UK Ancestry Visa

Written by: Muhammad Usman Rasheed
Last Updated: 08 January 2026

If you have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom, you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa 2026. This visa allows you to live, work, and eventually settle in the UK, making it one of the most flexible routes to reconnect with your British heritage.

For best UK visa and immigration advice in Manchester & London, speak to our experienced immigration solicitors. We offer expert help with visa applications, extensions, refusals, appeals, judicial reviews, ILR, and British nationality matters. Call 01614644140 or email info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk to book your consultation.

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What is the UK Ancestry Visa?

The UK Ancestry visa allows eligible Commonwealth and British Overseas nationals to live and work in the United Kingdom if they can demonstrate that one of their grandparents was born in the UK (or the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man).

Successful applicants are permitted to live, work, and study in the UK, and they may also bring their dependant family members with them. The visa is initially granted for five years, after which holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent settlement.

UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be aged 17 or over
  • Be a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe
  • Apply from outside the UK
  • Provide evidence that at least one grandparent was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
  • Intend to work in the UK
  • Be able to financially maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds

Definition Of Commonwealth Citizen

A Commonwealth citizen is a citizen or qualified national of a Commonwealth of Nations member state.

The definition of ‘Commonwealth citizen’ has been amended in line with the revised definition in paragraph 6.2 of the Immigration Rules (Statement of Changes HC 1248) to include British Overseas Territories citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas citizens and British subjects. The previous definition (both in the Rules and in this guidance) inadvertently excluded such British nationals.

Commonwealth Countries List 2026

Commonwealth citizens from the following countries are eligible for the UK ancestry visa:
African Commonwealth Countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
Asian Commonwealth Countries: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Caribbean Commonwealth Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
European Commonwealth Countries: Cyprus, Malta,
Pacific Commonwealth Countries: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Applications Under Ancestry Visa UK

Our specialist ancestry visa UK lawyers can help you with the following application under Ancestry visa route:

  • entry clearance or permission to stay as a person with UK Ancestry
  • settlement as a person with UK Ancestry
  • entry clearance or permission to stay for dependants
  • settlement for dependants

UK Ancestry Visa Grandparent Requirement

Applicants must prove that at least one grandparent was born:

  • In the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man
  • On a British-registered aircraft or ship, or
  • In the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922

Applications may also be made where the applicant or their parent (through whom ancestry is claimed) was legally adopted. In such cases, official adoption documents must be provided. Please note that ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents.

UK Ancestry Visa Financial Requirement

There is no fixed financial threshold for the UK Ancestry visa. However, applicants must satisfy the Home Office that they can support themselves and any accompanying dependants without relying on public funds, including accommodation costs.

Dependants of a UK Ancestry Visa Holder

UK Ancestry visa holders may bring eligible dependants to the UK. Dependants include:

  • A spouse or partner
  • Children under the age of 18

Each dependant must submit a separate visa application and meet the relevant immigration requirements.

How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa

The application process involves the following steps:

  1. Complete the online UK Ancestry visa application before travelling to the UK (applications can be made up to three months in advance)
  2. Upload all required supporting documents
  3. Pay the visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and any applicable biometric fees
  4. Attend a visa application centre appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph)
  5. Await a decision, which is typically issued within three weeks

Documents Required for an Ancestry Visa UK

Applicants may be required to submit the following documents (this list is not exhaustive):

  • A valid passport or travel document
  • Your full birth certificate
  • Full birth certificates of your parent and grandparent used for the ancestry claim
  • Evidence of your intention to work in the UK, such as a job offer or business plan
  • Proof of financial means, such as recent bank statements (dated within 31 days of application)
  • Evidence of any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or deed poll)
  • Legal adoption papers, if applicable
  • A TB test certificate, where required
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate for accompanying partners

Document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. If you require tailored advice or assistance, Deluxe Law Chambers’ immigration solicitors can guide you through the process.

UK Ancestry Visa Cost In 2026

The current Home Office application fee for a UK Ancestry visa is £682. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

NHS Immigration Health Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service. The current fees are:

  • £1,035 per year for adults
  • £776 per year for children under 18

These fees must be paid upfront as part of the application.

Fast-Track Processing Options

Depending on availability at your visa application centre, you may choose:

  • Priority service (£500): decision within 5 working days
  • Super priority service (£1,000): decision by the next working day

Standard processing usually takes around three weeks.

Absence Rules on a UK Ancestry Visa

To qualify for ILR, you must complete five continuous years of residence in the UK. This means you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Excessive absences may also raise concerns about whether you genuinely intend to work in the UK.

UK Ancestry Visa Extension or Renewal

If you are not eligible for ILR or do not wish to apply for settlement, you may apply to extend your UK Ancestry visa before it expires. Extensions can be granted multiple times, provided all eligibility criteria continue to be met.

The extension fee is £1,321, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.

UK Ancestry Visa to ILR and British Citizenship

After completing five years of continuous residence, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. ILR is not automatic and requires a separate application.

Once you have held ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting all nationality requirements.

To qualify for ILR, you must demonstrate that:

  • You can financially support yourself and your dependants
  • You continue to intend to work in the UK
  • You remain a Commonwealth citizen
  • You meet the English language requirement (minimum B1 level)
  • You have passed the Life in the UK Test

Evidence of active employment or genuine efforts to seek work during the five-year period will be required.

Why Clients Choose Deluxe Law Chambers?

With offices in Manchester and London, Deluxe Law Chambers provides expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our experienced immigration lawyers are committed to making the visa process clear, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

  • Our team has over 11 years of practical experience of working in UK immigration law firms and stays fully up to date with the latest Home Office rules and guidance, ensuring accurate and reliable legal advice.
  • Every immigration case is different. Our immigration solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that meet your specific needs.
  • Where eligible, we offer Priority and Super Priority UK visa services to help you obtain faster immigration decisions.
  • We offer flexible video, telephone, and in-person appointments from our Manchester office, assisting clients across the UK and overseas.
  • Our immigration lawyers are available seven days a week, including weekends, for urgent and time-sensitive immigration matters.
  • We provide clear fixed-fee pricing, with instalment options available and no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors are committed to delivering professional, honest, and results-driven UK immigration advice you can trust.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for an Ancestry Visa UK?

You can apply if you:

  • Are aged 17 or over
  • Are a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), or a citizen of Zimbabwe
  • Have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man
  • Are applying from outside the UK
  • Intend to work in the UK
Can I apply for a UK Ancestry Visa from inside the UK?

No. Applications for a UK Ancestry visa must be made from outside the UK. You cannot switch to this visa category if you are already in the UK on another visa.

What counts as a qualifying grandparent for Ancestry Visa UK?

A qualifying grandparent must have been born:

  • In the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man
  • On a British-registered ship or aircraft
  • In Ireland before 31 March 1922

Step-parents do not count. Legal adoption is accepted if supported by official adoption documents.

How long is the UK Ancestry Visa valid for?

The visa is granted for an initial period of 5 years.

Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Yes. After completing 5 continuous years in the UK on an Ancestry visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided you meet all settlement requirements.

How long can I be outside the UK?

To qualify for ILR, you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the 5-year qualifying residence.