2nd UK Ancestry Visa

Hi,

Just a few questions for anyone who has applied for a second ancestry visa:

1. Do you have to leave the UK to apply?
2. Is there an express service available?
3. Do you have to show proof of sufficient funds (curious because I've been living and working in the UK for the last 4 years and have a steady job).
4. Is there an advantage to applying for a second ancestry visa rather than an extension to my current one?

Thanks,
Nick

Hi Nick,

I'm here on an Ancestry Visa that's due to expire early 2008 so I'm curious what this second Ancestry Visa is that your refering to. hope someone has an answer to it.

I thought that after my Ancestery Visa expired (4 years) that I could apply for British Citizenship. have you looked into that possibility? I was under the impression that the Ancestry Visa is one of the least complicated ways to become a British citizen (that is assuming you want to become one!). Keeping in mind, both Canada and Britain honour dual citizenships, you are simply not allowed to carry more then one valid passport on you at any time during travels. This part I did look into as I already have a dual NZ/Canadian citizenship and was curious what would happen with the British connection coming into play. Lucky for me, all three countries honour dual citizenships so I needen't worry unduly.

In any case, I hope that helps you in some way, I realise its been some time since you posted this but I only just found this website today *lol*

Good luck!

Hi! I applied to renew my Ancestry visa last January and there is a serious lack of information on the web, so I hope this helps!

Firstly, you don't actually renew it or apply for a second one - you are actually applying for a Settlement visa. This allows you to remain in Britain indefinately (indefinate leave to remain).

You want Form SET (O) on this page: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applyi ... tionforms/

There is a form (Form FLR (0)) to apply for a 4 year extenstion of your ancestry visa - but they are the same price - so you might as well apply for indefinate leave.

You can apply by post, or in person at an Immigration Office - you don't leave the country. I applied in person at Croydon - it is ridiculously expensive but it's done the same day so you get it over with (I had to travel and didn't want my passport stuck in their system for weeks). You do need to make an appointment though.

Don't think you need evidence of funds - I did need a letter from my employer. I took everything I had though - recent bank statements, pay slips, etc!

You cannot apply until 4 weeks before your visa ends, which is really annoying.

The advantage of the Settlement visa is - if you want to apply for British citizenship, the requirement seems to be (in my interpretation) that you have been in the country 5 years, and the last year had no restrictions on your stay (i.e. had indefinate leave to remain) - because the ancestry visa has a time limit on it, you need to have the settlement visa for a year before you can apply for citizenship. Don't know if that's true!

Hope that helps!

That is very helpful mari-mac, just curious, how much was it to apply in person? I've seen mention on this site that some Visa applications are less expensive done through the post. is that the case for this one as well?

Hi AngelKiri - it was £500 to apply in person, vs £335 by post. A complete rip-off - I'm sure it's to disuade people from doing it. But for peace of mind, I preferred to do it in person.

Oooch your not kidding! Well atleast I have another year and a half before to save up in *lol*

Thanks for the link & info mari-mac, appreciate it (and have bookmarked the site!)