British Ancestry Visa
Canadian citizens who have a British born grandparent may apply for a British Ancestry Visa. A British Ancestry Visa is valid for five years. At the end of the five-year period you can apply for permanent residence.
Awards and Accreditations
British Ancestry Visa
If you are a Commonwealth citizen and you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, you may be able to apply for a British Ancestry visa subject to meeting the following eligibility requirements:Â
- You are 17 or over,
- You are a Commonwealth citizen,
- You are able to prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK,
- You provide proof that you have the ability and intention to work in the UK, and
- You have sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants in the UK.
Your Ancestry
As part of the application, you must show that you have a grandparent born in one of the following circumstances:
- In the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
- Before 31 March 1922 in what is now the Republic of Ireland
- On a British-registered ship or aircraft.
You can claim ancestry if either you or the relevant parent:
- Were adopted
- Were born within or outside marriage in the UK.
- It is important to note that UK ancestry cannot be claimed through step-parents.
Advantages of a British Ancestry Visa
If you obtain a visa in this category, you will be given a five-year visa and will be allowed to work, study and bring family members to the UK such as your spouse/partner and children.
The major attraction of this visa is that you will be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK upon completing 5 years lawful residence in this category.
For further advice and information please schedule a consultation.
