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Skip to content The UK Ancestry Visa extension allows individuals to continue living and working in the UK for an additional five years, based on their ancestral ties.
If you need assistance with the UK ancestry visa extension application you can contact our expert immigration solicitors at 02033844389. We are just one click away!
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You might be able to prolong your stay in the UK with an Ancestry Visa extension if you are already living there with a UK Ancestry Visa.
To extend your Ancestry Visa, you must go through the renewal process in the UK. Once you’ve lived in the UK for five years on a UK Ancestry Visa, you can apply for this. An additional five years of stay in the UK is possible with a visa extension.
Another option is to apply for permanent residence in the UK after you have lived here consistently for at least five years. Whether your prior stay was continuous or not and the length of your intended stay in the UK will determine the optimal choice for you.
You must apply before your current visa expires. To apply for a renewal of your UK ancestry visa, you must submit an online application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) before your current visa expires. You must also provide supporting documents.
Those who are dependent on you, such as a spouse, partner, or children, must also be included on your current visa. This includes children who will turn 18 during your initial leave in the UK.
It is important to renew your ancestry visa before your current leave expires to avoid having your application rejected for overstaying.
Once you have completed your online application with UKVI using Form FLR (IR) and paid the necessary visa fee, you will be requested to schedule a visit at a service point of UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to submit your biometric information. This includes a scan of your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face.
You must also provide the required supporting documentation. You have the option to either scan your documents at your UKVCAS session or upload them into the online service.
Pay the following for every applicant:
Here you can find out how much you’ll have to pay.
After applying online, you’ll be asked to set up an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to supply your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) for free.
Additionally, you must send in the supporting documents. You can:
If you applied before your previous visa expired, you will be able to remain in the UK until you receive a decision.
You can’t leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Doing so will result in the withdrawal of your application.
In cases when your application is very intricate and may take more time to process, you will be notified:
Your spouse or partner may be able to apply for a renewal of your UK ancestry visa if you, the principal visa holder, have limited permission to remain in the UK under that visa, or if you have become a British citizen or qualified for ILR.
But, s/he needs to meet the essential relationship criteria, such as a real and lasting relationship and the intention to live together as partners. The two of you also need to be financially independent so that you can avoid taking advantage of government funds.
If they meet the requirements, your spouse or partner will also be able to apply for permanent residence and, finally, British citizenship.
To be eligible for a renewal of your UK ancestry visa, you must not have stayed in the UK after your first leave expired. This requirement is applicable regardless of when you apply. This situation is called overstaying.
The following are some of the few cases in which overstaying will not be considered:
If you are unable to make an application within 14 days of your leave’s expiration due to a valid reason beyond your control, you must provide an explanation for the delay.
When you have already applied within the allotted period and been denied, and you have submitted your current application within fourteen days of the denial or administrative review.
With the exceptions mentioned earlier, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will not extend your UK ancestry visa if they determine that you have overstayed your visa.
Your application to renew your UK ancestry visa may be rejected for a variety of reasons. That can be because UKVI isn’t satisfied with the documentation you submitted or because you haven’t fulfilled all of the requirements. On the other hand, there are general grounds for refusal that could lead to your denial of service, such as:
There is no right of appeal against refusals issued on or after March 2, 2015. You have the option to request an administrative review if you believe that UKVI has made a mistake in evaluating your application for a UK ancestry visa renewal. Your decision letter will contain instructions on how to apply for administrative review.
Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors specializes in UK Ancestry Visa extensions. With deep expertise in the Home Office’s complex rules and requirements, our lawyers are well-equipped to assist individuals extending their stay in the UK through an Ancestry Visa. They are committed to guiding you through the unique pathways available, making the extension process straightforward and stress-free.
We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, client-focused service that truly listens to your needs. Our team is here to offer clear, reliable immigration advice in a welcoming environment, ensuring that your journey through the extension process is as smooth and seamless as possible.
