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16 Mar How to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?

Posted on March 16, 2023 in Other Visas by
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The UK Ancestry route is for a Commonwealth citizen aged 17 or over who intends to live and work in the UK and has a grandparent born in the UK or Islands. Their partner/spouse or minor children can apply in line with them or join at a later date.

The visa can be extended as often as needed and it leads to settlement after spending 5 years in this route.

UKA 4.1. The applicant must have a grandparent born in the UK or Islands.

You must show that you have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:

  • in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
  • before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland
  • on a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

 

Moreover, you must be related to your grandparents by blood.

Financial requirement

UKA 5.1. The decision maker must be satisfied that the applicant can and will adequately maintain and accommodate themselves, and any dependants in the UK, or applying for entry clearance, without recourse to public funds.

UKA 5.2. Funds must be shown as specified in Appendix Finance.

UKA 5.3. In assessing whether the applicant meets the financial requirement in UKA 5.1, the decision maker may take into account credible promises of financial support from a third party, such as a relative or friend of the applicant.

It is worth noting that there is no specific amount for the financial requirement, as stated in the Guidance:

There is no set level of funds the applicant must hold but they must show they can maintain and accommodate themselves, and any family members applying to join them in the UK, without access to public funds.

The Home Office may accept credible promises of support from a third party, such as financial help from a relative or friend.

Work requirement

UKA 6.1. The applicant must be able to work and intend to seek and take employment in the UK.

All applicants on the UK Ancestry route must be able to work and intend to seek and take employment in the UK.

It is important to note that applicants do not need to have a job offer in place, as long as they have the intention to work in the UK in the future.

The applicant must indicate on their application form if they intend to work in the UK. If they tick ‘no’ to this question, you may wish to check with the applicant what their intentions are. If it is clear that they do not intend to work, you must refuse the application

Your work can be:

  • paid or voluntary
  • full-time or part time
  • in self-employment or in a job where you’re employed by someone else

 

One thing that may cause confusion is that the visa holders are allowed to study in the UK without restrictions. However, when applying for your entry clearance, extension or settlement, you will need to prove that coming to work in the UK is your primary purpose.

The Policy Guidance states:

Study should not be the main reason for the person coming to the UK on the UK Ancestry route – however, decision makers should bear in mind that gaining qualifications may enhance a person’s employability in the UK. 

Parental consent requirement for UK Ancestry applicant aged under 18

UKA 7.1. If the applicant is aged under 18 on the date of application, they must have written consent from:

(a) both parents; or

(b) one parent, if that parent has sole legal responsibility for the applicant; or

(c) the applicant’s legal guardian.

UKA 7.2. The written consent must confirm support for all of the following:

(a) he application; and

(b) the applicant’s living and care arrangements in the UK; and

(c) if the application is for entry clearance, the applicant’s travel to, and reception arrangements in, the UK.

You will need to have parental consent if you are under 18 when applying.

Period of stay and settlement

UKA 9.1. The applicant will be granted permission for 5 years.

You can stay in the UK for 5 years on this visa. You may then be able to either apply for an extension for a further 5 years; or apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have met the criteria below:

  • Continuous residence requirement
  • English skills level B1
  • Life in the UK

 

Contact Our Immigration Team

For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.