UK Ancestry

UK Ancestry visa allows individuals from certain countries who have or had a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man claim UK Ancestry. This visa will allow the individual to live, work, and study in the UK.

Visa requirements

This visa is suitable to individuals who are either:

• Commonwealth citizens;
• British overseas citizens;
• British overseas territories citizens;
• British national (overseas) nationals; or
• Citizens of Zimbabwe.

You must be 17 years or older, have suitable funds to support yourself and your dependants, and must be capable and willing to work in the UK. You must be outside of the UK to make this application.

You must also have a grandparent who was born in either:

• The UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man; or
• Before 31 March 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland; or
• On a ship or aircraft that was registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

You may claim UK ancestry even if you or your parents were adopted, and/or if your parents or grandparents were not married.

Length and condition of grant

If you are successful in your application, you will be granted leave to enter the UK for a period of five years.

During this time, you will be able to live, work and study in the UK.

You will not be able to claim public funds.

UK Ancestry visa holders may bring their family members with them to the UK, as long as they meet the immigration requirements. Please get in touch with our Immigration Team to advise you on the requirements and whether your family members qualify under this route.

After successfully spending five years in the UK, you may qualify for settlement. This will provide you with more rights in the UK. Our team can advise you on the necessary requirements and steps to take to obtain settlement.

How can Freeths help

Our Freeths Immigration team can assist you and your family determine whether you qualify to come to the UK under this route. We will assess your position carefully and advise you on any alternative routes that may be more suitable to you or your family members. We can support you through the application process to ensure your application is successful.

We have decades of expertise advising individuals on their UK immigration rights, therefore you may feel confident leaving your matters in our hands.

Please contact our immigration team to receive more information.