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UK Ancestry Visa: Your Pathway to British Ancestry
If you’re a commonwealth citizen and can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry visa. Immtell has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through this complex application process.
Understanding the UK Ancestry Visa
A UK Ancestry visa enables individuals with a grandparent born in the UK to live and work in the UK for up to five years. This visa type is an excellent opportunity for those with UK lineage to reconnect with their roots and build a life in the UK.
Eligibility for the UK Ancestry Visa
To be eligible for the UK Ancestry visa, you must meet the UK Ancestry Immigration Rules which include:Â
The Application Process
Applying for a UK Ancestry visa involves several steps, including documentation proving your eligibility, completing an online application form, and attending a visa appointment. At Immtell, we can guide you through each of these steps, making the process as smooth as possible.
Why Choose Immtell for Your UK Ancestry Visa Application?
At Immtell, our team of immigration experts can guide you through your UK Ancestry visa application. We understand the complexities of the UK immigration system and can provide the insight and advice you need to maximise your chances of a successful application. We can also help you gather the necessary documents and fill out the application correctly, saving you time and stress.
FAQs
Following 5 years continuous residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, effectively permanent residence providing all the requirements are met at that time.
If following 5 years residence in the UK you wish to extend your UK Ancestry visa, perhaps because your absences exceed those permitted for ILR, it is possible to apply for a 5-year visa extension from within the UK.
Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may apply for visas to accompany you to the UK as your ‘dependants’. Your spouse or partner should be permitted to work.
Initial UK Ancestry visa applications must be made from abroad, either from your country of nationality or legal residence. It is not permitted to switch into the UK Ancestry Visa from within the UK, but you may apply to extend your visa.
If you are issued with a UK Ancestry visa you should be permitted to work in the UK without restriction or need for a company to sponsor you. If you meet the requirements, the UK Ancestry visa is very popular with both UK employers and individuals alike due to the flexibility that it offers.
UKVI aim to process UK Ancestry visas as follows:
Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:
- Standard processing: 15 working days
- Priority Service processing: 5 working days
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Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:
- Standard processing: 8 working days
- Priority Service processing: 5 working days
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Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do not guarantee processing times and delays do occur. We advise that you do not book any non refundable travel until your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available at the time of application.
The UKVI application fee for a UK Ancestry visa is £531. In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £3,120 to cover the 5 year visa duration.
Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require. Please see the options below or contact us for further information.