While Ancestry Visas are initially granted for 5 years, providing sufficient time to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, applying for an extension can sometimes be necessary. Our guide below on UK Ancestry Visa Extensions provides a complete overview of the process, fees, requirements and when this might be required.
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A UK Ancestry Visa Extension is an application to extend your stay in the UK on an Ancestry Visa. It's an application that can only be made inside of the UK and one that must be made before the expiry date of your existing Ancestry Visa. If you're looking to apply for an Ancestry Visa for the first time, you should check out our Ancestry Visa guide, which provides full details.
When Ancestry Visas are first granted, they are issued for an initial term of 5 years. In most instances, this provides sufficient time for the applicant and any dependants to meet the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, various circumstances can occur over the 5-year term of the visa, which means the applicant isn't able to apply for ILR. In these scenarios, the visa holder will either need to return to their home country or apply for a further extension of their leave.
While Ancestry Visas typically lead directly into an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain, there are various circumstances where it may be necessary to apply for an extension of your visa. The following are all different scenarios our clients have encountered over the years:
If you're affected by any of the above circumstances, please get in touch to discuss the specifics of your application. Our team has processed many complex applications and we can help advise you on the options available to you.
In the past, some of our clients have sought our expert opinion on whether they should apply for an extension of their Ancestry Visa or whether they should apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In some cases, it was because they were unsure whether they would remain in the UK for a prolonged period, while others were reluctant to take the English language or Life in the UK Test. Regardless of the reason, our advice has always remained consistent: if you qualify for ILR, you should apply. Here's why:
As part of our free initial consultation, we will assess your circumstances and provide you with all of the available options.
The requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa Extension vary slightly from the initial application. The initial application focuses on substantiating your age, nationality and ancestral ties to the UK through one or more grandparents. However, for an extension, the focus switches to your time in the UK and your ability to continue to support yourself and any dependants going forward. You will need to demonstrate:
Depending on your circumstances, additional requirements may need to be met. However, for most applicants, the above requirements should satisfy the UKVI case officer.
To successfully apply for a UK Ancestry Visa Extension, applicants will need to submit various documents to substantiate their eligibility. The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, but generally, the following documents are needed:
All documents must be original and in English or Welsh. If any documents are in another language, they must be translated by an accredited translator.
As of 2025, the UK Ancestry Visa Extension application fee is £1,258. In addition to this cost, applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. Since the visa is issued for five years, the total IHS fee amounts to £5,175, which must be paid upfront at the time of submission. Consequently, the total cost for a UK Ancestry Visa Extension in 2025 is £6,433.
For those applying with dependents, the following fees apply per dependent:
Therefore, the total fees for an adult dependant on an Ancestry Visa Extension amount to £6,433, while for a child under 18, the total is £5,138.
The processing time for a UK Ancestry Visa Extension is typically around 8 weeks. However, during some holidays and at peak times, this can increase to 12 weeks or longer. Providing you submit your application before the expiry of your current visa, you can remain in the UK until a decision has been made on your application.
If you want to get a faster decision on your application, you can select a priority service when submitting your online application. Priority appointments are subject to availability and incur additional costs, however they do guarantee a faster result. The Super Priority Service costs an additional £1,000 per applicant, and you will receive a result within one working day. The standard Priority Service costs an additional £500 per applicant and returns a result within five working days.
Many clients choose First Migration for its long history of excellent service and track record of successful visa applications. However, what we feel is our biggest strength and what makes us unique is our small dedicated team that offers a truly personalised service. We genuinely love what we do, and our team relishes making a difference to the lives of our clients.
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