GB Family Temporary

UK Ancestry visa

Work and live in the UK based on a UK-born grandparent; leads to settlement.

Who this route is for

Commonwealth citizens (and some others) aged 17+ with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or pre-1922 Ireland.

Be a Commonwealth citizen, British Overseas citizen, British National (Overseas), British subject, or citizen of Zimbabwe.
Have a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or (before 31 March 1922) what is now the Republic of Ireland, with documented family chain.
Be aged 17 or over and able and intending to work in the UK.
Be able to support and accommodate yourself and dependants without public funds.
No salary, sponsor, job offer, or English-language requirement.

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Join a British or settled partner; 5-year route to settlement.

The UK's main sponsored work visa.

IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.

Unsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.