UK Ancestry ILR — settle after 5 years
We confirm eligibility on the UK Ancestry route, check continuous residence & absences, employment/ability to work and maintenance/accommodation, verify KoLL (Life in the UK + English), and file a clean, decision-ready ILR application.
Eligibility at a glance — UK Ancestry (ILR)
We check your 5-year residence, ability to work, evidence of ties, KoLL requirements, and suitability before filing your ILR application.
Current UK Ancestry leave
You should hold valid permission on the UK Ancestry route at the date of application.
- We confirm grant history and any gaps
- Plan filing date against your visa expiry
5 years’ continuous residence
Time spent in the UK on the Ancestry route, assessed under the continuous residence rules.
- We calculate qualifying dates and absences
- Travel history and evidence of UK ties
Employed, self-employed, or genuinely seeking work
Show you have been working, self-employed, or actively looking for work and able to work.
- Contracts, payslips, invoices, job applications/agency letters
- CV, qualifications, professional registrations (where relevant)
Maintenance & accommodation
We evidence your ability to support and accommodate yourself (and any dependants) in the UK without breaching conditions.
- Bank statements, tenancy/mortgage, council tax
- If relying on third-party support, clear documentation
Life in the UK & English (B1)
Most adult applicants must meet KoLL: pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 (or be exempt).
- Approved SELT or accepted degree with ECCTIS (if needed)
- Age/medical exemptions assessed
General grounds
Standard checks on criminality, deception, immigration compliance and debts.
- Full disclosure with mitigation where appropriate
Documents you’ll usually need
We’ll give you a tailored checklist and assemble a clean, indexed PDF bundle for upload.
- Current & previous passports (if available)
- BRP/eVisa; previous grants on the UK Ancestry route
- Any Home Office correspondence or reference numbers
- Your full birth certificate (naming your parent)
- Parent’s full birth certificate (naming the UK-born grandparent)
- Grandparent’s full UK birth certificate
- Marriage/adoption certificates where the family line involves name changes or adoption
- Change-of-name evidence (deed poll, etc.), if relevant
- Address history covering your 5-year qualifying period
- Council tax/tenancy, utilities, bank statements spread across the period
- Travel history and records of time outside the UK (we calculate absences)
- Employment: contracts, payslips, P60s, employer letter
- Self-employment: accounts, tax returns, invoices, accountant letter
- Genuinely seeking work: job applications, interview invites, agency registration
- Qualifications/professional registrations (if relevant)
- Bank statements showing funds
- Tenancy/mortgage, council tax; overcrowding checks if needed
- Third-party support evidence (clear, consistent documentation), if relied upon
- Life in the UK test pass reference
- English at B1 (SELT) or accepted degree with ECCTIS confirmation (if required)
- Exemption evidence (age/medical) if applicable
Tip: Provide full, long-form birth certificates to show the parental links, and spread residence/work evidence evenly across the 5-year period. We supply templates and index your bundle so it’s easy for UKVI to verify.
How your UK Ancestry ILR application runs
Clear steps from qualifying date to decision — we prepare and file on time.
Qualifying date & status check
Confirm 5 years’ leave on UK Ancestry, valid permission at filing, and a clean grant history.
Residence & absences
Calculate continuous residence and total time abroad; gather travel history and UK residence proofs.
Work / employability evidence
Show employment, self-employment or genuine job seeking (contracts/payslips, invoices, applications).
KoLL readiness
Verify Life in the UK pass reference and English at B1 (or exemption) to avoid delays.
Forms, biometrics & decision
Complete the ILR form, draft submissions, arrange UKVCAS biometrics/ID, monitor the case and advise on eVisa/BRP.
Fees & processing times (UK Ancestry ILR)
Current Home Office fees and typical decision timelines. Priority services may be available at checkout.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
£3,029
Per applicant (main or dependant). Biometrics/ID verification required.
Life in the UK Test
£50
Book online at an approved test centre; keep the pass reference for your application.
Faster decision (where available)
Priority: +£500
Super Priority: +£1,000
Priority aims for ~5 working days; Super Priority aims for next working day after biometrics.
Typical processing time
Standard: usually within ~6 months
Avoid travel outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man while your in-country ILR is pending.
IHS: ILR applications do not include the Immigration Health Surcharge. We’ll confirm all fees and any priority availability before filing.
UK Ancestry ILR — FAQs
Quick answers to common questions. For advice on your facts, book a consultation.
What proof of ancestry do I need for ILR?
Full, long-form certificates that show the family line: your birth certificate, your parent’s, and your UK-born grandparent’s. Include marriage/adoption certificates and any name-change documents where relevant.
Do I need to show I’ve been working the whole time?
You should evidence that you’ve been employed, self-employed, or genuinely seeking work and able to work. Provide contracts, payslips, invoices, job applications/agency letters, and qualifications where applicable.
How are absences and “continuous residence” assessed?
We calculate your qualifying period under the continuous residence rules and assess time spent outside the UK against those rules. We’ll map your travel history and gather UK residence proofs to support continuity.
What about maintenance and accommodation?
Show you can support and accommodate yourself (and any dependants) without breaching conditions — typically with bank statements and tenancy/mortgage/council tax evidence.
Do I need the Life in the UK test and English (B1)?
Most adult applicants must meet KoLL: pass the Life in the UK test and show English at B1 (or be exempt by age/medical). We’ll confirm acceptable proofs (SELT or degree with ECCTIS where required).
Can I travel while my ILR is pending?
Travel can affect an in-country application. Speak to us before travelling so we can explain the risks and timing options.
Can my dependants apply with me?
Dependants may be eligible if they meet their own residence and suitability requirements. We’ll confirm the best timing and evidence for family members.