UK ancestry visa solicitors

The ancestry visa is open to Commonwealth citizens who can prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or before 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland. It is a popular route for younger applicants seeking work and long-term residence.

Following Home Office reforms under HC 1333 (October 2025), higher maintenance thresholds and updated suitability checks now apply to ancestry visa applications submitted from 2026.

Eligibility requirements

You must usually show:

• You are a Commonwealth citizen.
• You are aged 17 or over.
• You have a grandparent born in the UK or qualifying territory.
• You can work and intend to take employment in the UK.
• You can maintain and accommodate yourself without public funds, meeting the revised financial maintenance levels introduced in 2026.
• You satisfy the Home Office’s new suitability criteria relating to previous immigration compliance and good character.

Application process

• Step 1 – Gather documents proving your ancestry (birth certificates, marriage certificates, family records).
   
• Step 2 – Apply online, pay the visa fee and immigration health surcharge.
   
• Step 3 – Upload supporting documents and attend a biometric appointment.
   
• Step 4 – Await the Home Office decision, usually within three weeks from outside the UK.

Length of stay and settlement

The visa is granted for five years. After this period, holders may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain if they continue to meet the requirements. British citizenship may then follow after ILR.

How we help

We advise on:

• Checking eligibility and preparing ancestry evidence.
• Drafting and submitting applications.
• Resolving issues where records are missing or complex.
• Advising on next steps to settlement and citizenship.

Why choose us

Our solicitors provide clear, practical advice on ancestry visa applications, helping clients navigate family documentation and prepare strong cases for approval.

Contact our personal immigration solicitors today for expert advice on UK ancestry visas.