The UK Ancestry visa allows certain Commonwealth citizens with a qualifying UK-born grandparent to live and work in the UK.
Who is eligible?
You can apply if you:
- Are a Commonwealth citizen, a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe.
- Are 17 years old or over.
- Have a grandparent born in:
- the UK,
- the Channel Islands,
- the Isle of Man,
- or in what is now Ireland before 31 March 1922.
- Can show that you intend to work in the UK.
- Have enough money to support yourself (and any dependants) without relying on public funds.
What can you do with this visa?
With a UK Ancestry visa, you can:
- Work in almost any job, including self-employment and voluntary work.
- Study.
- Bring eligible partners and children as dependants.
- Stay in the UK for 5 years.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After 5 years of continuous residence, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you continue to meet the requirements, including demonstrating that you have worked or genuinely sought work in the UK during your stay.
Restrictions
You cannot:
- Access most public funds (benefits).
- Switch into the UK Ancestry route from another visa category while already in the UK; you generally need to apply for entry clearance before travelling.
For the official guidance and application process, see:
UK Ancestry visa guidance on GOV.UK
UK Gov Information and guidance
- Who can apply
- Eligibility
- Your ancestry
- Your partner and children
- Documents you must provide
- Apply from outside the UK
- Extend your visa
More helpful information about the UK ancestry visa
- How long will it take
- Fees
- Healthcare surcharge
- What you can and cannot do
- Get help with your online Home Office application
- When to apply
- How long it takes to get a decision
- Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK
