Age
You must be 17 years or over at the date of application.
UK immigration route
UK Ancestry Visa
Live, work and build your future in the UK through your family heritage.
The Ancestry Visa route allows Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to come to the UK for up to five years, with a pathway to settlement.
Family HeritageJoin your heritage and be part of the UK.
Work & StudyWork or study freely in the UK.
Pathway to SettleEligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Processing TimeTypically 4–12 weeks* Subject to case complexity
From£1,250Professional fees
Secure your future in the UK
through your family heritage
The UK Ancestry Visa is a flexible immigration route for Commonwealth citizens who have a UK-born grandparent. It offers the freedom to live, work and study in the UK for up to five years, with the opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
If one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Ireland before 31 March 1922, you may be eligible for this route.
Who is eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa?
Ancestral Link
You must have at least one grandparent born in the UK (as defined).
Nationality
You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country or a British overseas territory citizen.
Self-Sufficient
You must be able to support yourself and dependants without public funds.
Intent to Work
You must intend to work in the UK: full-time, part-time, freelance or self-employment.
Required documents
You must provide original or certified copies. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Applicant’s valid passport
Grandparent’s birth certificate (UK born)
Parent’s birth certificate showing the link
Your birth certificate linking you to your parent
Adoption certificates or change of name documents (if applicable)
Proof of adequate maintenance funds
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable)
Marriage certificate (if name has changed)
Any additional documents to support your application
Our process
Initial Consultation
We assess your eligibility and review your case in detail.
Document Preparation
We guide you in gathering the right documents and prepare your application.
Application Submission
We submit your application to the Home Office and track progress.
Respond & Update
We handle any queries from the Home Office on your behalf.
Decision & Next Steps
We inform you of the decision and advise on next steps including ILR.
Why choose LawSentis?
IAA Level 3 Regulated
Regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at the highest level.
Multilingual Team
We speak your language and understand your culture.
Complex Cases
Experts in family links, document gaps and challenging cases.
Refusals & Appeals
Specialists in visa refusals, representations and appeal support.
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow long does the Ancestry Visa last?
The visa is normally granted for five years. You may then qualify to apply for settlement if you meet the requirements.
Can I bring my family with me?
Your partner and eligible dependent children can generally apply to accompany or join you.
Can I extend my Ancestry Visa?
You may be able to extend your visa if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for ILR and British citizenship?
After the qualifying period you may apply for ILR, and later for British citizenship, subject to the relevant requirements.
Ready to start your UK journey?
Speak to our experts and take the first step with confidence.