Ancestry - When does the 5 year 'countdown' start

[andeke07]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen looking to apply for an Ancestry visa (both my grandparents are British).

My question is in regards to the 5 year limit on the visa. I am wondering when the 5 year period begins - is it when the visa application is accepted? Or is it when I first enter the country.

Basically I am looking to apply for my visa and then look for jobs (as many of them ask 'do I have the right to work in the UK' before I can submit my application). Is that the best way to go about it? Or should I be looking for a job before I apply for the visa (would that help my application in any way)?

If the five year period begins when my application is accepted, if it takes me some time to get to the UK (I'm thinking/hoping a month or two), would that have any impact on my eligibility to receive Indefinite Leave To Remain (as my understanding is it requires a full five years before you can apply for that)? Would I need to apply for an extension to my Visa (or maybe reapply for Ancestry again)?

Thanks very much
Kevin

[CR001]

As you can apply for ILR 28 days before the 5 year residence mark, you could request your visa to be post date up to a maximum of 3 months. So if you apply in say August, you could ask for the visa to be dated 1st October. I am not hundred percent sure if the 'arrival within 90 days' rule for PBS visas is applicable to Ancestry visas.

Also, if order to qualify for the Ancestry visa, you need to provide proof that you have been searching for employment in the UK and this will cover the 'intend to work' requirement.

I submitted proof by providing copies of email correspondence with a number of angecies in the UK explaining that I was coming over, what my qualifications are, attached my CV and that this was based on the Ancestry visa being granted which would allow me to work.

You can extend Ancestry visa if you wish to.

[andeke07]

Thanks very much for all your answers, these are helpful.

All the best

[vinny]

Hello,

I am having trouble finding this information on the UKBA website and am wondering if you could help me with my question.

I have recently been issued my UK Ancestry visa and would like to know how long I can spend outside the UK while still being eligible for ILR status once my 5 years has come to an end. I have read 180 days however the wording is a little confusing, is that 180 in TOTAL or 180 per year? (Not that I actually PLAN on spending that much time outside the UK, but it would be nice to know)

Similarly the document I read indicated that compassionate and/or Ancestry related reasons should be included for time spent outside the UK. Does that mean that, perhaps, a weekend trip to one of the neighbouring countries would be ineligible? Or is 'holiday' an acceptable reason? Lastly, how about "Visiting family back in Canada for Christmas" or something along those lines?

Thank you very much

[vinny]

See also Indefinite leave to remain - calculating continuous period in UK.