If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, you may be eligible for UK Ancestry Citizenship, providing you with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom.
What is the UK Ancestry route?
The UK Ancestry category allows Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to apply for an Ancestry Visa. This visa grants the right to live and work in the UK for five years, after which the individual may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Commonwealth Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Age: You must be 17 years of age or older.
UK-Born Grandparent: You must have at least one grandparent who was born in the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, or on a British-registered ship or aircraft.
Intention to Work: You must demonstrate your intention to work in the UK, which can include seeking employment or self-employment.
Financial Means: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents without needing public funds.
Proof of Relationship: You need to provide documentation proving your relationship to your UK-born grandparent.
Application Process
Gather Necessary Documents:
– Passport or travel documents
– Birth certificates of you, your parent, and your grandparent
– Marriage certificates, if applicable
– Evidence of your intention to work in the UK (e.g., job offers, business plans)
– Financial statements showing sufficient funds
Complete the Application Form:
– Fill out the online application form for a UK Ancestry Visa.
Submit Your Application:
– Submit the completed application form along with the required documents and pay the application fee.
Attend a Biometric Appointment:
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Wait for a Decision:
– Processing times can vary, but you will typically receive a decision within three weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship
After five years of living in the UK on an Ancestry Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to stay in the UK without any time restrictions. Once you have held ILR for at least one year, you can apply for British citizenship through naturalization.
How We Can Help
We offer comprehensive legal support throughout the UK Ancestry Visa and Citizenship process. Our services include:
Initial Consultation: Assessing your eligibility and explaining the application process.
Document Preparation: Assisting with the gathering and preparation of all necessary documents.
Application Support: Ensuring your application form is accurately completed and submitted.
Ongoing Assistance: Providing guidance and updates throughout the application process.
Legal Representation: Representing you in case of any issues or complications with your application.
Ready to explore your eligibility for UK Ancestry Citizenship? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our experienced team assist you every step of the way: