UK Ancestry Visa

Personal Immigration

UK Ancestry Visa

You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you are one of the following:

  • A Commonwealth citizen.
  • A British overseas citizen.
  • A British overseas territories citizen.
  • A British national (overseas).
  • A citizen of Zimbabwe.

Whilst you do not need a sponsor, you must prove:

  • You are aged 17 or over
  • Prove one of your grandparents was born:
    • in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man;
    • before 31 March 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland; or
    • on a ship or aircraft that was registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government.
  • Have enough money to support and house yourself and any dependents without claiming public funds.
  • You can and plan to work in the UK.

A successful UK Ancestry Visa application will allow you to live in the UK for 5 years. You will then be eligible to apply for a further 5 years or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

UK Ancestry

With an Ancestry Visa, you are allowed to:

  • Work – This can be voluntary or paid work, full-time or part-time, self-employed or employed by someone else.
  • Study.
  • Bring your partner and/or children.

With an Ancestry Visa, you are not allowed to:

  • Claim public funds.
  • Switch into this category if you came to the UK on a different visa.
UK Ancestry

British National (Overseas) Visa

If you are from Hong Kong and are a British National (overseas), you and your family members may be eligible to apply for a British National (Overseas) Visa.

You can apply for a British National (Overseas) Visa if you:

  • are 18 or older; and
  • a British National (Overseas); or
  • the child of a British National (Overseas) born on or after 1 July 1997.

If you are applying from outside the UK, your permanent home must be in Hong Kong.

If you are applying from within the UK, your permanent home must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Hong Kong.

With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you can either apply to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months or 5 years. You can choose to extend your visa. You can also apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.

With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you are allowed to:

  • Work – Subject to certain limitations.
  • Study.

With a British National (Overseas) Visa, you are not allowed to:

  • Apply for public funds – Once you have a British National (Overseas) visa, you might be able to claim benefits in certain financial circumstances.

Why choose us?

Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the requirements and application process.

We can help you with your tailored application by providing you with:

  • An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
  • Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
  • A customised evidence checklist.
  • Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
  • Challenging a refusal decision.
UK Ancestry