Ancestry visa
UK ANCESTRY VISA | Amicis Legal Services Ltd
If you are a Commonwealth citizen with a grandparent born in the UK, you have the opportunity to live and work in the UK through the UK Ancestry Visa. Please note that the UK Ancestry visa can only be obtained from outside the UK.
Requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa
To be eligible for the UK Ancestry visa, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Commonwealth Citizen: You hold citizenship in a Commonwealth country.
- Age Requirement: You are 17 years or older at the time of intended arrival in the UK.
- UK Born Grandparent: You can provide proof that one of your grandparents was born in the UK or Islands.
- Grandparent Relationship: The grandparent must be your blood grandparent or grandparent by adoption recognized by UK adoption laws.
- Financial Capability: You can adequately support yourself and any dependents.
- Intention to Work: You can work and intend to seek employment in the UK.
- Parental Consent (if under 18): If you are under 18 years old, your parent(s) or guardian(s) have provided consent for the application.
- TB Certificate (if required): You have provided a TB Certificate, if it is a requirement for your country.
Demonstrating UK Ancestry
Proving that you have a UK-born grandparent is a crucial part of the UK Ancestry visa application. The grandparent must have been born in the UK, including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland (if born before 31 March 1922). Birth on a British registered ship or aircraft is also acceptable, but birth in a British colony or military base overseas is not eligible.
UK Ancestry following Adoption and Birth outside Marriage
You can claim UK Ancestry if the grandparent you are relying on is your blood grandparent or a grandparent by reason of an adoption recognized by the UK. Legitimacy of parentage is not a requirement, meaning grandparents, parents, or your own birth may have occurred within or outside marriage. However, UK Ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents.
UK Ancestry Visa and Intention to Work
While you do not need to be working at the time of applying for a UK Ancestry visa, you must demonstrate that you can work and genuinely intend to seek employment in the UK. This may involve having a job offer or convincing the Home Office of your intention and realistic prospect of finding work based on your age and health.
Applying for a UK Ancestry Visa
UK Ancestry visas can only be obtained from outside the UK, and it is not possible to switch into this category if you are already in the UK under another visa.
Visa Processing Timeline
The earliest you can apply for a UK Ancestry visa is 3 months before your intended travel date. Application decisions are typically received within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.
Conditions of Stay
If your UK Ancestry visa application is successful, you will have the freedom to work, study, and bring your dependents to the UK. There are no specific restrictions on the type of work you can undertake, allowing you the flexibility to work in paid employment, start your own business, or pursue both options.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on the Basis of UK Ancestry
Once granted a UK Ancestry visa, you will be allowed to reside in the UK for 5 years. After completing five years of residence, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify for ILR, you must provide evidence of continuous work or genuine efforts to seek employment during the previous five years. Additionally, you should have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK during any of the last five years and demonstrate proficiency in the English language and knowledge of Life in the UK.
How Amicis Legal Services Ltd Can Help
Our immigration barristers are well-versed in the intricacies of the Immigration Rules and can provide you with a professional assessment of your UK Ancestry visa prospects. We are dedicated to offering clear and reliable immigration advice, ensuring a smooth visa application process.
For expert assistance, please contact us
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info@amicislegal.com
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03316300380
