A UK Ancestry visa is one of the more flexible routes to living and working in the UK, but the “easy” part can end when the visa is close to expiry. This is the point where many applicants realise they need to make a strategic choice: apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR), or extend (renew) their permission and keep building the evidence needed for a strong settlement application. GOV.UK confirms that after 5 years on the route, applicants may be able to either extend for a further 5 years or apply for ILR.
This guide explains the usual timeline, the evidence that tends to matter most, and the common pitfalls that derail otherwise genuine applications.
1) First: what “renewal” means on the Ancestry route
On the Ancestry route, “renewal” typically means an extension of the visa. An extension is not settlement. It keeps the person lawfully in the UK (and working) while they continue towards ILR.
GOV.UK states an applicant can extend the visa for a further 5 years, and can do so multiple times as long as they still meet eligibility requirements (and apply before the current visa expires).
For route context, Garth Coates Solicitors’ own overview explains that the UK Ancestry visa is designed as a pathway that can lead to settlement after 5 years’ continuous residence. See: UK Ancestry Visa.
2) The usual timeline: from entry to settlement
Year 0: initial grant
Most people are granted entry clearance for 5 years on this route (and the Home Office’s caseworker guidance reflects that permission is granted for 5 years).
Approaching year 5: ILR or extend
For ILR, GOV.UK is clear on timing: the earliest an applicant can apply is 28 days before they have been in the UK for 5 years on the Ancestry visa, and applying earlier can lead to refusal. GOV.UK also warns not to wait until the current visa expires.
If the applicant cannot meet the settlement requirements in time (for example, because of an issue with continuous residence or outstanding Life in the UK test), the practical step is often to extend first, then apply for ILR when ready.
After ILR: citizenship planning
Once ILR is secured, many applicants start planning for naturalisation. Garth Coates Solicitors’ settlement page notes that ILR typically allows a person to live and work in Britain free from visa restrictions, and that British citizenship may be possible after a further qualifying period. See: Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) and British citizenship applications.
3) Settlement requirements: what decision-makers look for
GOV.UK sets out the core eligibility for ILR on the Ancestry route:
- 5 continuous years in the UK on an Ancestry visa
- In most cases, no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
- Proof the applicant:
- has enough money to support themselves and dependants
- can, and plans to, work in the UK
- is still a Commonwealth citizen
- If aged 18–64: meet English language and pass the Life in the UK test
Those headings sound simple, but success usually comes down to how well the evidence is organised and how clearly it answers the Home Office’s real questions: Was the person genuinely living in the UK? Were they genuinely working (or genuinely seeking work)? Do the documents actually prove what they claim?
4) The evidence you’ll usually need (and what often gets overlooked)
A) Proof of UK ancestry (keep this consistent)
Even if it was accepted 5 years ago, it should still be presented clearly at renewal/settlement stage. The Home Office’s caseworker guidance references documentary evidence of ancestry within route decision-making.
Typical evidence includes birth and marriage certificates linking the applicant to the UK-born grandparent, plus identity documents.
B) Continuous residence and travel history (the silent deal-breaker)
Many refusals are not about “genuineness” but about math: absences, dates, and gaps.
Applicants should build a clean travel record pack:
- a simple table of trips (dates out / dates in)
- supporting proof where needed (boarding passes, stamps, employer letters for business travel)
- an explanation for any unavoidable long absences
GOV.UK provides the 180-day rule (in most cases) and links to continuous residence calculation guidance.
C) Work evidence (employed, self-employed, or seeking work)
The work requirement is central to this route, and it is where “thin” documentation causes trouble. The Home Office’s guidance explicitly treats the route as work-focused and recognises different forms of work (including self-employment and voluntary work).
Helpful evidence bundles include:
If employed
- payslips and bank statements showing salary payments
- P60s / employment history
- contract and up-to-date employer letter confirming role and dates
If self-employed
- invoices, accounts, tax documentation, business bank statements
- evidence of genuine trading activity over time (not just a company registration)
If between jobs
- job applications, interview invites, recruiter emails
- updated CV, evidence of registrations with agencies, and a short statement explaining the search
D) Financial stability (showing “no public funds” risk)
For settlement, GOV.UK requires proof of being able to support oneself and dependants.
This is often best evidenced by bank statements, tenancy/mortgage documents, and a clear monthly affordability picture.
E) Knowledge of language and life in the UK
For most applicants aged 18–64, GOV.UK requires the English language requirement and the Life in the UK test for ILR on this route.
Leaving these to the last minute is a classic reason people end up extending instead of settling.
F) Dependants: don’t assume their status “follows”
Extensions are not automatic for family members. GOV.UK is explicit that a partner or child’s visa will not automatically extend if the main applicant extends.
A careful file checks each dependant’s expiry date, documents, and eligibility route.
5) When an extension is the smarter option
Extending can be a sensible move when:
- absences risk breaking continuous residence
- the Life in the UK test is not yet passed
- work evidence is patchy and needs time to strengthen
- there is a late-stage document issue that cannot be fixed before expiry
The key is to avoid overstaying and to keep the next settlement application in mind while extending.
6) How legal support can strengthen a settlement plan
A strong settlement strategy often looks like:
- a timeline audit (exact dates, absences, eligibility)
- a “case theory” that matches the rules (work, residence, maintenance)
- an evidence pack that is consistent, indexed, and easy for a caseworker to follow
Applicants who are worried about refusal routes or procedural options may also find it useful to read: UK visa refusals and Appeals and Judicial Review.
For longer-term planning, these pages are also relevant: ILR based on Long Residence, British Citizenship, and British citizenship and days outside the UK.
If the Ancestry visa is nearing expiry and it is not obvious whether settlement is achievable now, the safest approach is usually an early eligibility check and a structured evidence plan. Garth Coates Solicitors can advise on whether to extend or apply for ILR, identify weaknesses in work or residence evidence, and help present a clear, decision-ready application. To discuss an Ancestry renewal or settlement strategy, visit UK immigration lawyers, review Services & fees, or use the firm’s contact page to arrange advice.
Ready to move forward with your UK immigration plans? Garth Coates Solicitors can guide you at every step — from eligibility checks and document preparation to submission and follow-up. If you’re launching a business, our uk start up visa team can help you build a strong application. Need support with work routes? Speak to a trusted skilled worker visa solicitor today. We also advise on the uk self sponsorship visa for entrepreneurs seeking more control. Studying in the UK? Our student visa solicitors are here to help — contact us now for tailored advice.
