When to apply for Ancestry Visa?

Hi Everyone! I'm in the process of getting everything together for my visa.so far I have: -Dad's Birth Certificate, my birth certificate, parents' Marriage Certificate -Booked my flight -Have...

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

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riverfox
Senior Member

Meow meow meow

Joined: 30 Dec 2007
Posts: 116
Location: Brighton

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:38 am

Sorry been away from my comp for a couple of days. Smile

You can have your pictures taken up to 6 months in advance of the time you need them I believe much like passports. They want a recent photo and for some reason 6 months is the magic number there.

Hey Tiger. Smile

I can't remember exactly where I read it, I can look into it some more for you if it will help, it had to do with specifically post dating your Visa. I'm sure you can apply further in advance of your application time, they just will only post date it for 3 months. So in otherwords you can apply in April but the latest your visa would start would be june/july depending on the date you apply. I'm really not sure why the number is 3 months. It really ought not make a difference but for some reason it does.

So RGBaker is right, you would be wasting some of the time on your visa, but you would still have it.

Lynndyhop, even though you are applying online you will need to print off your application, and bring all of your supporting documents with you to your biometrics appointment. They will then have a brief look at your application verify all the information is correct and seal it in an envelope. At this time they will also take a scan of your fingers and a picture of your face. You would then take the sealed envelope and mail it to ottawa. Unfortunately if the seal is broken on your envelope you application will be invalidated. You can still add information by including it in the package to be sent outside of the envelope. However the majority of your information should be sealed therein.

Once you've printed out your online application you will see that in the cornor of one of the first page there is a box. Your photo should be cut to the size of the box more or less.

At the beginning of the application process online you will be prompted to choose a location for your biometrics appointment, where this place is depends on where you are located. As I see you're in BC it will likely be in Vancouver. The office is located in a rather large building at 666 Burrard Street, Suite 600, You'll find that you need to go to the reception area on that floor give them your name and they'll direct you further. The ladies I talked to there were incredibly nice so don't worry about it too much.

Hope that helps. Smile

mari-mac
Senior Member

Joined: 01 Sep 2006
Posts: 94
Location: U.K.

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:01 am

This page explains the 3 months:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagenam...cid=1018721067684

What will happen when I make my application?
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

* your personal details are correct
* it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
* it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately.)

As mentioned, it can also cause problems when you come to renew your visa. After 5 years of living in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or extension of the Ancestry Visa - but that is from your date of entry to the UK. You can only apply up to 4 weeks before that date. So it could be a problem if there is a gap between when your Visa expires and when you are allowed to apply for the next Visa.
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lynndyhop
Senior Member

Joined: 29 Jan 2008
Posts: 79
Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:41 am

Riverfox,

That information is a huge help - I think I have a clear idea of how all the steps fit together now. That makes everything so crystal clear, which, of course, brings peace of mind when applying! Thank you for all your help!

Overall, This site has been such a great source of information and support! Thanks guys!
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Lynndyhop.

I'm not an American! I am a Canadian. I come from a "nice", thoroughly unrealistic country.