Live & Work in the UKThrough Your UK Ancestry
Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent can get a 5-year visa with full work rights and a direct path to settlement.
Unlike other work visas, the UK Ancestry Visa doesn't require a job offer before you apply. You can work freely in any job after arrival.
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What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa lets Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent live, work, and study in the UK for 5 years. No job offer is required, and you can work freely in any profession or be self-employed.
For Commonwealth Citizens
Available to citizens of Commonwealth countries or British Overseas territories with UK ancestry.
Full Work Freedom
Work in any job, change employers freely, or start your own business. No sponsorship required.
Path to Settlement
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years, then British citizenship after 6 years.
Key Advantage: No Job Offer Needed
Unlike Skilled Worker visas, you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship before applying. You can enter the UK on an Ancestry Visa and find work after arrival. This makes it much more flexible and accessible than other work visa routes.
Who Can Apply?
You are at least 17 years old
You are a Commonwealth citizen or British Overseas citizen
Your grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man
You intend to work in the UK (employed or self-employed)
You can support yourself without public funds
What You Can Do
Work for any employer in any job
Be self-employed or start a business
Study at any UK educational institution
Bring your spouse/partner and children
Apply for ILR after 5 years continuous residence
Apply for British citizenship after 6 years
UK Ancestry Visa Requirements
To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Our experts help you gather the right proof for every requirement.
Ancestry Requirements
You must prove that you have at least one grandparent who was born in the UK or qualifying territories.
Qualifying birthplaces:
- The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Channel Islands or Isle of Man
- On a British registered ship or aircraft
- Republic of Ireland (if born before March 31, 1922)
Important Note
You cannot claim through step-grandparents. The biological or adopted grandparent must have been born in a qualifying location.
Financial Requirements
You must show that you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependents without using public funds.
Evidence to provide:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Job offer or business plan (if you have one)
- Proof of accommodation arrangements
- Evidence of financial support network
No Specific Amount
Unlike other visas, there's no minimum income or savings requirement. You just need to show you can support yourself.
Work Intention
You must demonstrate a genuine intention to work in the UK, either as an employee or self-employed.
Acceptable evidence:
- Job offer letter (not required but helpful)
- Business plan for self-employment
- Evidence of job search activities
- Relevant qualifications and work experience
Nationality Requirement
You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or hold one of the following British nationalities.
Eligible nationalities:
- Commonwealth citizen
- British Overseas citizen
- British subject
- British Overseas Territories citizen
- Born in Zimbabwe (special provision)
Required Documents
Proving your UK ancestry is crucial. Here's what you'll need for your ancestry visa application.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Your full birth certificate
- Previous passports (if applicable)
Ancestry Proof
- Grandparent's full birth certificate
- Parent's birth certificate
- Marriage certificates (if names changed)
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (showing funds)
- Job offer letter (if you have one)
- Business plan (if self-employed)
- Evidence of accommodation
Work Evidence
- CV/Resume
- Qualifications and certificates
- Previous employment references
- Job search evidence
Additional Documents
- TB test results (if from certain countries)
- Translations (for non-English documents)
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Dependent Documents
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate
- Children's birth certificates
- Relationship evidence
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your UK Ancestry Visa successfully.
Verify Your Ancestry
Confirm that you have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. Obtain birth certificates to prove the link. Our specialists can help trace family history if needed.
Gather All Documents
Collect identity documents, ancestry proof (birth certificates for you, parent, and grandparent), financial evidence, and work-related documents. Non-English documents must be professionally translated.
Complete Online Application
Fill out the UK Ancestry Visa application form on the gov.uk website. Submit no more than 3 months before your planned travel date.
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit a visa application center to provide fingerprints, photo, and supporting documents. Book your appointment after paying the visa fee.
Receive Decision & Travel
Decisions typically take 3 weeks. Once approved, you'll receive a 5-year visa. You can then travel to the UK and start working immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about UK Ancestry Visas.
What Our Clients Say
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"UK Ancestry visa approved in Cape Town. Moving with the whole family!"
"Document pack proved my grandfather was born in Scotland. Easy approval."
"5-year visa with direct ILR pathway explained clearly."
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Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.
Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success
Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
Ian Henery
Solicitor
Malik Ansar
Immigration Consultant
Saima Kauser
Head of Administration
Alybah Fatima
Admin
Mohamed Mohamed
Immigration Case Worker
Safwan Shah
Legal Assistant
Musa Babal
Immigration Consultant
With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
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