Why is the UK ancestry route so advantageous (to eligible Commonwealth citizens)?
Some of the salient advantageous aspects are:
• It is a route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• It is granted for a period of 5 years to the lead applicant and, subject to meeting requirements at the end of that period, does not have to be extended prior to applying for settlement.
• Evidential requirements in respect of finances and employment in the UK are less strict (the applicant will amongst other requirements need to show that he/she intends to work in the UK).
• The applicant’s partner and dependant minor children (under age 18) will be able to apply and accompany the applicant at the same time or could join the applicant at a later stage.
• The applicant’s dependants who were granted permission under the UK ancestry scheme should normally be able to apply for settlement when the applicant is able to apply for ILR. Notably, they (his/her dependants) will normally not have to meet the continuous residence requirement of 5 years.
• The application fees are relatively low by comparison (currently £516).
Notably, the Immigration Health Charges can be quite considerable as these charges must be paid in advance for the full period of the approved visa (period of permission to stay).
On the other hand, most applicants are/were paying for expensive healthcare in their own countries. By paying the IHS they are effectively covered for all services offered by the NHS and by the time they become settled in the UK, will have access to free healthcare at the point of use. It is fair to say that the NHS is regarded as one of the best health services in the world.
The starting point is of course to determine whether an applicant has a “qualifying grandparent”; a PATERNAL OR MATERNAL grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Recently, on 1 December 2020, the UK immigration rules were updated introducing APPENDIX UK ANCESTRY. This appendix set requirements for validity, suitability and eligibility.
If Suitability and Eligibility requirements are not met the application WILL be refused.
For further advice and assistance contact DEPNER IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS at info@depner-immigration.com or call +44(0)333 200 5158
Daniel Dippenaar, Barrister-Immigration Consultant
Founder Member Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (Bar Council of England and Wales)