Last week we received the wonderful news that our client (“the Applicant”), along with his wife and two young children (“dependents”) had been granted a UK Ancestry Visa and dependent visas for a period of 5 years. This is on the basis that the Applicant’s grandmother was born in the UK and the Applicant is a Commonwealth Citizen. Our Immigration Team conducted a comprehensive view of the Applicant’s supporting documents and drafted detailed legal representations to accompany the Applicant’s UK Ancestry Visa application to ensure it was a success.
The case for a UK Ancestry Visa Application
The Applicant was 39 years old and a national of Pakistan, which is a Commonwealth country. The Applicant’s paternal grandmother was born in Scotland in 1904 and although she passed away many years ago, the Applicant was still eligible to move to the UK based on UK Ancestry. The Applicant was well educated and had worked in banks in Pakistan for many years and was able to show his intention to seek employment in a similar field once he arrived in the UK. The Applicant’s dependents also wished to relocate to the UK with the Applicant so that they could continue their life together as a family unit. As well as the Applicant’s salary, he also had sufficient savings which meant he would be able to maintain and accommodate himself and his dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds.
What are the main requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa Application?
UK Ancestry Visa applications must be made from outside the UK via the Home Office’s online application page. The main requirements that UK Ancestry Visa Applicants must demonstrate are:
- Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens at the time of their application (although they do not need to have been Commonwealth citizens at birth);
- Applicants must be able at least 17 years of age at the time of making the application;
- 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; and
- 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.
UK Ancestry Visa Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application so that they can then access NHS facilities.
Unlike most personal UK Visa applications since 2012, the UK Ancestry visa is not decided under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Therefore, satisfying the adequate maintenance and accommodation requirements is dependent on the each Applicant’s individual circumstances. It is important to contact LEXVISA to book an initial consultation with our Immigration Solicitors in order to assess how the maintenance and accommodation requirements can be met.
What are the main requirements for applying as a dependant to a UK Visa application?
The UK Ancestry Visa allows Applicants to bring their dependents with them to the UK. It is possible for dependents to apply at the same time as the main Applicant, and they will need to submit their own online application form.
A dependant for the purpose of UK Visas and Immigration applications is any of the following:
- Partner;
- Child under the age of 18; and
- Child over the age of18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant.
UK Ancestry Visa dependants do not need to be Commonwealth citizens themselves. Dependents must be able to demonstrate their genuine relationship to the main Applicant and that they can be maintained and accommodated in the UK without recourse to public funds. Dependents must also be able to show their intention to reside in the UK with the main Applicant.
UK Ancestry dependants may also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application. Failure to pay the correct Immigration Health Surcharge fee may result in applications being returned as invalid.
Using Legal Representation to prepare and submit a UK Ancestry Visa Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, 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.
Successfully prepare and submit a UK Ancestry Visa Application
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. LEXVISA 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 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 to discuss your UK Ancestry Visa Application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.