Using Legal Representation to submit a UK Ancestry Visa Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a UK Ancestry Visa application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK Ancestry Visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your UK Ancestry Visa application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful UK Ancestry Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your UK Ancestry Visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK Ancestry Visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful UK Ancestry Visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.