Do you know that your ancestral ties could hold the key to a new chapter in your life? Yes, you read that right. With an Ancestry Visa, you can explore your roots and experience life in a country rich with history and culture.
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens who are direct descendants of UK residents to live and work in the UK. Several Indians, New Zealanders, Nigerians, South Africans, and Canadians have strong ancestral ties to the United Kingdom. If you are among these people, then, read this article to the end.
Many people never exercise their ancestral rights, even though they have the famous “jackpot” of British citizenship. This visa application process is difficult, and many applicants are denied on their first attempt. But don’t fret! I will cover everything you need to know about this visa.
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Requirements for UK Ancestry visa
Table of Contents
- You must be a Commonwealth citizen to apply for the UK Ancestry Visa.
- You must be staying outside of the UK before you can apply for the visa.
- You must produce documentation that any of your grandparents were born in the United Kingdom.
- You must be 17 years old or older
- Your grandparent(s) must be born in the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or in the Republic of Ireland before 31st March 1922
- You must apply for the visa three months before your trip.
- You are willing to work and live in the UK.
- You must be able to support yourself and any dependents without having to rely on public funds.
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How to apply for a UK ancestry visa
You are required to apply for the visa online unless you are from North Korea. As part of your application, you must have your fingerprints and photos (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application center on the day of your appointment. Our team will be there for you every step of the way.
Documents needed to provide with a UK Ancestry Visa Application?
Here are the important documents you need to enter the UK via an Ancestry Visa.
- A valid passport or other travel paperwork
- Proof showing you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family (if any)
- If relevant, the results of your tuberculosis test
- Proof of your alleged link with the British national and your ancestry claim.
- Evidence that you intend to work in the UK, such as job offers or a business plan if you are self-employed.
How much money do you need to apply for an Ancestry visa in the UK?
According to Gov.UK, the UK Ancestry visa costs £637.
How long does it take to process this visa?
The standard processing period for this visa is three weeks. Ideally, you will receive information on your visa application within three weeks. Thus you should have that time before traveling to the United Kingdom. Yet the processing time is also affected by how busy the UK home office is.
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How many times can you apply for a UK ancestry visa?
You can apply for the UK ancestry visa as many times as possible, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Can you extend your visa stay?
Can you extend your Ancestry visa stay? Sure, you can extend your visa for another five years. You must apply online for this position. You must also submit supporting documentation and upload it online. However, if you travel outside of Ireland or the United Kingdom, your application may be withdrawn.
Can you move from an ancestry visa to a British visa?
It is very easy to move from an ancestral visa to a British passport. Individuals with a specific connection to the UK can seek British citizenship. To obtain British citizenship, you must spend at least 5 years on an ancestry visa.
Is the UK ancestry visa worth it?
Definitely, Yes! There are numerous benefits to obtaining a UK Ancestry Visa. The key advantage is that it provides a good path to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain and, eventually, British Citizenship. The requirements are not stringent; your admittance into the UK for this visa is simply dependent on family connections. Some of the other benefits are as follows:
- You are free to work and live in the United Kingdom.
- There is no need for a work permit or a sponsor.
- Unlike the Investor or Entrepreneur category routes, you are not required to invest any funds in the UK.
- There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do while in the UK.
- Your spouse or partner and your dependent children can all benefit by joining you in the UK.
