UK Ancestry Visa is only open to Commonwealth citizens. If the applicant can prove to a good standard that they have at least one grandparent born in the UK then they may qualify for this visa, which allows them to come to the UK and work here.
After five continuous years on a UK Ancestry visa, the migrant may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Settled Status in the UK refers to the immigration status granted to eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members, who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period (December 31, 2020). It allows individuals to continue living and working in the UK without any immigration restrictions. Settled Status is part of the UK government’s EU Settlement Scheme, which was introduced to protect the rights of EU citizens and their family members residing in the UK after Brexit. Once granted Settled Status, individuals are granted the right to stay indefinitely in the UK and enjoy various benefits and services.
Requirements for UK Ancestry Visa
In order to apply for Ancestry Visa, you will need to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Rules. You must be:
- a Commonwealth citizen;
- and aged 17 or over;
- and can prove a relationship by blood or recognised adoption with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom and Islands;
- and able to work and intends to take or seek employment in the United Kingdom.
You will also need to show that you will be maintained and accommodated adequately in the UK without recourse to public funds. There is no English language requirement for a UK Ancestry visa applicant but there is an English language requirement at such time as they apply for indefinite leave to remain and subsequently British citizenship.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK is an immigration status that grants an individual the right to live and work in the country without any time restrictions. ILR is also known as settlement or permanent residency. It allows individuals to stay in the UK for an indefinite period and provides them with a wide range of benefits, such as access to public funds, healthcare, and education.
Documents Required for Ancestry Visa
There is no specified list of evidence required in order to apply for the ancestry visa. Therefore, it is advisable that compelling evidence is provided in support of the application. Generally, the documents must try to address the following points:
- Comprehensive proof of blood relationship to the relevant grandparent. This can be in the form of birth certificates, relevant marriage certificate to show name changes etc.
- Evidence to show the ability and intention to work in the UK. This can be in the form of various supporting evidence showing job applications, offers of employment in the UK, CV of the applicant etc.
