UK Ancestry visa
Who it's for: Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over with a grandparent born in the UK, who can and plan to work in the UK.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 29 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Commonwealth citizen (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya are members; Nepal and the Philippines are not)
- A grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or in Ireland before 31 March 1922
- Aged 17 or over, and able and planning to work in the UK
- Enough money to support and house yourself and any family, without public funds
- Visa fee of £726, plus the health surcharge of £1,035 a year
- Lasts 5 years; you may be able to settle after 5 years
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | £726 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge, per year | £1,035 | — | gov.ukOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Length of the visa | 5 years | gov.ukOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 | |
| Minimum age | 17 years | gov.ukOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 | |
| Usual decision time from outside the UK | 3 weeks | gov.ukOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
Costs and local steps by country
Costs in your currency, plus what's specific to applying from there, such as the approved TB test clinics.
How the route works
You apply online from outside the UK, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. gov.uk says decisions usually take about 3 weeks.
The grandparent link
The rules refer to one of your grandparents, so the link runs through your mother or your father. A great-grandparent doesn’t count.
Settlement
After 5 years in the UK on this visa you may be able to apply to settle (indefinite leave to remain), as long as you still meet the rules.
Common questions
Do I need a job offer?
No. The rules say you must be able to work and plan to work in the UK, but no job offer or sponsor is needed.
What documents prove the grandparent link?
Birth certificates that connect you to your grandparent through your parent, and marriage certificates if names changed. Translations are needed for documents not in English or Welsh.
Can my family come?
Your partner and children can apply as your dependants. Each pays the visa fee and health surcharge.
The full Ancestry visa guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other UK routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.