UK Ancestry Visa & 5-Year ILR Calculator
Evaluate nationality, UK grandparent lineage, age, financial evidence and current NHS IHS costs under 2026 Home Office rules. The tool provides an initial eligibility indication, not a legal determination.
• Lineage Rule: Must have at least 1 grandparent born in UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or pre-1922 Ireland.
• Nationality: Main applicants can qualify through Commonwealth citizenship or certain other eligible nationality categories, including British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas), and citizens of Zimbabwe.
• Visa Duration: Granted for 5 years with work and self-employment permitted. After 5 continuous years, you may be able to apply for ILR if all settlement requirements are met.
• Upfront Fees: Current application fee £726 + NHS IHS £1,035 / year (£5,175 for 5 years), giving £5,901 in combined initial application and IHS charges before any optional priority services or other costs.
Ancestry Eligibility & Fee Evaluator
UK Ancestry Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa Comparison
The UK Ancestry Visa can offer substantial employment flexibility because it permits work and self-employment without Skilled Worker-style employer sponsorship. However, applicants must still meet the route's ancestry, work-intention and financial requirements.
| Feature / Criteria | UK Ancestry Visa | Skilled Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Sponsorship | NO Sponsorship Required | Required from Licensed Sponsor |
| Minimum Salary Threshold | None (Self-supporting) | Applicable salary and going-rate requirements |
| Work Flexibility | Full-time, part-time, freelance, business owner | Tied to sponsored job role |
| Initial Visa Duration | 5 Full Years | 2 to 5 Years |
| ILR Settlement Pathway | 5-Year Direct ILR Route | 5-Year ILR Route |
Unrestricted Employment Rights
UK Ancestry visa holders may work, including in employment, self-employment and voluntary work. The route does not require a licensed employer sponsor, although the applicant must be able to work and intend to seek and take employment in the UK.
Dependants & Schooling Rights
Eligible partners and children can apply as dependants. They can work and study, subject to their dependant conditions, and may be able to qualify for settlement after 5 years if they meet the applicable requirements.
Related UK Settlement & Visa Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
- • GOV.UK Ancestry Visa Guidance: gov.uk/ancestry-visa
- • Home Office Immigration Rules Appendix UK Ancestry: gov.uk/appendix-uk-ancestry
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
Sending funds for tuition, rent, or immigration fees? Retail banks sneak 2.5%–4% into exchange rates. Check today's real mid-market rate first.
Commonwealth Expats Moving to the UK
Access bank accounts and entertainment in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa seamlessly from the UK.