On 19 April 2021 UKVI updated its’ policy guidance for the UK Ancestry Visa route, which is open to Commonwealth Citizens who have a grandparent who was born in the UK. These individuals have a route to settlement after a 5 year period. If a Commonwealth citizen has a grandfather or grandmother born in the UK (including adoptive) then there is a chance that they are eligible to apply for the UK ancestry visa, providing all of the other requirements are met. The Ancestry Visa route can also lead to British citizenship for the main Applicant and any dependents.
Who is a Commonwealth Citizen?
The Commonwealth is made up of 54 countries and nationals of these countries may be eligible to apply for the UK Ancestry Visa. Applicants must prove that they are a Commonwealth citizen with a valid passport or travel document issued by a Commonwealth country. Applicants do not have to have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth; they can qualify if, for example, they have recently naturalised as a Commonwealth citizen including to the Maldives, Zimbabwe, Cyprus and Malta.
What is the UK Ancestry Visa route?
The UK Ancestry Visa route is classed as a non-points based system work visa and is only open to Commonwealth citizens as mentioned above, in order for them to live and work in the UK. Requirements for the Ancestry Visa are summarised as follows:
- Commonwealth citizens who can prove they have a grandparent born in the UK;
- Applicants must be over 17 years of age when they apply;
- Applicants must demonstrate an intention to work in the UK – Applicants who are granted permission on this route can undertake any kind of work at any skill level, including voluntary work and self-employment;
- Applicants need to prove they have enough money to maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds;
- Applicant can be accompanied by their partner and dependent children – Dependents already in the UK can qualify to stay if they are a partner or child of a person who has been granted settlement under the UK Ancestry route.
Can my family members apply as my dependent on the UK Ancestry Visa route?
Through the Ancestry Visa route, partners are allowed to apply with the main Applicant. In addition, dependent children are also allowed to come on condition that they meet the set criteria including being under the age of 18 or if over 18 and was last granted permission as the depended child of the person with UK Ancestry.
Can I get a second Ancestry Visa?
The Ancestry Visa is valid for a duration of 5 years. After that period, the Applicant would usually apply for settlement (also referred to as indefinite leave to remain). However, this is only if the Applicant has spent fewer than 180 consecutive days outside of the UK and satisfies all the other indefinite leave to remain requirements. If they have exceeded the number of absences then in some cases, Applicants can apply for a second Ancestry visa but from outside the UK not a continued stay.
How can our immigration solicitors in London assist with successful applications under the UK Ancestry Visa route?
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 guide 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. Preparation includes preparing a documents list and document reviews, drafting legal representations and the Ancestry Visa application form as well as document upload and assistance booking the biometric appointment through VFS Global or TLSContact.
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.