Under the current UK immigration law, the UK Ancestry Visa provides a five-year right to live, work, and study in the UK for qualifying applicants such as Commonwealth citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), and Zimbabwean citizens who can prove that one grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland before 31 March 1922. The application must be submitted from abroad and normally takes about three weeks for a decision after all documents have been provided. This visa enables holders to work in any sector, engage in self-employment, pursue academic studies, and bring their family to the UK, provided financial requirements are satisfied.

Who is eligible to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?

Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 17 years of age at entry, and to present documentation establishing direct lineage from a qualifying grandparent. This means submitting birth certificates and supporting records for yourself, the parent, and the grandparent in question. The applicant must also demonstrate a conscious intent to seek employment in the UK—such as through a CV, job search records, and/or job offers—and provide proof of sufficient financial resources to maintain themselves and any dependants. Tuberculosis clearance may apply for applicants from certain countries, and all applications must be submitted from outside the UK. Switching from other UK visa categories to Ancestry is not permitted.

What are the conditions of stay for UK Ancestry Visa holders?

Holders of a UK Ancestry Visa are entitled to live in the UK for up to five years, during which time they may work in paid, voluntary, full-time or part-time roles, start their own businesses, enrol in any educational institution, and be accompanied by eligible family members. The visa may be extended in five-year increments or may be used to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) at the conclusion of the initial term. Switching visa types in the UK is not allowed, and holders may not access public funds, including Universal Credit and other state-supported benefits. Financial self-sufficiency is a continuous requirement throughout the stay.

Are UK Ancestry Visa holders allowed to access public funds?

The visa strictly prohibits access to public funds, which encompasses most benefits such as housing allowances, income support, and Universal Credit. Applicants must demonstrate, and continue to maintain, financial independence for themselves and their dependents, confirmed by bank records, proof of savings, or third-party support if genuinely and fully documented. Breaching this rule can result in the cancellation of the visa.

What are the working conditions for UK Ancestry Visa holders?

No restrictions exist on the types or hours of work; visa holders are free to work in any sector as employees, self-employed individuals, or volunteers and can change jobs or business activities at will. Although no job offer is required at the time of application, the Home Office expects evidence of genuine intent to find employment. There is no cap on earnings, roles, or the number of simultaneous jobs or ventures.

Are there any special conditions for studying with the UK Ancestry Visa?

Visa holders may enrol in any degree or vocational programme at UK institutions and are eligible for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. However, those who intend to pursue sensitive postgraduate fields subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)—typically certain science, engineering, mathematics and technology subjects—must obtain ATAS clearance before starting their course unless their nationality is exempt. The ATAS certificate is issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and must be presented to the institution prior to enrolment; failure to do so may result in refusal to admit or delays in study. Aside from ATAS, there are no study hours or sponsor restrictions, so long as the visa is maintained with either employment or genuine work intention.

What are the requirements for settlement and ILR for UK Ancestry Visa holders?

After five years of continuous residence, holders of the Ancestry Visa may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to maintaining compliance with visa requirements and passing the Life in the UK Test and English language proficiency assessment. Supporting documentation for employment, financial self-sufficiency, and lineage must be resubmitted, along with proof of lawful residence and immigration history. Applicants should keep abreast of any changes in UK immigration law, as qualifying criteria, duration, or test requirements may be adjusted periodically.

ARIS International Lawyers are recognised specialists in the requirements of UK Immigration Rules. We offer professional assessments of your prospects for entry clearance under UK ancestry and provide guidance and support through every stage of your visa application. For tailored advice and expert help with a UK Ancestry Visa application, contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message.