UK Ancestry visa
Extend your visa
You can apply to extend your visa and stay in the UK for a further 5 years. You must apply before your current visa expires.
You can extend this visa as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
You can also apply to settle in the UK permanently if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years on this visa.
Your partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if you extend yours. If they do not extend their visa, it will be valid until its original end date.
They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.
Fees
For each person applying you’ll need to pay:
- the £1,258 application fee
- the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay
Providing biometric information and supporting documents
When you apply online, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) - there’s no fee for this.
You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:
- upload them into the online service
- have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment
Extend your visa online
You must apply online to extend your visa.
Get help to apply online
You can get help with completing the online form if you:
- do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
- do not have internet access
You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.
You cannot get immigration advice through this service.
After you apply
Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:
- if your supporting documents need to be verified
- if you need to attend an interview
- because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
How long it takes to get a decision
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.