Good news for Zimbabweans wanting to apply for the UK Ancestry Visa
Many clients from Zimbabwe incorrectly believe that they do not qualify for the UK Ancestral Visa, as Zimbabwe is no longer part of the Commonwealth.
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants are however delighted to be able to inform Zimbabwean clients that they can apply for the UK Ancestry visa, should they, of course, qualify for the visa.
The UK Home Office has confirmed to Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants, that although Zimbabwe is no longer part of the Commonwealth, they are treated as such for UK Ancestry applications. Zimbabwe nationals can thus apply for the UK Ancestry, should they fulfil the requirements of the UK Ancestry Visa.
UK Ancestry Visa Criteria
To qualify you have to be a Commonwealth citizen, 17 years of age or older, and you must be able to prove that you have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. A grandparent born in the Republic of Ireland prior to 1922 will also mean you meet the eligibility requirements.
The grandparent can be on either side of your family.
A person can also apply for the ancestry visa if they are adopted, or if the parent through whom they are claiming ancestry is an adopted child.
The applicant must have the intention to work, be able to work and be able to support and accommodate him/herself and any dependants without using public funds.
Benefits of the UK Ancestry Visa
Persons fortunate enough to qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa, will have many benefits attached to the visa including;
There are no work restrictions attached to the visa. A person will be able to work for an employer, be self-employed or combine the two.
The visa is granted for five years, and at the end of a five-year period on this visa, one can qualify to apply for permanent residence. The Ancestry visa holder can apply for their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependant children to join them in the UK. They will be granted the same period of leave as the main applicant and be able to work without restriction.
For more information, or to apply for this very advantageous UK Immigration route, please contact Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants.
