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An application for a UK Ancestry Visa may be submitted by individuals who are citizens of the Commonwealth, who are at least 17 years old, and who have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom or the Islands.
In addition, those who possess an Ancestry visa will be granted the opportunity to work or study in the United Kingdom on a temporary basis, with the possibility of eventually settling down in the country with the Ancestry visa.
About the UK Ancestry Visa Application
The UK Ancestry Visa is a potential route of entry for people who are UK descendants, namely a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or Ireland prior to 31 March 1922.
Successful applicants for an ancestral visa will be granted 5 years of stay with the option to extend their Ancestry Visa for another 5 years, or pursue 5-Year Indefinite Leave to Remain should they meet the requirements.
Successful Ancestry Visa Applications
If you successfully apply for a UK Ancestry Visa, you will be able to work, study, and bring your partner and children to the UK.
In addition, your work can be part-time, full-time, paid or voluntary, and you can be either self-employed or employed by somebody else.
Switching Visas
However, you cannot switch to this visa type if you have gained entry to the UK on a different visa. You have to apply for Entry Clearance from abroad before entering the UK as an Ancestry Visa holder.
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel, and at the time of application you must meet a number of requirements on top of your UK Ancestry claim.
Consulting with the experienced team at Pahl & Associates is recommended to discuss all your visa options.
UK Ancestry Visa requirements
Just like any visa, you must meet certain criteria before you can apply for an Ancestry Visa. It is highly recommended that you perform your own due diligence with your family tree research to ensure you are eligible for this visa option.
It is also important to remember that you should apply for a UK Ancestry visa before you plan any travel to the UK.
To meet the eligibility criteria you must:
➤ Be over the age of 17.
➤ Be able and intend to work in the UK.
➤ Be financially independent in that you can support yourself, and any dependents you plan to bring with you, without the need for public funds.
You must be able to prove that you are a Commonwealth citizen, in order to do so you must meet be either:
➤ A British Overseas Territories citizen;
➤ A British National (Overseas);
➤ A British Overseas citizen;
➤ A British subject;
➤ A citizen of a country listed in Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1981.
This can be proven with a valid passport or travel document that has been issued by a Commonwealth country. This also applies for those who have recently been naturalised Commonwealth citizens.
To be eligible for this visa, you will need to show that you have one grandparent born either:
➤ In the UK
➤ In the Channel Islands (Bailiwick of Guernsey or Bailiwick of Jersey)
➤ In the Isle of Man
➤ In what is now Ireland (before 31 March 1922)
➤ On a British-owned or registered ship or aircraft if the requirements of either section 50(7)(a) of the British Nationality Act 1981, or section 32(5) of the British Nationality Act 1948, as applicable, are met
You will be required to provide supporting documents to evidence claims you make regarding the above, please see below.
According to the Home Office guidelines for the Ancestry Visa, there is no specific monetary amount required to be demonstrated by applicants.
The sole condition is that you must be able to prove you can support yourself and your family without relying on public funds.
You will be eligible if your parents or grandparents were not legally married. You cannot, however, claim ancestry from a step-parent or step-grandparent.
You also cannot qualify on the basis of ancestry claim of having a great-grandparent or more distant ancestor born in the UK or Islands.
You will also be eligible if you or family members of your parents were adopted outside the UK so long as the adoption process is recognised as valid for work in the UK for purposes of UK law.
Contact Pahl & Associates to ensure that you satisfy all of the qualifying requirements for the UK Ancestry Visa, and for advice on how to effectively prepare and submit your application to enhance your chances of being granted the visa.
Pahl & Associates has 25 plus years of experience in this area and can ensure you have selected the appropriate visa option and submit a strong and persuasive application on your behalf, saving you time. Our specialists will review the qualifying criteria and inform you of your eligibility.
Clients in the United Kingdom and other areas of the world can schedule an initial consultation by phone or video call.
We provide all clients with a FREE Initial 15 minute phone consultation followed by an agreed fixed fee quotation before we take on their case.
If your chosen Business Visa has been rejected, you may be able to appeal the Home Office decision depending on the reasons for refusal. For this, you will need an extremely convincing case that clearly highlights why they should overturn their decision. It would be highly beneficial to bring on a legal team to ensure that this process is carried out properly. “What Have You Found Most Rewarding Being a Lawyer?
Pahl & Associates is a team of experienced legal professionals with decades of experience in immigration law. We have a long track record of working with many successful business people to secure their Business Visas. We will take a tailored and personal approach to each client, ensuring you have a well-presented application that highlights that you have met all of the relevant requirements.
Maximise your chances of a granted Business Visa application by working alongside a team that has an impressive track record for helping business people settle in the UK.
You can bring family members, known as dependants, to the UK on your Business Visa so long as you can prove that you have the financial means to support them. Adult dependants may also have to prove that they can support themselves. Please note each dependant will incur additional application fees.
The costs for your visa will vary depending on what visa you are applying for. There could be further changes in cost depending on your situation and whether you have any dependants. While it is not a requirement, it is also strongly recommended that you bring on legal assistance to ensure your visa is granted at the initial application, as any refusals leading to the appeals process can be time-consuming and costly.
If an endorsement has been withdrawn or the endorsing body loses its status, the Home Office may curtail the previously endorsed Start-up or Innovator Visa. They may do so immediately, with a set time of notice, or they may not curtail your leave at all. If you no longer have an authorised endorsing body, you should secure a fresh endorsement from a new one as soon as possible.
We discuss your UK immigration matter by phone on a free no obligation basis. We will review your options, confirm fees and ensure we are in a position to represent you.
We invite you to schedule a personal consultation at our office or via Skype for an agreed initial consultation fee. This fee will be deducted from any future legal fees.
We agree to represent you in relation to your UK immigration matter for an agreed fee and provide a client care letter confirming your instructions.
The following UK government web links may assist you in accessing latest information related to UK immigration matters. If you need more information and detailed legal advice feel free to contact Pahl & Associates.
Contact Pahl & Associates for a FREE initial 15 minute phone consultation to assess your UK immigration enquiry.
