Ancestry Visa

Is or was one of your grandparents a British Citizen but your parents are not? This visa may apply to you.
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Ancestry Visa

The UK Ancestry route enables Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens or British national (overseas) who have at least one grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or Isle of Man to come to work, study and eventually settle in the UK.

Applicants can work and study in the UK. Dependants can join main applicants and after continuous residence of 5 years they qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

How we can help

We have significant experience in UK Ancestry applications, we assist clients by ensuring the application is sound to increase their chances of a successful application. Herrington Carmichael’s experienced Immigration team can ensure your application is managed in a co-ordinated manner, with you kept updated every step of the way.

Key contact

Yavan-Brar-PNG
Yavan Brar
Chief Executive Officer

What our clients say about us

A big thank you to Alex and his team in particular Melissa who worked diligently and at all times looked to serve our best interests. They were constantly available to provide reassuring advice through a sometimes difficult transaction and fraught period. Despite the tight deadlines and significant workload I was delighted with their performance.

When selling a business, you only get one chance to get it right and I will be forever grateful for the skill and advice provided by Alex and his colleagues.

Herrington Carmichael were recommended to myself and my fellow directors to act in the selling of our financial services company. Throughout the process I found Alex Canham and Melissa Deutrom to be knowledgeable about our particular industry, they acted in our interests in a diligent but pragmatic way, gave sound advice, were responsive to our requests and focussed on achieving the deadline that we required. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others in a similar situation.

Alex and Melissa provided a very professional service whilst also ensuring we negotiated some key inclusions and protection into our business sale agreement. Alex was a real ally ensuring that we negotiated the best possible outcomes and found solutions to areas where one didn’t seem to be present. His work alongside Melissa ensured a cohesive delivery of our complex sale – thank you both.

Alex Canham, Ed Beedham and the team did a tremendous job steering us through the sale of Chadney Bulgin. With so many CB Partners involved, their comprehensive presentation of the contracts, together with excellent communication throughout (vital in this type of deal), enabled both a fast & efficient sale process. Much appreciated.

I found Alex and Edward to be responsive, on point, quick to answer queries, professional, efficient and the ability to explain complex issues in layman’s terms. An excellent service and one I would recommend to all.

Alex and Ed were throughout very professional as you would expect, but also always available to settle our concerns and talk us through the procedures. Something that they clearly had plenty of experience at, which showed through and gave us confidence. They took control of the situation, kept us informed and moved swiftly to conclude the business sale, for which we were very grateful.

We appointed Herrington Carmichael to act for us in the sale of our Chartered Financial Planning business. From the outset we were impressed with Alex and Lucinda's professionalism. This impression was backed up by helpful and knowledgeable support from them and their team throughout the sale process. All aspects of the sale discussions were dealt with carefully and efficiently resulting in a satisfactory outcome for us as sellers.

Alex, Ed and the team at Herrington Carmichael provided us with excellent advice and support for our company sale, with their knowledge and experience making the process very efficient.

From the start we were impressed with Alex’s understanding of our needs and experience which no doubt helped with our transaction. The whole team were professional and attentive which was refreshing given the complexities involved. What impressed us most was the ability to convey quite technical matters in a way that could be understood.

Excellent level of service provided by Alex, Joel and the team. Our sale was not particularly straightforward, quality advice provided in a timely manner. I am not sure we could have completed our sale without them. Would highly recommend!

We have worked with Alex Canham and Melissa Deutrom at Herrington Carmichael on two separate acquisitions together with numerous general corporate activities. We have always found them to be highly responsive, timely and accurate. We would definitely recommend them to other financial services companies like ours.

Alex Canham is very knowledgeable - he also has a good appreciation of what is the minimum standard and what represents potentially less commercially needed aspects.

A sincere thank you to Yavan and the entire Herrington Carmichael team. You are an exceptionally committed group of individuals. Looking back, it’s impressive what we managed to accomplish over such a short period of time, dealing with a variety of issues that came up during the process. Working with Yavan, Chris, and Michelle was a pleasure. Thanks to all of you as well as the many others working behind the scenes.

Yavan and his team at Herrington Carmichael recently advised us on the assignment of two loans and associated security from third party lenders onto our books. Yavan provided advice of the highest quality and ensured the transactions completed swiftly. They were available whenever we needed to contact them and kept their advice commercially focused to our specific requirements. We have built a good relationship up with the whole team at Herrington Carmichael and would certainly recommend them.

I really enjoyed working with Matt and found him very responsive and helpful when I had any questions. He always got back to me in a timely manner and was very helpful. He’s a real credit to Herrington Carmichael and made the whole process straightforward.

After previous negative experiences with other solicitors, we contacted Herrington Carmichael as a new customer to help support buying a company and transferring shares from another director. Harry and his team were extremely helpful, patient and knowledgeable from the start. For Harry, nothing is too much from a small query to a larger piece of work. Harry is extremely approachable, friendly and professional. Harry kept us informed at every stage and tried to collate work together to keep costs reasonable, especially against the other side who were determined to drag the whole transaction out. We would definitely use Harry and his team again. They are very responsive and pragmatic. Highly recommended.

I would like to express my thanks to Harry Winkley, Joel Gocool and the team at Herrington Carmichael for their pro-active approach in our recent acquisition to the Surelock McGill Group of companies. A smooth transition working closely and professional within our set parameters, also within predicted budget. Many Thanks to the full team at HC.

I found Harry’s advice and support very professional, invaluable and reassuring.

We were very pleased with the service provided by Alex and Harry at Herrington Carmichael. Appointed approximately two months ahead of completion, they demonstrated exceptional diligence and attention to detail throughout. We’re delighted with the outcome and felt thoroughly looked after during the entire process. If you’re looking for a firm to support you through a business transaction, I would have no hesitation in recommending Herrington Carmichael.

There were some very late nights from the team to hit the deadline and they stayed super helpful & cheery even whilst we were quite stressed about it, which was definitely helpful. What I particularly liked about the team at Herrington Carmichael is that everyone seems like a “normal person” where the conversations & advice was presented in a way that was easy to understand and no-one minded follow-up questions as we wrapped our heads around things. The advice seemed actionable and I felt throughout that you understood what we were looking to achieve. HC were recommended to us as being responsive and diligent and that is exactly what we experienced too.

We found working with the team a positive experience. We had early contact with Alex who was reassuring and confident, but from then on, we dealt mainly and personally with Harry who we thought was excellent, especially in the final stages which were quite stressful for us.

It was clear to us from the outset that we were in safe hands and we very much appreciated having the reassurance of Alex and Harry’s ongoing support throughout the process.

Having appointed Herrington Carmichael to act for us in a complex and lengthy transaction, the decision proved to be a very good one. Alex, Harry and the team were knowledgeable, speedy and very willing to help with all aspects of our dealings. I would not hesitate to highly recommend Herrington Carmichael for their first class service.

Harry has been a rockstar throughout our transaction.

Yavan, Chris and the rest of the team at Herrington Carmichael were a pleasure to work with and provided a professional, responsive and pragmatic approach. They distil comments and mark-ups into concise questions to allow us to make commercial decisions without being bogged down in legal jargon, which allows for a smooth, efficient transaction process. I’d happily recommend the team to any of my peers, and always enjoy working with HC on deals.

In building an IFA sector leading business it was essential to have a top-quality legal firm in place which is why I chose Herrington Carmichael to work with me from the start-up phases in 2004 to an eventual sale in 2017. Having returned to the IFA sector again in 2020 to build another quality IFA firm I have once again chosen Herrington Carmichael. Amongst other things, Yavan and his team have provided comprehensive and dedicated legal support in the negotiation and conclusion of a complex multi-investor transaction.

I would like to thank Herrington Carmichael Solicitors for their excellent support in completing the E.O.T transaction. The team worked efficiently and professionally, ensuring the matter was delivered on time and on budget. In particular, I would like to recognise Yavan Brar, Partner and Head of Department, and Sophie Protheroe, Solicitor, for their outstanding guidance and consistent support throughout the transaction. Their expertise, responsiveness, and clear advice made the process smooth and well managed from start to finish. I would have no hesitation in recommending Herrington Carmichael Solicitors for complex corporate transactions.

The team at Herrington-Carmichael provide expert support which is calming when the pressure is on and always based on human connection. Most impressive is their ability to be responsive so that deals stay on track and schedule.

John and I are delighted to have been supported by Yavan & Sophie as we embarked on selling our Company to an EOT. From initial introduction 14 months ago, to achieving completion 2 days ago, Yavan & Sophie have been with us every step of the way. Their knowledge is vast and their ability to steadily walk us through the entire process, as simply as possible, was remarkable. The completion of this process required a number of additional inputs from other experts, all of which, they were able to provide, which just helped with the seamless approach and high level of communication throughout. We just hope they are happy that we were able to keep up with them too! Prior to meeting Yavan & Sophie, we had no knowledge of what an EOT was so to think that within 14 months, we have not only understood the benefits of such a consideration, but have reached the finish line and can sit back and proudly watch the continued success of our business in its new form, is incredible. So thank you for everything.

We are grateful to Yavan, Sophie and the team for their work on transitioning our company to an EOT. They navigated the intricate process of the transition with care and precision, giving all those involved clear understanding and peace of mind throughout the process. Their proactive approach and attention to detail were evident throughout and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the team to anyone considering an EOT transition.

HC acted for us in a corporate reorganisation, the sale of shares to an EOT and implementing an EMI for key individuals. The matter was complex and required patience and clear solutions to a number of issues to achieve the goals. Yavan and Sophie provided detailed advice on statutory requirements, a clear explanation of legal terminology, and worked efficiently to allow us to implement the EMI within the necessary timeframe. Great support from Yavan and the team.

Yavan and Sophie made our sale to an EOT straightforward and effortless. From the outset, they took the time to understand our needs and goals, explaining the process and answering all our questions. Their expertise in EOT transitions helped us make the right decisions for our company's future. We highly recommend the Herrington Carmichael team to any business considering such a transition. Their professionalism, expertise, and client care were invaluable.

HC have been excellent and tireless in their efforts to complete the acquisition. The team were always available and always prepared to find mutually acceptable ways of moving past any challenges when they arose. We value their counsel and support.

Yavan and team supported us through the process ensuring we had the right level of guidance and regulatory control for every decision through this process, we felt fully supported and couldn’t have achieved the outcome without them.

Herrington Carmichael has coordinated three purchase and sale transactions for us in the last two years. The advice and guidance provided by the corporate team, led by Yavan Brar, has been well explained, commercially sound and supported by well drafted legal documentation. All legal advice, completions and support provided by Yavan and his team was first rate.

Yavan’s approach in dealing with negotiations and in dealing with the city lawyers on a multi-million pound investment were commercially focused, ensured that progress was made and that we concentrated on the areas of the greatest importance.

We had been working with HC as our corporate lawyers for many years, pre-dating the inception of DataOps.live. Yavan and his team were excellent and tireless in their efforts to execute the funding round in a particularly short timescale, especially given the international time zones in consideration. The team were always available, always prepared, and always thinking of mutually acceptable ways to move past any challenges when they arose. We look forward to working with Herrington Carmichael over the coming years as we look to scale Dataops.live with the strategic input of Anthos Capital and Snowflake Ventures.

Yavan, Chris, and Liz are three of the most attentive, hands-on, and knowledgeable lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They were always available to answer my questions and provide me with excellent advice. They were also very proactive in managing my case and keeping me informed of its progress. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation.

This is a commercially minded practice that is led by a talented lawyer, Yavan Brar, who focuses his team on providing excellence in all they do. The team is genuinely keen to ensure good quality and pragmatic advice for clients and in my experience, this is achieved.

We have worked with Michelle for almost 10 years during which time she has supported us with the corporate secretarial matters of our clients. As our practice has expanded so too has our work with Michelle. Working with a primarily Japanese client base we require extreme attention to detail and very fast turn-around. Michelle has showed herself to be excellent in both regards.

I am a director/adviser to two property management companies, both have been clients of Michelle and the team at HC for around 10 years. Both of my companies have been very well served and advised during this period. Matters dealt with promptly and efficiently I am happy to recommend them.

I wish to thank all at Herrington Carmichael for their prompt and brilliant service. From the outset my case was treated with complete understanding. The legal advice was clear, accurate, and forceful. The lawyers extended themselves to resolve the issues with exceptional celerity and solved a difficult and contentious matter to our complete satisfaction. This was a very model of legal guidance.

Melissa, I just wanted to add my thanks to you for your professionalism and support throughout the process. You helped us stay calm through extremely stressful situations and we are very grateful for that

Melissa provided an in-depth professional service ensuring that we were clear on some of the more complex issues surrounding the agreement. She would always works with our timelines despite it being an extremely busy period for her. Its been really great working with Melissa and I would not hesitate in working with or recommending her and her team now or in the future. Thank you so much for all your insight and knowledge during the past few months.

From outset to finalisation of my legal matter – HC (and in particular Melissa) were exceptional. The level of professionalism provided to me as well as her personal touch when the transaction became difficult to deal with really meant a lot to me. I would not hesitate to recommend Melissa going forward.

A big thank you to Alex and his team in particular Melissa who worked diligently and at all times looked to serve our best interests. They were constantly available to provide reassuring advice through a sometimes difficult transaction and fraught period. Despite the tight deadlines and significant workload I was delighted with their performance.

It was delightful working with Melissa. She made me feel comfortable when dealing with what was a complicated process. Melissa was professional, knowledgeable and dedicated. It was delightful working with Melissa. She made me feel comfortable when dealing with what was a complicated process. Melissa was professional, knowledgeable and dedicated.

Herrington Carmichael were recommended to myself and my fellow directors to act in the selling of our financial services company. Throughout the process I found Alex Canham and Melissa Deutrom to be knowledgeable about our particular industry, they acted in our interests in a diligent but pragmatic way, gave sound advice, were responsive to our requests and focussed on achieving the deadline that we required. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others in a similar situation.

Melissa has been a pleasure to work with over the last few months, her ability to pick up complex commercial legal matters, together with her attention to detail has been very impressive. We would highly recommend Melissa for any commercial legal matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our services and processes.

The Ancestry visa can be applied for if you are:

  • A Commonwealth citizen
  • a British overseas citizen
  • a British overseas territories citizen
  • a British national (overseas)
  • a citizen of Zimbabwe

You are aged 17 or over

  • You have enough money to support yourself, and your dependants
  • You intend to work in the UK
  • You have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:
    • In the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
    • Before 31 March 1922 in Ireland
    • On a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government
  • People from countries with high levels of TB (tuberculosis) will be required to do a TB test to demonstrate that they are not ill or carriers of the disease.

If you are from a non-English speaking country, you will need to fulfil the English language requirement. You can do this through providing evidence in one of the following ways:

  • Write and pass the SELT test at the level of at least A1 at an approved English language test centre to prove your English language ability. You will need to include your pass certificate in your portfolio of evidence to submit to the Home Office.
  • You hold a degree or higher qualification taught in English at an educational institution recognised by NAIRC
  • You are over 65
  • You are a recognised refugee
  • You are living in the UK as an orphan or widow
  • You are a victim of domestic abuse
  • You have a mental or physical condition which prevents you from sitting the exam
  • You need to prove you have enough money to support yourself (and dependants, if applicable) without the help of public funds
  • Plan to work in the UK and have the ability to
  • You do not have an English Language requirement however you will need to prove your English skills when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain
  • Adopted children and grandchildren can also apply. Children of parents who were adopted may apply. As can children whose parents were not married. Step-children will not be able to claim ancestry.
  • You may need to do a TB test if you are from a qualifying country.
  • You will need to provide biometric information by attending an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point in your country.

Both your spouse or partner and your children can join your UK Ancestry Visa application as dependants. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

A dependent can by any of the following:

  • Your partner
  • Your child(ren) under 18
  • Your child(ren) over 18 who was previously on your partners visa before turning 18

You will need to prove your relationship with your partner with one of the following:

  • You are in a civil partnership or marriage that the UK recognises
  • You have been living together for a minimum of 2 years when applying
  • You have been in a relationship together but due to circumstances, have not been able to live together. Circumstances may include working or studying in different locations, or it is not accepted in your culture/religion.

In the case that you are not living together, you will need to provide evidence of your commitment:

  • Regular communications (WhatsApp messages over the years, emails, phone calls, social media, etc)
  • Proof of financially supporting one another
  • Caring for any children together
  • Photos and proof of spending time together on holidays, at events, etc.

Your child(ren) must:

  • Live with you permanently (unless they are in full-time education at a boarding school or tertiary institution)
  • Not be married, have children or be in a civil partnership
  • be supported by you without the use of public funds.

Your child will not automatically become a British citizen. You will need to add them as a dependent on your visa.

You will need to provide a full UK birth certificate for the child born in the UK, showing the names of both parents. They will need to be on your visa for travel into and out of the country.

You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on this visa.

The Ancestry visa allows you to stay in the country for 5 years. After 5 years you can either apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) or you can extend your visa.

If you choose to extend your visa, the extension will be valid for another 5 years and you will need to apply for each dependent on your visa as well as pay the extension fee of £1,048 per each person applying and the healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year of the visa per person.

Yes, subject to meeting eligibility requirements, this visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK after 5 years in the UK on this route. After 12 months on ILR, you can apply for British Citizenship.

It costs £637 per person for the visa and you will most likely need to pay the IHS (healthcare) surcharge. The surcharge is currently £1,035 per year. Since this visa is for 5 years, you will need to pay for the 5 years upfront for each dependent.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks of submitting the application from overseas, or within 8 weeks of submitting your application from within the UK. Please note, these timeframes are a guideline, and some applications do take longer to receive a decision.