Individuals who are Commonwealth Citizens and who have British born
grandparents may qualify for an Ancestral Visa.
What are the Requirements for an Ancestral Visa?
The requirements to be met are that the individual is:
- A Commonwealth citizen; and
- Aged 17 or over; and
- Able to provide proof that one of his grandparents was born in the United
Kingdom and Ireland and that any such grandparent is the applicant’s blood
grandparent or grandparent by reason of an adoption recognised by the laws of
the UK relating to adoption; and
- Is able to work and intends to take or seek employment in the United
Kingdom; and
- Will be able to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependents without
relying upon public funds.
How is the Application Made?
Normally the individual is required to have an Entry Clearance Visa from a British Embassy or High Commission abroad. There is a fee for
the application. The application is made on an application form and the person
will have to prove their UK ancestry usually by producing birth certificates and
marriage certificates establishing the relationship between the applicant and
his or her ancestor.
It is possible to switch from another category of the Immigration Rules to
the Ancestral Visa category but only in certain circumstances.
What Sort of Permission to Remain in the UK will I be Granted?
Normally you would be granted permission to enter or remain in the United
Kingdom for a period of 5 years. After that 5 year period the person can apply
for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the United Kingdom providing that
the requirements of the Rules are still met.