The United Kingdom has always been a popular destination for people from different parts of the world. It is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and a strong economy. Many people dream of living in the UK, either to work, study, or settle down. One way to live and work in the UK is through the UK Ancestry Visa. In this blog post, we will discuss who qualifies for this type of visa and how to apply for it.
What is a UK Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa is a type of visa that allows Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent who was born in the UK to live and work in the UK for up to five years. Unlike other work visas, this visa does not require the applicant to have a job offer in the UK before applying. Instead, the applicant must prove that they have a grandparent who was born in the UK, and they intend to work in the UK.
Who Qualifies for a UK Ancestry Visa?
To qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a Commonwealth citizen
The applicant must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that have historical ties to the UK. Some of the countries that are part of the Commonwealth include Australia, Canada, India, Jamaica, and New Zealand.
2. Have a grandparent who was born in the UK
The applicant must prove that they have a grandparent who was born in the UK, including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The grandparent must have been born before 31 March 1922 if the applicant is applying from outside the UK, or before 5 April 1922 if the applicant is applying from within the UK.
3. Be 17 years or older
The applicant must be at least 17 years old when applying for the visa.
4. Be able to work in the UK
The applicant must prove that they can work in the UK. They can do this by showing that they have a job offer in the UK, or that they have enough savings to support themselves for the first few months in the UK.
5. Intend to work in the UK
The applicant must show that they intend to work in the UK. They can do this by providing a letter from their employer in the UK, or by showing that they have started looking for a job in the UK.
How to Apply for a UK Ancestry Visa
To apply for a UK Ancestry Visa, the applicant must follow these steps:
1. Check if you qualify
Before applying for the visa, the applicant must make sure they meet all the requirements listed above.
2. Gather the required documents
The applicant must gather all the required documents for the visa application. This includes their passport, proof of their grandparent’s birth in the UK, proof of their relationship to their grandparent, and proof that they can work in the UK.
3. Fill out the application form
The applicant must fill out the online application form on the UK government website. They will need to provide details about themselves, their grandparent, and their employment status.
4. Pay the application fee
The applicant must pay the application fee for the visa. As of 2021, the fee is £516.
5. Submit the application
After completing the application form and paying the fee, the applicant must submit their application. They will need to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center.
6. Wait for a decision
The applicant will receive a decision on their visa application within three weeks of submitting their biometric information. If the application is successful, they will receive a visa vignette in their passport, which allows them to enter the UK. They must then collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Conclusion
The UK Ancestry Visa is a great option for Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK and want to live and work in the UK. This type of visa allows the applicant to work in the UK for up to five years, without the need for a job offer before applying. To apply for the visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements and follow the application process outlined by the UK government. Applying for a UK Ancestry Visa can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a successful way to start a new life in the UK.
Leave a Reply