The UK Ancestry Visa is for Commonwealth citizens that are resident outside the UK and plan to enter the UK to work can apply to enter the UK under their UK Ancestry if they can prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK.

In order to qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you:

• Are a Commonwealth Citizen;

• Are aged 17 or over;

• Can provide proof that one of your grandparents was in the UK and islands (Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Mann), Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922 or on a British registered ship or aircraft;

• Are able to work and intend to take or seek employment in the UK; and

• Can maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.  You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

A UK Ancestry Visa can only be made from outside the UK. You are not permitted to switch into this visa whilst in the UK.

In order to demonstrate UK Ancestry, you will need to prove that one of your grandparents, which must be either a blood grandparent or grandparent by reason of adoption, was born in the UK or in the islands (Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Mann) or in Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922 or on a British registered ship or aircraft. The fundamental piece of evidence required here is your grandparent’s birth certificate, which would confirm the place of birth. However, it usually proves difficult obtaining your grandparent’s birth certificate and investigations would need to be made as to alternative forms of evidence that could be obtained if the birth certificate was not available.

If you have any doubts about applying for the UK Ancestry Visa, please contact our immigration lawyers for expert advice.