UK Ancestry visa
For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK.
The UK Ancestry visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the UK Ancestry visa is for
For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK.
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
UK Ancestry visa - eligibility criteria
- Citizen of a Commonwealth country (or eligible nationality)
- Aged 17 or over
- Grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
- Able and intending to work in the UK
- Able to support and accommodate yourself
UK Ancestry visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the UK Ancestry visa (United Kingdom) is ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside the UK |
| Length of stay | 5 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Work freely, including self-employment, no sponsor needed |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Many applicants also compare YMS · Youth Mobility Scheme visa, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, ILR · Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common UK Ancestry visa pitfalls we fix
UK Ancestry visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the UK Ancestry visa cost?
The UK Ancestry visa government fee is ~£637 application; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the UK Ancestry visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the UK Ancestry visa lead to permanent residence?
Leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Can I work on the UK Ancestry visa?
Work rights: Work freely, including self-employment, no sponsor needed.
Who can apply for the UK Ancestry visa?
For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who want to work in the UK.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority