UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry visa is for Commonwealth and British Overseas citizens and nationals with a grandparent who was born in the UK (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man). Holders can live, work, and study in the UK and bring their dependant family members with them. Once granted, the UK Ancestry visa allows holders to stay in the UK for an initial period of 5 years. After the initial 5-year period, Ancestry visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (also known as ILR or permanent settlement).
UK Ancestry Visa eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a UK Ancestry visa, you must:
- Be aged 17 or over
- Be a Commonwealth citizen, British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, a British national (overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe
- Apply from outside the UK
- Be able to prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
- Plan to work in the UK
- Have enough money without help from public funds to support and house yourself and any dependants
UK Ancestry grandparent requirement
UK Ancestry visa applicants must be able to prove that at least one of their grandparents was born:
- On a British-registered aircraft or ship, or
- In the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or
- Prior to the 31st of March 1922, in what is now known as the Republic of Ireland.
UK Ancestry Visa financial requirement
According to the Home Office UK ancestry visa guidance, there are no set amount of funds that an Ancestry visa applicant must hold. Rather they must be able to prove that they can maintain and accommodate themselves and any family members coming with them without the need to request public funds.
UK Ancestry Visa cost
The application fee for the British Ancestor visa is £531. Applicants must also pay the NHS healthcare surcharge and a biometric residence permit (BRP) fee of £19.20.
NHS healthcare surcharge
Applicants also need to pay the NHS healthcare surcharge upfront. This is currently £1035 per year for each adult and £776 per year for those under 18. The NHS healthcare surcharge allows Ancestry visa holders and their dependant family members to use the UK’s National Health Service.