Question from scratch here

Hi, I'm from Toronto Canada, and new to this board, and I've been reading through trying to get an idea of what I'd need if I wanted to move to the UK next year. My original plan was to visit Scot...

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Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the UK -> UK Visas and Immigration

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Kaijuman
New Member

Joined: 17 Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Mississauga

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:47 am

Hi,
I'm from Toronto Canada, and new to this board, and I've been reading through trying to get an idea of what I'd need if I wanted to move to the UK next year.

My original plan was to visit Scotland for about 6 weeks or so. but a friend suggested moving there for a year, working, and take the time to see as much of the UK as possible.
I'm really up for the idea, but I wanted to find out what exactly was needed to move there and just work as a general labourer.
I've been told that the best rout for me is an Ancestry Visa, as all my grandparents were born in either Scotland or England.
It's left me with a few questions however when it comes to the requirements.

First. what sort of 'proof' is needed that my grandparents were born in the UK? Will I have to dig up birth certificates and birth records? If so, I'm not even sure how to go about this, as all my grandparents have passed on, and their children no longer have any of their ID any more. Is there also other forms of 'proof' of ancestry I can look into?

Second. as far as financial funds are concerned. Am I required to have a certain amount of money saved in my account? I've been told they will want to see bank records that can prove I can sustain myself if I don't get a job right away. This might even be the bigger issue for me, as I don't make a lot of money, and probably wouldn't be able to save 3 grand over the next year.

Anyhow. any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated. (I find it hard to find straight answers over the internet - LOL)
Thanks for your time.

Canucky Woman
Junior Member

Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Halfweg Netherlands

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:31 pm

The Home Office demands proof of two things before they will issue an Ancestry Visa: proof of lineage and proof of funds. Non-negotiable I'm afraid.

You can order certified copies of birth certificates online (used to be about 35 GBP each five years ago) as long as you have a grandparent's full name, birthdate and place of birth. Since all your grandparents were born there, you at least have a choice in case one grandparent's information is easier to get than another's. You only need to prove lineage through one grandparent. Try for a grandfather's first.even better your dad's father, because going through the grandmother's line means ordering marriage certificates too.

And you'll need the long-form birth certificate of their child (your parent). If you don't already have one, your parent may have to order his or her own. The Home Office wants paper proof that you are connected to the grandparent so they will compare all the information on all three birth certificates, including last names.

As for funds, either savings or a solid job offer will do. If you can borrow, go for it, because they will demand proof of a few thousand dollars at least if you haven't got a job.

Not sure of the links but that's the basic lo-down.
_________________
Necessity is the mother of reinvention.

Kaijuman
New Member

Joined: 17 Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Mississauga

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:31 am

Thanks so much. I guess my first step here is to figure out how to get my grandparents birth certificates.
It was my mum's father that was born in Scotland, which is where I'll be staying, so I'll most likely try for his first.

I'll more than likely have to arrange to borrow funds to put into my account. LOL
There's no way I'll have over 2 grand saved by March of next year.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer.
Much appreciated!

Canucky Woman
Junior Member

Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Halfweg Netherlands

Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:03 am

Keep in mind that if you go through your mum's dad, you'll need her marriage certificate too if she goes by your dad's last name on your long-form birth certificate.

Just an extra step.
_________________
Necessity is the mother of reinvention.

Kaijuman
New Member

Joined: 17 Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Mississauga

Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 1:01 pm

Just another quick question here if someone happens to catch this.
I'm trying to track down my grandfathers birth certificate. I decided to go through my mum's father (as he was born in Scotland, and that's where I'm going) but trying to find something on line that helps you obtain birth certificates has been a bit of a chore.
I'm not very 'internet-savvy' I guess.

I know my Grandfathers full name, and I know he was born in Dailly Scotland, but from there, I'm not having much luck.
I'm also trying to contact a few family members to see if anyone can be of assistance.
But, I thought I'd throw out the question here and see what others did to obtain birth records of deceased relatives.

cordobaman
Senior Member

Joined: 27 Apr 2008
Posts: 88
Location: Edinburgh Scotland; formerly North Bay ON

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 2:52 pm

Kaijuman,

Try http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/

for starters. We've just done this over the last few months are are residing in Edinburgh at the moment. Any questions, just ask away and search my detailed posts further in the UK Immigration and Visa sections.

Good luck!

Peter

Kaijuman
New Member

Joined: 17 Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Mississauga

Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:36 pm

Thanks so much! I'm definitely going to check into that link, (and your prior posts for sure Peter)
Everyone's been so kind here. Smile

I just spoke to my father about 20 minutes ago on the telephone. Apparently the whole family (from my mum's side) has been trying to track down my grandfathers birth records since he passed away in 1979 but have had little luck. (apparently he threw EVERYTHING away he felt he didn't need)
However, we do have my grandmothers birth certificate. However, she was born in England, and I plan on staying in Scotland. i don't know if that will make a difference or not.
Also, we can't find their marriage certificate.
It's odd, and frustrating, that my whole family is from the UK, but we're having a hell of a time (on both sides of my family) trying to track down birth records.

My cousin just recommended looking into an E.U. (European Union) Visa. So I'll look into that as well.
Thanks again! I'll make it there eventually! LOL

Phil
(aka Kaijuman)

cordobaman
Senior Member

Joined: 27 Apr 2008
Posts: 88
Location: Edinburgh Scotland; formerly North Bay ON

Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:58 pm

We're in Scotland and my wife's grandmother was born in London; so that does not make a difference. As long as as it's anywhere in the UK, or Ireland before 1922 you're fine.