Crack the UK Ancestry Visa Code: Insider Tips, Hidden Secrets, and Must-Know Answers!

Moving to the UK on an Ancestry visa is a dream for many who have ties to the UK through their grandparents. However, the journey is often fraught with uncertainties. Drawing from firsthand experiences, let's delve into some of the most commonly asked and some lesser-known questions about the UK Ancestry visa.

Can someone with a UK Ancestry visa apply for a student loan in the UK after being in the UK for three years?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. To be eligible for full student finance from one of the UK's four nations, you must have settled status, meaning no restriction on how long you can stay in the UK. This is not the case with an Ancestry visa holder until they have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As one contributor shared, "My niece had to defer for a year to gain her ILR, otherwise she was considered foreign and had to pay international fees."

Can I start my own business on an Ancestry visa, and how will it affect my path to citizenship?

Yes, you can. An Ancestry visa allows you to be self-employed as long as you declare your income and pay your taxes. Failure to comply can complicate your future citizenship application. One user mentioned, "You can do your own thing, providing you declare your income and pay your taxes. If you don't, it will probably make things difficult when you apply for citizenship."

However, be mindful of the complexities of international tax laws. If you pay tax in South Africa, you might not be double-taxed due to the double taxation treaty between the UK and South Africa, but you still need to declare your UK-earned income.

Do we still have to pay income tax to South Africa once we have moved to the UK on an Ancestry visa?

Yes, unless you undergo a tax emigration, which is complex. A contributor advised, "There is a double taxation treaty between the UK and SA. Unless you do a tax emigration, it is complex but you then don’t need to declare your income in SA."

What about healthcare? Are there options for private health insurance in the UK?

While you will pay the NHS surcharge as part of your visa application, covering your healthcare for the full five years, private health insurance is also available. You can find doctors practicing privately outside the NHS by searching for "private healthcare" in your area. However, before you are entitled to NHS care, you must make National Insurance (NI) contributions, typically for about two years.

Do I need to take any tests for the Ancestry visa?

For the initial Ancestry visa, no tests are required other than a tuberculosis (TB) test. However, when applying for ILR after five years, you will need to pass the B1 English test and the Life in the UK test. The B1 English test focuses on speaking and listening skills, while the Life in the UK test requires more extensive study.

Should I use an immigration consultant for my ILR application?

The decision to use an immigration consultant depends on your circumstances. If your case is straightforward, you can manage the application process yourself. Many have successfully done so with the help of online resources and forums. However, if your case has complexities, it might be worth the peace of mind to hire a consultant. As one user noted, "I used an agent but honestly, I had a tricky application and needed professional advice."

What about accommodation and job hunting before obtaining the visa?

Finding a place to stay for your application can be challenging. Short-term solutions like hostels, Airbnb, or job packages that include accommodation can be viable options. Job hunting can also be difficult until you have your visa, as employers prefer candidates with the right to work. It's advisable to demonstrate active job searching during your application process.

Can someone eligible for a British passport opt for a UK Ancestry visa instead?

If you are eligible for British citizenship, the UK Home Office typically expects you to apply for it rather than an Ancestry visa. However, some choose the Ancestry visa route due to personal circumstances. As one user shared, "I applied for an AV first and then my citizenship at the same time. Both were approved a couple of weeks apart from each other."

Is it possible to apply for an Ancestry visa through a great-grandparent?

No, the Ancestry visa is only available through a paternal or maternal grandparent. One contributor clarified, "It must be through your paternal or maternal grandparent. If it’s your great-grandparents, the AV ended with your said parent, i.e., their child."

What about time spent outside the UK on an Ancestry visa?

For the main Ancestry visa holder, maintaining continuous residence is crucial for ILR. However, dependents on an Ancestry visa are not bound by these requirements. One user explained, "Dependents on AV have no continuous residence requirements, so ultimately it is irrelevant as they will get ILR at the same time as the main applicant."

Final Thoughts

Navigating the UK Ancestry visa process with the right information and resources will ensure that you successfully manage your journey. Whether it's understanding your eligibility for a student loan, starting your own business, or preparing for ILR, being well-informed and proactive will help you make the most of your Ancestry visa experience.

Contact Immigration Assist for assistance with your Ancestry Visa and supporting documents 

www.immigrationassist.co.za