A UK Ancestry visa is a visa issued by the United Kingdom to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland (before 1922) who wish to work in the United Kingdom. It is used mainly by young Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans of British descent coming to the UK to work and as a base to explore Europe. Requirements The main requirements are: to have a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man at any time; or a grandparent born in what is now the Republic of Ireland on or before March 31, 1922. to be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (it does not matter how citizenship was acquired), applying from outside the UK. Zimbabwe remains a Commonwealth country for immigration purposes. to be aged 17 or over ability, and intention, to undertake employment ability to support oneself (and one's dependents) in the United Kingdom without recourse to public funds. As a result of the Immigration Act 2014, the applicant may also be required to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the process. Terms of visa The visa is granted for five years in the 'limited leave to enter' category. After this, the holder can apply for an extension (limited leave to remain) or for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). For ILR, the holder must show that he or she has been living continuously in the UK and is currently in continuing employment or has worked throughout the five years. The Home Office's guidance makes clear that if the applicant is working at the time of the ILR application, the applicant needs to show only that his or her current employment will continue. If not working at the time of the ILR application, the applicant will need to show that he or she has been continually working or looking for work throughout the five-year period. This visa does not prevent the holder from undertaking study; however, to stay within the terms of the status the holder should also be working. British citizenship After acquiring indefinite leave to remain, it is possible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after meeting normal residence requirements. See British nationality law. The increase in the period of time under UK ancestry to five years before ILR can be applied for effectively means that applicants (who are usually