Immigration and Asylum
A family connection to the UK may provide a work route, but it needs to be established through the correct records. SJS can help assess UK Ancestry eligibility and prepare the application, including the documents that connect you to your qualifying grandparent. Nationality, age and plans to work also matter.
Understanding your next steps
The route is available to specified nationalities, including Commonwealth citizens, where the relevant grandparent birth requirements are met. We review the family history and documents rather than assuming that any British ancestor is enough. Adoption or changes of name may need additional evidence.
Birth, marriage, adoption and name-change records can be needed to establish the link from you to your parent and grandparent. We help identify missing links, inconsistent details and documents that may require an official copy or translation.
The application also concerns your ability and intention to work and your arrangements to support and accommodate yourself. A realistic account of your circumstances matters. Eligible partners and children need their own documents and applications.
A clear way forward
Provide your nationality, date of birth and the relevant parent and grandparent details, including the places and dates of their births.
We check the documentary links and identify any missing certificates or explanations needed before the application can be prepared.
We review the remaining requirements, your plans to work and any family applications, then agree the work and timetable.
Planning ahead
We will quote for the application work and identify any separate family applications. Home Office fees, the healthcare surcharge, official certificates and translation costs should be considered alongside our fees.
Obtaining older civil records can take longer than completing the application form. Start gathering them early. The application window, intended travel date and current processing guidance should be checked before booking travel.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Not by itself. Your nationality and the precise grandparent birth connection must qualify, and the other requirements must be met. More distant ancestry is not enough for this route.
UK Ancestry is different from a sponsored work route. You must meet its work and other requirements, but it is not based on an employer's certificate of sponsorship.
The ordinary route does not allow switching from another visa within the UK. Your location and existing permission should be checked before making plans.
It may be possible to apply after the required qualifying period if the relevant requirements are met. An extension may be another option where settlement is not yet available.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
