Quick take — Ancestry Visa UK at a glance

Ancestry visa UK is the main route for eligible Commonwealth (and specified British) nationals with a UK‑born grandparent who want to live and work in the UK for five years and then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

In plain terms: if you can trace a direct line—your birth certificate, your parent’s birth certificate, and a UK‑born grandparent’s long‑form birth certificate—you can usually apply, live and work without a sponsor for five years, and then seek ILR.

One-line summary

Who: Commonwealth or specified British nationals with a UK-born grandparent • Permission: 5 years’ leave to live and work • Route to ILR after 5 years (subject to residence and test requirements).

Key facts

Who	Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British National (Overseas) and citizens of Zimbabwe with a qualifying UK‑born grandparent
Permission	5 years’ leave to enter and work in the UK; eligible to apply for ILR after 5 years
Costs (typical)	Application fee £682; IHS £1,035/yr for adults (≈£5,175 for 5 years)
Processing time	Typical overseas decision: ~3 weeks (priority options may be available)
When to apply	From outside the UK, up to 3 months before travel (check GOV.UK for live updates)

Quick CTA: Download the ExpatsUK Ancestry Visa Checklist — it contains a complete document index, a sample cover letter, an employer-letter template, and an arrival & ILR timeline to follow over the five years.

Why this matters (short)

People who prepare well get decisions fast. The biggest mistakes are predictable: using short-form certificates that don’t show parentage, overlooking deed polls for name changes, neglecting adoption paperwork, or not clearly proving you intend to work. This guide turns that uncertainty into a step‑by‑step plan: exactly which documents to gather, where to order missing records, how to show you will work in the UK, and how to lay the groundwork for ILR.

Do you qualify for an Ancestry visa UK?

Start here: a quick yes/no checklist to help you decide if it’s worth ordering records.

Eligibility checklist (quick yes/no checkpoints)

• Nationality: Are you a Commonwealth citizen (or British overseas citizen, BOTC, BN(O), or citizen of Zimbabwe)?

• Grandparent: Was one biological or legally adopted grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, on a UK-registered ship/government aircraft, or in what is now Ireland before 31 March 1922?

• Chain of documents: Can you access the full (long‑form) birth certificates of you, the parent, and the grandparent (or equivalent adoption records)?

• Age: Are you 17 or over at the time of applying for entry clearance?

• Intention to work: Do you genuinely intend to work in the UK (employed, self‑employed, freelance)?

• Suitability: Do you meet good character rules (no excluded criminality) and TB test requirements if you come from a listed country?

Border cases & notes

• Adoption: If you or the parent through whom you claim ancestry were adopted, provide adoption orders or reissued birth certificates that show legal parentage.

• Unmarried parents: Ancestry can be claimed through an unmarried parent or grandparent — the key is documentary linkage.

• Name changes: Deed polls, marriage certificates or other legal name-change documents are essential if names don’t match.

• Not allowed: Step‑parents, great‑grandparents, or births in former British colonies (unless the grandparent’s birth is specifically in the UK/CI/IoM or a qualifying ship/aircraft) do not qualify.

Short scenarios

• Clearly eligible: A Canadian aged 30 with their birth certificate, their mother’s full birth certificate, and their maternal grandmother’s full UK birth certificate — yes.

• Probably not: A claimant whose ancestry is through a great‑grandparent born in a British colony — no (unless a qualifying UK birth is proven elsewhere).

• Borderline: An adoptee with missing grandparent records — possible, but you’ll need adoption papers and extra evidence from registrars and potentially a statutory declaration.

Micro‑action — Do this now

1. Check your nationality: confirm you hold one of the eligible nationalities today.

1. Order the grandparent’s long‑form birth certificate (GRO or local registrar) — you’ll need it.

1. Confirm your age and location relative to the rule: you’re 17+ and apply from outside the UK (or check GOV.UK on switching rules).

Ancestry visa UK documents checklist: every document you must gather

This section lists the documents UKVI expects. The rule of thumb: long‑form certificates that clearly show parentage. If anything is missing, order it early.

Top‑of‑file essentials (the “must‑haves”)

• Applicant identity: Current passport(s) (with at least one blank page), passport photos that meet UK specs, any previous passports showing travel and identity.

• Ancestry chain: Long‑form birth certificates for you, the relevant parent, and the qualifying grandparent. Where names don’t match, include marriage certificates or name‑change documents.

• Adoption records: Adoption order(s) or amended birth certificates if adoption is part of the chain.

• Proof of intention to work: CV, job offers, employer letters, contracts, freelance portfolio, business plan, invoices — see Section 3.

• Financial evidence: Recent bank statements and evidence of accommodation (tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, letter from host) to show you can be maintained without recourse to public funds.

• Health & character:TB test certificate if from a listed country; police certificates if asked.

• Translations: Certified translations of any non‑English documents (include the original language document as well).

How to organise the pack (best practice)

Presentation matters. UKVI reviewers process hundreds of files — make it easy for them to find the exact line that proves the relationship.

• Include a clear document index (sample below).

• Use a two‑page cover letter: one page summary, one page evidence map pointing to the exact page/line in each certificate that demonstrates the chain.

• Originals vs certified copies: carry originals to the biometric appointment; upload or send certified copies only if instructed. Keep all originals in a folder you do not post away unless specifically required.

• Annotate: discreetly highlight name/date fields (do not mark official documents destructively) and refer to them in your index.

Sample document index

#	Document	Original/Certified copy	Why it’s here
1	Your full birth certificate	Original	Links you to your parent (see item 2)
2	Parent’s full birth certificate	Certified copy	Links parent to grandparent (see item 3)
3	Grandparent’s full UK birth certificate	Certified copy	Proves UK birth and establishes eligibility
4	Applicant passport and photos	Original	Identity and travel history

If something is missing — practical fixes

• Order long‑form birth certificates early — use the GRO (England & Wales), local registrars in the relevant country, or overseas registries.

• If a marriage certificate is missing, order that too; if a name changed informally, supply a deed poll or statutory declaration plus supporting evidence (bank records, tax statements).

• Adoptions: provide the adoption order and any reissued birth certificates or court documents.

• When the grandparent’s birth certificate can’t be found: search census extracts, wills, baptism records and show exhaustive registrar searches; include a clear explanation in the cover letter — these are supplementary and may not replace the birth certificate, but they help in borderline cases.

Micro‑action — Order these today

1. Request the grandparent’s long‑form birth certificate from the GRO/local authority.

1. Book a TB test now if you live in a listed country (appointments can fill up).

1. Line up certified translations for any non‑English documents.

How to prove you intend to work in the UK

UKVI wants to see that your application is genuine — that you will seek real paid or self‑employed work, not settle without working.

Why UKVI cares

The Ancestry route allows life and work without sponsorship. Because of that freedom, UKVI asks for credible evidence that you intend to work to ensure you will support yourself and contribute to the economy.

Examples of convincing evidence

• Employed: Signed job offer or employment contract (company letterhead, start date, salary, hours, contact details), recent payslips if already employed by a UK employer, or a recruiter introduction email.

• Self‑employed: Company registration, business bank account, invoices for recent work, client contracts, accountant letter, or a concise business plan with projected first‑year revenues.

• Freelancers/consultants: Portfolio, recent invoices, ongoing retainer contracts, website or professional profiles, and evidence of clients who will continue relationships in the UK.

• Job search evidence: Record of job applications, interviews, recruiter contact, and sector‑specific training plans.

What to avoid (weak evidence)

• Vague statements such as “I will look for work” with no supporting documentation.

• Unverifiable freelance claims posted only on social media without invoices or contracts.

• Business plans lacking realistic numbers, clients or timelines.

Templates — quick drafts you can adapt

Use short, factual letters. Keep to one page.

• Company header and contact details.

• Employee name, job title, brief job description.

• Start date (or expected start date), salary, working hours.

• Statement confirming position is genuine and the company expects the candidate to start on that date.

• Contact name and telephone/email for a referee.

• Signed and dated by a manager or HR representative.

• Business name, sector, and brief description.

• Target clients and evidence of at least one existing client or pipeline.

• Projected revenue and basic budget for first 6–12 months.

• Key expenses and a statement that you have funds to cover initial months or invoices/contracts showing cash flow.

• How you will trade in the UK (self‑assessment, accountant, company registration if applicable).

Ancestry visa UK fees, IHS and processing times explained

Clear costs help avoid surprises. Below are the headline fees and a couple of worked examples.

Cost breakdown

Item	Cost (2026)	Notes
Application fee	£682	Per applicant/dependant
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year (adult)	Paid upfront for length of visa (e.g., 5 years = £5,175)
IHS (child under 18)	£776 per year	Applies to dependants under 18
Priority / Super priority	Additional fee (varies by VAC)	Optional fast-track; availability varies
Other	TB tests, translations, postage, biometrics	Variable depending on country and provider

Worked examples (approximate)

• Single adult (5 years): Application £682 + IHS £5,175 = ≈ £5,857 (plus minor costs for photos, translations or TB tests if required).

• Applicant + partner + one child (5 years):

• Application fees: 3 × £682 = £2,046

• IHS adults: 2 × (5 × £1,035) = 2 × £5,175 = £10,350

• IHS child: 5 × £776 = £3,880

• Approximate total: £2,046 + £10,350 + £3,880 = £16,276 (plus TB/translation/priority fees if used)

Processing time & service options

• Typical overseas decision: around 3 weeks from biometric appointment (check local VAC timelines).

• Priority or super‑priority services may be available for an extra fee and can shorten decisions to 5 working days or next working day (availability varies by country).

• After a positive decision you receive a 90‑day entry vignette to travel to the UK and must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival (collection points and timing will be stated on the decision letter).

Money‑saving tips and traps

• Don’t pay for unnecessary translations — only translate documents actually required by UKVI and use a certified translator.

• Only buy priority services if timelines matter; they add cost but don’t guarantee success for incomplete applications.

• Use ExpatsUK’s checklist to avoid paying for extra copies or documents you won’t need.

Micro‑action: Calculate your total today using the simple math above and add an extra 10–15% for incidental costs (translations, TB tests, postage).

Bringing dependants (partners and children)

Who qualifies as a dependant?

• Partner: spouse, civil partner, or an unmarried partner who can evidence cohabitation for 2+ years (or equivalent compelling reasons).

• Children: under 18 at the time of application (or aged 18+ who were previously on the main applicant’s visa as dependants).

Evidence checklist for dependants

• Relationship: marriage/civil partnership certificate or joint evidence of 2+ years of cohabitation (joint tenancy, joint bank statements, bills, travel records).

• Children: child’s birth certificate linking the child to you/your partner, evidence they live with you, school records where relevant.

• Each dependant needs their own passport, biometric appointment, application fee, and IHS payment.

Costs and process

Dependants submit separate online applications and pay their own application fee and IHS. Their leave normally matches the main applicant’s leave length. Each will attend biometrics and supply supporting documents at time of application. For a detailed cost breakdown for partner routes see Spouse Visa UK Cost: Hidden Fees & Real Totals.

Step‑by‑step application walkthrough (from decision to pack to arrival)

Pre‑apply (0–90 days)

1. Confirm eligibility and order long‑form certificates.

1. Gather employment evidence (job offers, business plan, portfolio).

1. Get TB test if you are from a listed country and schedule biometrics.

1. Arrange certified translations.

1. Create the document index and a short cover letter mapping evidence to requirements.

The online application

• Complete the application carefully: nationality, ancestry chain details, conviction history, travel history, and intended work plans.

• Upload documentary evidence as requested; use clear file names (e.g., “3_Grandparent_BirthCert.pdf”).

• Pay the application fee and the IHS online at the end of the form.

Biometric appointment

Attend the VAC; you’ll normally provide fingerprints and a photo. Bring originals and a printed copy of your document index and appointment confirmation. Some VACs will scan documents; check local guidance.

After submission

• Track the decision online. If UKVI requests further evidence, respond quickly and precisely referring to your document index.

• If approved, you’ll get a 90‑day vignette to enter the UK; you must collect your BRP after arrival at the specified location.

Entry to the UK — first 90 days

• Collect BRP (follow the postal instructions in the decision letter).

• Register with a GP and apply for a National Insurance number (if employed).

• Open a UK bank account and set up tax records with HMRC (P45/P60 or self-assessment if self‑employed).

• Start work (or job hunting) and keep payslips, P60s and tenancy agreements for ILR evidence.

For practical arrival tips and what to expect in your first weeks, read Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to the UK.

0–90 day checklist

1. Collect BRP.

1. Register with GP.

1. Open bank account.

1. Apply for National Insurance number (if needed).

1. Register children in school (if applicable).

Planning the 5‑year route to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

The target

After five years on the Ancestry visa, you can apply for ILR if you meet continuous residence and other requirements.

Continuous residence requirements

• Five consecutive years lawfully in the UK.

• No more than 180 days’ absence in any rolling 12‑month period during those five years (keep a travel log).

Ongoing evidence to keep

• Payslips, P60s, HMRC records, contracts, and employer letters showing ongoing employment.

• Tenancy agreements, council tax, utility bills and bank statements to show residence.

• Keep a travel log (dates and reason for travel) to prove absence counts.

Tests and evidence at ILR stage

• Pass the Life in the UK Test.

• Meet the approved English language requirement (commonly B1 unless exempt).

• Provide all passports/BRPs covering the qualifying period and evidence of work and residence.

Timing & forms

Apply online before your visa expires — you can usually apply up to 28 days early. Check GOV.UK for the current ILR form and fee. You’ll attend biometrics and wait for a decision; times vary.

Micro‑action: Start collecting ILR evidence now

• Create a digital folder (cloud + backup) for payslips, P60s, tenancy agreements and stamped passport pages.

• Maintain a simple spreadsheet with travel dates to calculate rolling 12‑month absences.

Common refusal reasons and how to fix them

Top refusal triggers

• Short‑form certificates that do not show parentage.

• Name inconsistencies across documents with no legal proof of change.

• Failure to convincingly show intention to work.

• Criminal convictions or unexplained immigration history.

• Insufficient evidence for dependants or their relationships.

Practical fixes and pre‑emptive steps

• Always use long‑form certificates. If you can’t, show a full explanation plus exhaustive searches and alternative documents.

• Resolve name inconsistencies with marriage certificates, deed polls, or statutory declarations with supporting evidence.

• Provide concrete employment evidence (contracts, invoices, offers) rather than aspirations.

• Use a document index and refer plainly to the exact line that proves a fact (e.g., “See page 2, line 4 of Grandparent_BirthCert.pdf”).

• Consider a paid document check with a vetted advisor if your case is complex (adoptions, missing records, criminal history).

If you’re refused

Check the refusal letter closely — it will explain the grounds. Depending on the reason you may have options: administrative review (limited cases), appeal (rare for entry clearance), or re‑apply after addressing the specific gaps. A re‑application with a clear checklist and corrected documentation is often the fastest route.

If you don’t qualify — alternatives to the Ancestry Visa UK

If you can’t use Ancestry, there are other routes depending on your circumstances:

• Skilled Worker visa: Sponsor required; for those with an eligible job offer and sponsor licence.

• Family visa: Partner, parent or child routes where you have an eligible family member in the UK (see theMarriage Visa UK: 9‑Step No‑Nonsense Guide to Approvalfor partner routes).

• Student visa: Shorter-term route to study with future work options (Post‑Study Work) depending on your course and grade.

• Global Talent / Start‑up / Innovator: Specialist routes for exceptional talent or business founders (requires endorsement).

Pick the right pathway based on your long‑term goals; see our UK Visa Types Explained: Which One Is Right for You As An Expat? and other guides on ExpatsUK if Ancestry is not open to you.

Real cases — three short personas

Anna — Australian with a UK‑born grandmother

Problem: Needed the grandparent’s birth certificate. Action: Ordered GRO copy, provided her own and her parent’s long‑form certificates, uploaded a CV and job‑offer email. Outcome: Decision in 3 weeks. Lesson: Order certificates early and present a one‑page evidence map.

Raj — adopted; missing grandparent certificate

Problem: Grandparent’s birth record couldn’t be located immediately. Action: Supplied adoption order, registrar search results, a sworn statutory declaration and baptism/census extracts. Outcome: UKVI requested an extra check but accepted documentary chain after follow‑up. Lesson: When records are missing, exhaustive searches plus legal adoption documents help — but plan for delays.

Marta — partner and two kids; proving 2 years together

Problem: No marriage certificate; needed to prove cohabitation. Action: Collected two years of joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, joint bank statements, holiday photos and travel tickets. Outcome: Dependants included successfully. Lesson: Multiple small documents together form a strong relationship picture.

Toolkit, templates & next steps (ExpatsUK resources)

ExpatsUK’s Ancestry Visa Kit includes:

• Complete documents checklist (printer‑friendly).

• Sample cover letter and employer letter templates.

• Travel & absence log spreadsheet for ILR evidence.

• Document index example you can copy and paste into your application pack.

Community offer: Share your document index on the ExpatsUK message boards for peer review. If you prefer one‑to‑one help, you can book a paid document check with a vetted advisor who will review your pack against the checklist and point out gaps.

Soft CTA: Download the ExpatsUK Ancestry Visa Checklist and post a redacted version of your document index on the community boards for quick feedback.

FAQ (short answers)

Can US citizens apply?

Not on US nationality alone. You must hold an eligible Commonwealth or specified British nationality (see the list above). If you have dual nationality that qualifies, you can apply.

What if my grandparent was born in a British colony?

That alone usually isn’t sufficient. The grandparent’s birth must be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, on a UK‑registered ship or aircraft, or in what is now Ireland before 31 March 1922. If you’re unsure, check the grandparent’s birth record or consult GOV.UK.

Can I switch to an Ancestry visa from inside the UK?

Rules can vary. Generally, Ancestry applications are expected from outside the UK. Check GOV.UK for the current position or use ExpatsUK’s checklist to confirm whether switching is allowed in your situation.

How long must a partner cohabit to qualify as a dependant?

Typically you’ll need evidence of two years’ cohabitation for an unmarried partner; provide joint tenancy, joint bills and other documents to prove the relationship.

How do I count absences for ILR?

Keep an accurate travel log. The rule to remember: no more than 180 days’ absence in any rolling 12‑month period during the five years. Use stamped passport pages, boarding passes and travel itineraries as evidence.

If unsure, check GOV.UK or use the ExpatsUK checklist to confirm the specific document you need.

Resources & further reading

• GOV.UK — Apply for an Ancestry visa

• GOV.UK — Indefinite Leave to Remain

• GOV.UK — Immigration Health Surcharge

• GOV.UK — Life in the UK Test

• ExpatsUK — Ancestry visa toolkit and community message boards (download the checklist and post your document index for peer review)

Final summary & call to action

Two quick takeaways: 1) The single most important piece is a clear ancestry chain shown by long‑form birth certificates and supporting marriage/adoption documents. 2) Start early — ordering central records and booking TB tests or translations can take weeks.

If you’re ready: download the ExpatsUK Ancestry Visa Checklist, build your document index, and post for a peer review on our message boards. For complex gaps or a final check, consider booking a paid document review with a vetted advisor through ExpatsUK.