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Live and work in the UK if you have a grandparent born here
The UK Ancestry visa is a unique immigration route that allows Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man to live in the UK for up to 5 years. This visa grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK, and you can bring your dependent family members with you
This visa is available to citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and other Commonwealth nations who have British heritage. Unlike most work visas, you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship. You simply need to demonstrate that you are able and willing to work, which means having the capability to work rather than necessarily being actively employed.
If granted, the visa is typically issued for 5 years. You can extend it for a further 5 years if you continue to meet the requirements. After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to settle permanently in the UK. Following ILR, you may also be able to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if:
We can help you gather the evidence and prepare a strong application.
To qualify for the UK Ancestry visa, you must meet specific criteria relating to your nationality, ancestry, and intention to work in the UK.
The application process for a UK Ancestry visa requires careful preparation, especially when gathering evidence to prove your ancestry connection.
We assess your circumstances to confirm you meet the nationality, ancestry, and work requirements. We'll verify your Commonwealth citizenship and help you understand what evidence you'll need to prove your grandparent's UK birth.
We guide you through obtaining all necessary birth certificates (grandparent, parent, and your own) and help you locate any missing documents. We can assist with obtaining certificates from UK registries if needed.
We complete your application form, prepare supporting documents including English language evidence, financial evidence, and work intention statements, and ensure everything is properly organised and indexed.
We submit your application, manage all communications with the Home Office, and provide ongoing support throughout the decision-making process until you receive the outcome.
UK Ancestry visa applications require comprehensive documentation to prove your ancestry, nationality, and ability to work in the UK.
The costs for a UK Ancestry visa include government fees set by the Home Office. These fees are subject to change, and we will provide you with the most up-to-date information during your consultation.
In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the NHS during your stay in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the length of your visa (5 years for Ancestry visa).
* Fees are set by the UK government and may change. We will confirm the latest fees during your consultation. Priority services may be available for an additional fee in some locations.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the UK Ancestry visa route.
The UK Ancestry visa is a unique immigration route that allows Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man to live in the UK for up to 5 years. Holders can live, work, and study in the UK, and can bring their dependent family members (spouse/partner and children under 18). Unlike most work visas, you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
To qualify for the UK Ancestry visa, you must be a Commonwealth citizen aged 17 or over, have a grandparent born in the UK (including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man), be able and willing to work in the UK, and meet the English language requirement. You don't need a job offer, but you must demonstrate intention and ability to work.
Your grandparent must have been born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft. This includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If your grandparent was born in the Republic of Ireland before 1922 (when it was part of the UK), this may also qualify. You'll need to provide your grandparent's birth certificate, your parent's birth certificate, and your own birth certificate to prove the family connection.
Commonwealth countries include any of the following: Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Notable exclusions include the USA and most European countries. If you're unsure whether your country qualifies, we can advise you.
Yes, your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependants. They'll have full working rights in the UK. Each dependant needs their own visa application and must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. They can apply at the same time as you or join you later. Dependants can also work and study in the UK without restrictions.
No, you don't need a job offer to apply for an Ancestry visa. You must demonstrate that you are able and willing to work in the UK, which means having the capability to work rather than necessarily being actively employed or seeking employment. The visa grants you full rights to work (any employment, no restrictions) and study in the UK. You can be employed, self-employed, or study - the choice is yours.
Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence on an Ancestry visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement). You'll need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement at B1 level. After 12 months with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship if you meet the nationality requirements.
You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR level A1 (basic user) for your initial application. This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test, a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. When applying for settlement after 5 years, you'll need to meet B1 level.
The Ancestry visa is granted for 5 years initially. You can extend it for a further 5 years if you continue to meet the requirements. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay permanently in the UK.
The UK Ancestry visa offers a unique opportunity to live and work in the UK based on your family heritage. Our expert team can help you gather the necessary evidence, prove your ancestry connection, and prepare a strong application.