Commonwealth citizens are allowed entry into the U.K. for a period of 5 years when they have a qualifying grandparent born in the U.K., Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. The U.K. Border Agency reports people with a grandparent born in what is now the Republic of Ireland before March 31,1922 also qualify for the visa.
According to the U.K. Immigration website, the main requirement for entry through U.K. ancestry is the ability to support yourself without applying for public funds. The applicant for the INF9 visa must also be able and willing to work while in the U.K.
A successful applicant for a U.K. ancestry visa is allowed to be joined by his spouse/eligible partner and children under 18 years of age. The U.K. Border Agency reports that after the initial five year visa period, the applicant can apply for permanent residency.
