Work / Immigration visa · Bahamas to United Kingdom

UK Ancestry Visa

Embassy required

Maximum stay
1825 days
Processing time
3 weeks
Fee
£682
Validity
5 years
Entry
Multiple entry

For Commonwealth citizens (including British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas), and citizens of Zimbabwe) who can prove a grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland before 31 March 1922. Ancestry through adoption is accepted. Step-parent lineage does not qualify. Must be aged 17+, intend to work in the UK, and be able to support themselves. Can be extended for additional 5-year periods. Settlement (ILR) possible after 5 continuous years. Must apply from outside the UK. Extension fee: £1,321. Settlement fee: £3,029. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.

Eligibility

  • Age

    Must be aged 17 or over

    Min age: 17

  • Nationality

    Must be a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), or citizen of Zimbabwe

    Eligible countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Republic of, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

  • Purpose of visit

    Must prove a grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Ireland before 31 March 1922. Must intend to work in the UK

    Includes
    • Work in the UK with UK ancestry
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate financial independence without relying on public funds

    Minimum funds: Sufficient to support yourself

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment evidence; Minimum amount: Sufficient to support yourself without public funds

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa/apply; Location: Visa application centre

  • Birth certificate

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £682

  • Tuberculosis test

    Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6

  • Health surcharge

    Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather grandparent's birth certificate (UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man/Ireland pre-1922), parent's birth certificate proving lineage, your birth certificate, passport, and financial evidence

  2. Online application

    Apply online from outside the UK up to 3 months before travel

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

  4. Biometrics

    Attend a visa application centre for biometric collection

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for a decision on your application

  6. Visa collection

    Receive your visa decision and collect biometric residence permit details

Sign in to apply
This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.

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