Commonwealth Citizens:

  • Right of Abode

The right of abode is an immigration status which gives individuals the freedom to enter, live and work in the UK without any restrictions from immigration control. All British nationals automatically have the right of abode in the UK and their UK passports are documentary evidence of this right.

However, commonwealth citizens can apply for a certificate of entitlement to prove their right of abode which they may have either because of their parents or because they are or were married to someone with right of abode.

Please consult with our immigration solicitors to find out whether you qualify for a certificate of entitlement and how you can apply.

Please note, the certificate of entitlement is endorsed in a valid passport; therefore, a new certificate must be applied for when the passport expires.

  • Ancestry Visa

This visa category is designed for Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over whose grandparents were born in the UK, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, before 31 March 1922 and they now wish to enter and work in the UK.

Apart from general visa requirements, there are certain conditions that must be met by the applicant for this visa category; such as:

  • The applicant must be a Commonwealthcitizen
  • The applicant must be applying from outside the UK
  • The applicant can prove the birth and relationship of their ancestry
  • The applicant is able and planning to work in the UK
  • Availability of maintenance funds for stay in the UK

This type of visa must be obtained by the applicant before entering the UK. Please consult with our immigration solicitosr to find out whether you qualify for this visa category and how you can apply.