UK Ancestry Work Visa (Main Applicant)

This applies to applicants’ that have a UK born grandparent. Further to this, the applicant (South African national) is entitled to bring their immediate family dependents.

This is one of the best UK work visas that the British government offer. It is cost effective, issued for the longest period and has easier qualifying conditions when compared to other UK work visas.

Further details of the provisions available can be found on our UK Ancestry visa page.

Specifics of the UK Ancestry Work Visa

 Introducing the UK Ancestry Work Visa:
Caters for applicants (South Africans) that have an United Kingdom born grandparent. The main applicant (making claim to work in the UK based on their grandparent place of birth) needs to be over the age of 17 years old at the time of submission (in order to qualify).

 Duration of visa:
UK Ancestry Work Visa is issued for an initial duration of 5 years.

Settlement rights:
Granted. This UK Ancestry Work Visa grants settlement rights (the right to live, work and study in the UK). Time spent in the UK therefore counts toward earning British nationality (and getting a British passport).

 Family Dependents:
Permitted. Immediate family members (married like partner and minors) are permitted to join the main applicant.

 Processing Times:
3 weeks. From the date of submission, applicants experience an average of 15 working day processing times.

 Common Reason for Refusal:
Most of these cases are refused based on incorrect birth certificates, not demonstrating sufficient intent to meet the qualifying conditions and insufficient supporting documents to meet the British governments qualifying requirements.

    Whole Process:
Once South Africans are awarded entry clearance (permission to enter the UK), applicants (and their dependents) can apply for unlimited amount of visa extensions.

Once the applicant (and their dependents) have spent 5 continuous years in the UK, they can apply for permanent UK resident status. After 6 continuous years of UK residence, the applicant (and their dependents)