Commonwealth Citizens who can show that their grandparent was born in the United Kingdom (including Southern Ireland prior to 31 March 1922) can apply for a visa to the UK that will permit them to stay in the UK for a period of five years. During your time in the UK you are permitted to work without restriction, on an employed or self-employed basis. This visa will also allow you to travel to and from the UK multiple times.

The applicant must demonstrate when applying that:

• They are a Commonwealth Citizen; and
• They are aged 17 years or over; and
• They have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom and Islands; and
• They are able to work and intend to take or seek employment in the United Kingdom; and
• They are able to support and accommodate themselves and any dependants without assistance from any public funds; and
• The applicant must obtain prior entry clearance for United Kingdom Ancestry before traveling.

Toward the end of your stay in the UK, if you want to remain in the UK past the expiry date of your 5 year visa, you may then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

To be eligible to apply for ILR the applicant must show that they will continue to meet the requirements of the Ancestry Visa and they have spent a continuous period of five years in employment in the United Kingdom in this capacity.

It is worth noting that significant absences from the UK during the 5 year period may result in the issuance of an extension of UK ancestry to show settlement before ILR can be granted.

A spouse and any children under 18 are permitted to accompany the applicant to the UK and will be allowed to stay for the same period of time providing they are able support and accommodate them without assistance from any public funds. There are no restrictions on dependants working in the UK.

Entry Clearance for UK Ancestry must be obtained prior to travelling to the United Kingdom.

Persons with United Kingdom ancestry

Requirements for leave to enter on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

186. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom on the grounds of his United Kingdom ancestry are that he:

1. is a Commonwealth citizen; and
2. is aged 17 or over; and
3. is able to provide proof that one of his grandparents was born in the United Kingdom and Islands and that any such grandparent is the applicant's blood grandparent or grandparent by reason of an adoption recognised by the laws of the United Kingdom relating to adoption; and
4. is able to work and intends to take or seek employment in the United Kingdom; and
5. will be able to maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and
6. holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Leave to enter the United Kingdom on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

187. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom on the grounds of his United Kingdom ancestry may be given leave to enter for a period not exceeding 5 years provided he is able to produce to the Immigration Officer, on arrival, a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Refusal of leave to enter on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

188. Leave to enter the United Kingdom on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry is to be refused if a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity is not produced to the Immigration Officer on arrival.

Requirements for an extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

189. The requirements to be met by a person seeking an extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry are that:

1. he is able to meet each of the requirements of paragraph 186 (i)-(v); and
2. he was admitted to the United Kingdom on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry in accordance with paragraphs 186 to 188 or has been granted an extension of stay in this capacity.

Extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

190. An extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry may be granted for a period not exceeding 5 years provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 189 is met.

Refusal of extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

191. An extension of stay on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 189 is met.

Indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

192. Indefinite leave to remain may be granted, on application, to a Commonwealth citizen with a United Kingdom born grandparent provided:

1. he meets the requirements of paragraph 186 (i)-(v); and
2. he has spent a continuous period of 5 years in the United Kingdom in this capacity; and
3. he has sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, unless he is under the age of 18 or aged 65 or over at the time he makes his application.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain on the grounds of United Kingdom ancestry

193. Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom on the grounds of a United Kingdom born grandparent is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 192 is met.

Spouses or civil partners of persons who have or have had leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

Requirements for leave to enter as the spouse or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

194. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) are that:

1. the applicant is married to or a civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K); and
2. each of the parties intends to live with the other as his or her spouse or civil partner during the applicant’s stay and the marriage or civil partnership is subsisting; and
3. there will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively; and
4. the parties will be able to maintain themselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and
5. the applicant does not intend to stay in the United Kingdom beyond any period of leave granted to his spouse; and
6. the applicant holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Leave to enter as the spouse or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

195. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be given leave to enter for a period not in excess of that granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 194 is met.

Refusal of leave to enter as the spouse or civil partners of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196. Leave to enter the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 194 is met.

Requirements for extension of stay as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking an extension of stay in the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) are that the applicant:

1. is married to or civil partner of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K); or
2. is married to or civil partner of a person who has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) and who is being granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time; or
3. is married to or a civil partner of a person who has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and who had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave to remain; and
4. meets the requirements of paragraph 194(ii) – (v); and
5. was admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Extension of stay as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196B. An extension of stay in the United Kingdom as:

1. the spouse or civil partner of a person who has limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be granted for a period not in excess of that granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain; or
2. the spouse or civil partner of a person who is being admitted at the same time for settlement, or the spouse or civil partner of a person who has indefinite leave to remain, may be granted for a period not exceeding 2 years, in both instances, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196A is met.

Refusal of extension of stay as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196C. An extension of stay in the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196A is met.

Requirements for indefinite leave to remain for the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196D. The requirements to be met by a person seeking indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) are that the applicant:

1. is married to or civil partner of a person who has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) and who is being granted indefinite leave to remain at the same time; or
2. is married to or a civil partner of a person who has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and who had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) immediately before being granted indefinite leave to remain; and
3. meets the requirements of paragraph 194(ii) – (v); and
4. has sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, unless he is under the age of 18 or aged 65 or over at the time he makes his application; and
5. was admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Indefinite leave to remain as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196E. Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom for the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be granted provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 196D is met.

Refusal of indefinite leave to remain as the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

196F. Indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom for the spouse or civil partner of a person who has or has had limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 194D is met.

Children of persons with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135i-135k)

Requirements for leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

197. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as a child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) are that:

1. he is the child of a parent with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193(but not paragraphs 135I-135K); and
2. he is under the age of 18 or has current leave to enter or remain in this capacity; and
3. he is unmarried and is not a civil partner, has not formed an independent family unit and is not leading an independent life; and
4. he can and will be maintained and accommodated adequately without recourse to public funds in accommodation which his parent(s) own or occupy exclusively; and
5. he will not stay in the United Kingdom beyond any period of leave granted to his parent(s); and
6. both parents are being or have been admitted to or allowed to remain in the United Kingdom save where:
   1. the parent he is accompanying or joining is his sole surviving parent; or
   2. the parent he is accompanying or joining has had sole responsibility for his upbringing; or
   3. there are serious and compelling family or other considerations which make exclusion from the United Kingdom undesirable and suitable arrangements have been made for his care; and
7. if seeking leave to enter, he holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity or, if seeking leave to remain, was admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

198. A person seeking leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) may be given leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for a period of leave not in excess of that granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) provided that, in relation to an application for leave to enter, he is able to produce to the Immigration Officer, on arrival, a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity or, in the case of an application for limited leave to remain, he was admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity and is able to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) is met. An application for indefinite leave to remain in this category may be granted provided the applicant was admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity and is able to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) is met and provided indefinite leave to remain is, at the same time, being granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) .

Refusal of leave to enter or remain as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K)

199. Leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the child of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) is to be refused if, in relation to an application for leave to enter, a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity is not produced to the Immigration Officer on arrival or, in the case of an application for limited leave to remain, if the applicant was not admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity or is unable to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) is met. An application for indefinite leave to remain in this category is to be refused if the applicant was not admitted with a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity or is unable to satisfy the Secretary of State that each of the requirements of paragraph 197 (i)-(vi) is met or if indefinite leave to remain is not, at the same time, being granted to the person with limited leave to enter or remain under paragraphs 128-193 (but not paragraphs 135I-135K) .

Information from source at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/immigrationrules/part5

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