With details of the UK’s new post-Brexit immigration system slowly being released, many are wondering whether there will be any changes to the UK Ancestry Visa route. As of yet, there are no proposed changes to the UK Ancestry Visa route as this route does not fall under the points based system and it is only available for Commonwealth citizens. Therefore, it is likely that this route will remain unchanged. Our Immigration Solicitors in London have a high success rate with applications based on UK Ancestry and are happy to arrange a consultation with potential Applicants to assess whether they qualify for this route.
Will there still be an Ancestry Visa route under the new Immigration System?
It is more than likely that the current UK Ancestry Visa route will remain unchanged from 1 January 2021. This is because this visa route is only open to Commonwealth citizens over the age of 17 who have a grandparent who was born in the UK. Therefore, the changes to the immigration system due to Brexit will likely have no bearing on this application.
How do I apply for a UK ancestry visa?
UK Ancestry visa applications can be made online and Applicants must be outside of the UK. Applicants who are in the UK on the UK Ancestry route can apply to extend their visa for a further 5 years if they do not meet the requirements for indefinite leave to remain or if they do not want to settle in the UK.
What documents do I need for a UK ancestry visa?
The most important part of a UK Ancestry visa application is to demonstrate the familial link to the UK-born grandparent. Other requirements that Applicants must also satisfy is to demonstrate the intention to find employment or self-employment in the UK and show they can maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds.
What does a UK ancestry visa entitle me to?
The UK Ancestry Visa route is classed as a non-points based system work visa. Therefore, UK ancestry migrants are able to and should intend to work or seek work or self-employment in the UK. They are also permitted to study in the UK; however, this must not prevent them from working or seeking employment. Dependent family members are also allowed to join the main Applicant in the UK. Ancestry migrants are not allowed to switch into another visa category from within the UK or claim benefits or other public funds.
With respect to the maintenance requirement, there is no specific amount of money that an Applicant needs to demonstrate they have in order to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds, unlike with other applications under Appendix FM or Appendix W. Instead, Applicants must prove that they have an appropriate level of funds for themselves and any dependents in order to travel to and live in the UK initially, before undertaking employment to continue to support themselves.
How much money do you need for UK ancestry visa?
The Home Office application fee for the UK Ancestry Visa is currently £516 for the main Applicant. There is also a super priority service available for an additional £800 in which eligible Applicants can receive a decision the next working day. Applicants also have the pay the Immigration Health Surcharge which can be calculated using the online Home Office service.
Can I get UK citizenship through grandmother?
If a Commonwealth citizen has a grandmother (or grandfather) who was born in the UK, then they may be eligible to apply for the UK ancestry visa, which can then lead to British citizenship. However, citizenship through a British born grandparent is not automatic. Applicants must first have held a UK Ancestry visa for its 5 year duration before applying for indefinite leave to remain. Applicants are then eligible to apply for citizenship having held indefinite leave to remain for a period of 12 months.
Can you get married in the UK on an ancestry visa?
Yes, if you have a valid UK visa (with the exception of a visitor visa not specifically for marriage) then you can get married in the UK without any additional immigration permissions. Therefore, Ancestry visa migrants are able to get married in the UK whilst they are on that visa.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to 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 matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a UK Ancestry Visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules for 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 and meets the requirements, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence in support of your UK Ancestry Visa application. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful UK Ancestry Visa applications with our Immigration Solicitors in London
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 UK Ancestry visa application and the merit of an application it even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation 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. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful visa applications. 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 a UK Ancestry Visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.