Indefinite Leave to Remain

Hi There,

I m from Zambia and working in the UK on a Working Holiday visa. I would like to obtain indefinite leave to remain. My parents are expatriates in South Africa ion work permits. My father (Stepfather) is Scottish and my mother is Zambian, they’ve been married since 1981.

We relocated to South Africa in 1989 to be with my dad when I was eleven years old. The rest of my family will be relocating to the UK as British citizens in about two years I feel I’ll be left out the cold not being close to them.

Siya wrote:Hi There,

I m from Zambia and working in the UK on a Working Holiday visa. I would like to obtain indefinite leave to remain. My parents are expatriates in South Africa ion work permits. My father (Stepfather) is Scottish and my mother is Zambian, they’ve been married since 1981.

We relocated to South Africa in 1989 to be with my dad when I was eleven years old. The rest of my family will be relocating to the UK as British citizens in about two years I feel I’ll be left out the cold not being close to them.

Try investigating the 'Ancestry Visa' route. I dont know whether it only applies to natural/biological heritage only - worth investigating though!

Thanks Chess,

I think you're right it only applies to Natural, Biological heritage, I'll try that route and keep you posted.

Siya, I am not sure that is quite right.

I suspect that if a legal adoption has taken place then the adopted parents become the legal parents for the purposes of visas etc..

So after your step-father and your mother married, were you legally adopted by them? That is, is your step-father actually your adopted dad?

The rest of your family moving to the UK as British Citizens? Is that right? Is your mother a British Citizen? If so, how and when did she acquire that British Citizenship?

Siya,

You may apply for an AV if you were adopted by your step dad....is this the case? My understanding is that you must make such an application overseas i.e. you may not switch from WHV to AV status in country. Given the relatively straightforward application the AV is pursuant to submitting appropriate documentation then I forsee no problems. Everything hinges on the adoption though. Is there a reason why your father did not apply for your registration as a British Citizen prior to your turning 18?