An Ancestry Visa is a United Kingdom Entry Clearance for Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom who wishes to work in the United Kingdom. It is used mainly by young South Africans to go to the UK to work and as a base to explore Europe
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The Ancestry Visa is valid for five years. After this, the holder can apply for an extension or for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). For ILR, the holder must show that he or she has been living continuously in the UK and is currently in continuing employment or has worked throughout the five years.
This Entry Clearance does not prevent the holder from undertaking study; however, to stay within the terms of the status the holder should also be working.
The main requirements are
to have a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man at any time; or a grandparent born in what is now the Republic of Ireland on or before March 31, 1922.
to be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (it does not matter how citizenship was acquired).
to be aged 17 or over
to intend to undertake employment
to be able to support oneself in the United Kingdom without recourse to public funds.
