Ancestry Visa - time from issue to UK entry

[Jessedi]

Hi there.

For some time now I have been planning to go to the UK on an ancestry visa, but have again heard that the Ancestral route may soon be closed. What worries me is the speed with which the UKBA implements changes - I'm concerned that there might not be time to get an application in once a decision to abolish Ancestry visas is announced.

A little background:
I am a South African with British Grandparents. I have read extensively on what is needed to apply for an Ancestry visa and I am reasonably sure that I will satisfy all the requirements.

My fiance and I were planning to go over to the UK next year after our wedding. The plan is for him to accompany me as a dependant.

The Problem:
I am concerned that by waiting until next year I will miss the chance to get an Ancestry visa if they abolish it. So I thought perhaps it would be best to apply now, so:

1.) Is there a time limit between when the visa is issued and when I enter the UK? If I apply now and go in early 2013 will the visa have lapsed?

2.) Do the 5 yrs required for ILR all have to be on the same visa? If I extend my visa using the FLR route after the initial visa expires will the 4yrs on ancestry visa + 1yr on FLR count as the 5yrs needed or will the clock reset to zero?

3.) If the ancestry route is abolished would I even be able to extend the visa using FLR in 5 yrs time?

4.) Does anyone have any info RE whether the ancestry visa is going to be removed or not? Any info on when this would happen? How long between announcement and cutoff for applications?

I would really appreciate any insight into this matter.

[geriatrix]

1. No, you may enter anytime before the expiry date given on the visa. That said, if you enter more than 3 months after the issue date of your visa, you'll need to apply for extension before becoming eligible for settlement.
2. No. And, FLR under ancestry route is also granted for 5 years.
3. Not sure from where you have heard that ancestry route is to be abolished. But assuming the rumour holds some weight, if you apply for it before the route is closed, you should have no problem in applying for FLR as and when the time comes.
4. You say you've heard it, so you should know where it is coming from.

[Jessedi]

1. No, you may enter anytime before the expiry date given on the visa. That said, if you enter more than 3 months after the issue date of your visa, you'll need to apply for extension before becoming eligible for settlement.
2. No. And, FLR under ancestry route is also granted for 5 years.
3. Not sure from where you have heard that ancestry route is to be abolished. But assuming the rumour holds some weight, if you apply for it before the route is closed, you should have no problem in applying for FLR as and when the time comes.
4. You say you've heard it, so you should know where it is coming from.

Thanks for the speedy response.

I heard it from a representative from Named OISC advisers. Maybe she was trying to scare me into buying their service but given the recent immigration reforms it sounded plausible. Then again she also told me that if I don't use the visa within 3 months it becomes invalid and I'd have to apply again. Seems she doesn't know what she is talking about.