Ancestry Visa Solicitors in Preston

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Overview

Our solicitors, based in Preston, UK, provide expert legal guidance for individuals applying for an Ancestry Visa. This visa allows individuals with a British ancestry to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth application process, helping you reconnect with your British roots and build a new life in the UK.

What is an Ancestry Visa?

The Ancestry Visa allows Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man to live and work in the UK. This visa is ideal for those who wish to explore their British heritage and establish themselves in the UK.

Basic Criteria

To be eligible for an Ancestry Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Ancestry Requirement: You must have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, and who was a British citizen at the time of your parent’s birth.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 17 years old.
Financial Requirement: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without recourse to public funds and to cover the costs of your return journey.
Intention to Work: You must show that you intend to work or seek work in the UK during your stay.
Accommodation: Evidence of where you will be staying in the UK.

Detailed Application Process

Eligibility Assessment
- Initial consultation to evaluate your eligibility based on your ancestry and supporting documentation.
- Review of required documents, including proof of ancestry and financial evidence.
Document Preparation
- Assistance with gathering required documents (proof of grandparent’s British citizenship, financial evidence, accommodation details, etc.).
- Guidance on preparing a comprehensive and accurate visa application.
Application Submission
- Help with completing the visa application form accurately.
- Submission of the application to the Home Office.
- Payment of applicable fees.
Follow-Up and Compliance
- Monitoring the status of your application.
- Assistance with any queries or additional information requests from the Home Office.
- Guidance on complying with visa conditions once granted.

Processing Time

The processing time for an Ancestry Visa application is typically around 8 weeks from the date of submission. However, this can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application. During the waiting period, you can expect:

Acknowledgment: Confirmation of application receipt.
Assessment: Evaluation of your application and documents by the Home Office.
Decision: Notification of the visa decision.

Common Challenges and How We Help

Proving Ancestry: Assistance in gathering and presenting evidence to prove your grandparent’s British citizenship.
Financial Evidence: Guidance on demonstrating that you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Visa Refusals: Support in addressing and appealing visa refusals or rejections.

FAQs

How long can I stay in the UK with an Ancestry Visa?

You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years with an Ancestry Visa. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the criteria.

Can I work or study while on an Ancestry Visa?

Yes, you can work or study while on an Ancestry Visa. The visa allows you to seek employment and undertake studies in the UK.

What if I want to extend my stay in the UK?

You can apply for an extension of your Ancestry Visa before it expires, or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the residency requirements.

Can my family members join me on an Ancestry Visa?

Family members, such as your spouse or children, can apply to join you in the UK as dependents. Each applicant must meet the specific visa requirements for their category.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to start your journey towards obtaining an Ancestry Visa, contact our solicitors today. Our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.

Phone: 0330 900 0377
Email: info@prestonimmigration.co.uk

We look forward to helping you reconnect with your British heritage and build your future in the UK.

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