If you have British ancestry from your great-grandparent, you may be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa. This type of visa allows you to live and work in the UK for 5 years, and it can be extended indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements and the process of applying for a UK Ancestry Visa through your great-grandparent.

Key Takeaways

• UK Ancestry Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for 5 years
• Eligibility requires at least one great-grandparent who was born in the UK
• You need to provide evidence of your ancestry and financial means to support yourself
• The cost of a UK Ancestry Visa is £516 per person

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa through your great-grandparent, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Commonwealth citizen.
• You must be 17 years or older.
• You must be able to prove that one of your great-grandparents was born in the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, or in an Irish Republic before March 1922.

If your great-grandparent was born outside the UK or you cannot prove a biological connection to them, you may not be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa. Additionally, you cannot apply for a UK Ancestry Visa if you have previously lived in the UK on the basis of this visa.

Application Process

Once you have determined that you are eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa, you can start the application process. The application process can be divided into the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

You will need to provide the following documents along with your UK Ancestry Visa application:

• A valid passport or travel document
• An original birth certificate or adoption certificate to prove your relationship to your eligible great-grandparent
• An official documentation of your great-grandparent’s birth, such as a birth certificate or a registry office certificate
• The certificate of marriage of your great-grandparents, if applicable
• A criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years
• Evidence of your finances to support yourself in the UK, such as bank statements or payslips

Step 2: Apply Online

You can apply for a UK Ancestry Visa online through the UK Government website. Before you start your application, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready.

Step 3: Biometric Appointment and Visa Processing

After you submit your application online, you will need to make a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph at a visa application center. You will also need to pay the application fee of £516 per person. After your appointment, your application will be processed by UK Visas and Immigration.

FAQs

1. Can I bring my family members with me on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes, your family members, including your spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner, and children under 18, can join you in the UK on a UK Ancestry Visa. They will need to apply separately for their own visa.

2. Can I switch to a different visa category while I am on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes, you can switch to a different visa category, such as a work visa, while you are on a UK Ancestry Visa. However, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa category and apply before your UK Ancestry Visa expires.

3. How long does it take to process a UK Ancestry Visa application?

The processing time for a UK Ancestry Visa application can vary, but it usually takes up to 3 weeks. However, it can take longer if additional documents are required, or if your application is complex.

Conclusion

If you have British ancestry from a great-grandparent, the UK Ancestry Visa can be a great way to live and work in the UK. Remember to check your eligibility and prepare your supporting documents before applying. Good luck with your application!