Ancestral Visa

The UK Ancestral Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom to live and work in the UK for a period of up to five years. It is designed for those who can prove their ancestral ties to the UK and wish to explore opportunities in the country.

Historically, countries with a significant number of UK Ancestral Visa applications included countries within the Commonwealth, such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Zimbabwe.

To be eligible for a UK Ancestral Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have a grandparent who was born in the UK.

• Be a Commonwealth citizen.

• Be at least 17 years old.

• Intend to work or seek employment in the UK.

• Have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds. Try our Visa Cost Calculator to see if you have sufficient funds.

A UK Ancestral Visa is initially granted for a period of five years. After this initial period, you can apply for an extension or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, you can bring certain family members with you, including your spouse, civil partner, and dependent children under the age of 18. They will need to apply for their visas separately and meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

While you do not need a job offer to apply, you must demonstrate your intention to work or seek employment in the UK. Having a job offer can strengthen your application, but it is not mandatory.

You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself without relying on public funds. 

Try our Visa Cost Calculator to calculate how much you will need.

To apply for a UK Ancestral Visa, you must complete an online application form, pay the relevant application fee, and attend a visa application center to provide biometric data and necessary documents. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Useful links:

• Find a visa application centre for biometric data

• Apply for your Ancestral Visa on the gov.uk website

Processing times can vary depending on your country of application and other factors such as the time of year. It's advisable to check the current processing times on gov.uk website or with your nearest visa application center.

Yes, after living in the UK on a UK Ancestral Visa for five years, you may be eligible to apply for settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), provided you continue to meet the necessary requirements.

After obtaining Idenfite Leave to Remain (ILR), you can apply for British citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria, including meeting the residence requirement and passing the Life in the UK test.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information about the UK Ancestral Visa, including application requirements and procedures, visit the official gov.uk website.