A Guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain for Ancestry Visas

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after spending five continuous years residing in the UK on an Ancestry Visa. Unlike many other visa categories, Ancestry Visa holders don't generally need to apply for a visa extension before applying for ILR because of the visas five-year term. This gap between applications can mean the application process and document requirements for ILR come as a bit of a shock, so it's always best to prepare well in advance. Once you are ready, you can apply up to 28 days before your five-year residency date. 

When applying for ILR from an Ancestry Visa, there are a number of key requirements that need to be met:

• Residency Requirement - You must have resided continuously in the UK for the five-year duration of your visa. If you have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period, the clock will be reset on your continuous residence period. 
• Employment Requirement - An Ancestry Visa is categorised as a work visa, so you will need to show evidence of employment and self-employment throughout the duration of your time in the UK.
• English Language Requirement: Anyone applying for ILR is expected to have a satisfactory level of English and must demonstrate their ability to speak, read, and understand English. Applicants must pass an approved English Language Test at level B1 or above unless they are either exempt or can prove their English language ability by alternative means. Examples of alternatives to an approved English language test include degree level qualifications taught in English, being a national of a predominantly English-speaking country, or being aged over 65 years old.
• Life in the UK Test: In addition to English proficiency, you must also show knowledge of British history, culture, and traditions by passing the ‘Life in the UK Test,’ which features multiple-choice questions on these topics.
• Financially Self Sufficent: You will also need to show you have sufficient savings or are receiving sufficient income to support yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.
• Good Character Requirement: All applicants must meet the Good Character Requirement, which requires the disclosure of any criminal offences or immigration related violations.

Collectively the ILR requirements are designed to ascertain that you have abided by the terms of your visa, are law-abiding, financially self-sufficient, and well-integrated members of British society.

Once you have ascertained that you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you will need to begin the process of collecting together all of your supporting documentation. When making any visa application, it's certainly a case of quality over quantity and documents should be relevant, clear and well organised. This ensure the caseworker can easily understand your case and the evidence you have supplied in support of it. 

The following document checklist is relevant for standard ILR applications for Ancestry Visa holders. However, if you have exceptional circumstances, such as considerable absences or breaks in employment, you should provide additional supporting evidence.

• Passports & Travel Documents: A copy of all passports used by the applicant during the last five years, including expired passports, as they help to establish your travel history and continuous residency.
• Proof of Employment/Self-Employment: This may include payslips, bank statements, business accounts and tax documents, depending on whether you are employed or self-employed. The documents should cover the entire 5 year period. 
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: You'll need to provide your English language test certificate, passport or degree certificate (including ECCTIS certificate), depending on how you plan to satisfy this requirement.
• Life in the UK Test Certificate: A copy of the certificate confirming you passed the Life in the UK test is required.
• Proof of Suitable Accommodation: You should supply mortgage statements, tenancy agreements and any other relevant documents to demonstrate you have adequate accommodation in the UK. 
• Proof of Self Sufficiency: Supply documents such as payslips and bank statements to show you have sufficient savings and income to support yourself both now and in the future.
• Dependant Documents: You will need to provide passports, as well as birth or marriage certificates for any dependants applying with you. 

If any of the documentation is in a foreign language, you should provide a certified translation.

The process for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) has been digitalised and the entire application process is now completely online. Every application follows this process:

• Confirm your eligibility: Start by checking that you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above.
• Start your application: Create an online application through the official government website and provide clear and detailed answers to all the questions.
• Prepare your documents: Gather all your supporting documents and scan them in to create a digital version. 
• Submit your application: When you're ready to proceed, submit your application online.
• Pay the fees: Pay the application fee, which is £2,885 per applicant for the 6-month standard service. You can choose to utilise a Priority Service (if available), but additional fees will apply.
• Schedule a biometric appointment: Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your biometric information.
• Upload your documents: While it's possible to provide your documents as part of your biometric appointment, it's easier and more efficient to do it online.
• Attend the biometric appointment: Go to your scheduled appointment, where your photograph and fingerprints will be taken. The application is now complete and ready to be processed.
• Await a decision: Wait for your application outcome. Decisions are typically made within six months with the standard service.
• Receive your approval: If your application is successful, you’ll receive a new e-Visa resident permit showing your new immigration status (BRP cards are no longer issued).

In some instances, there could be additional steps in the process. For example, the caseworker may require clarification or further details on one or more parts of the application. 

You can apply as early as 28 days before completing five years in the UK on your Ancestry Visa. Applying any earlier or after the expiry of your visa is likely to result in your application being refused. When calculating the period of continuous residence, you should always use the start date of your visa. Providing you came to the UK in a timely manner and haven't spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period, you shouldn't have any issues at all.  

As of 2025, the application fee for Indefinite Leave to Remain is £2,885 for Ancestry Visa holders. The fee is payable by both the main applicant and any dependants. In addition to the application fee, there is an additional fee of £1,000 per applicant if you want to utilise the priority service. This service reduces the waiting time from 6 months to just one working day. This makes it a popular option, and many applicants choose to pay the extra money for the peace of mind it delivers.

Both the application fee and priority service fee are non-refundable once the application has been submitted.