These three routes depend on your family background or nationality status rather than a job or a course. Each is specific, so check the requirements closely.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- UK Ancestry visa: for Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas) and citizens of Zimbabwe who can prove that one of their grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. The visa allows a stay of 5 years, and you can work and study. You can then apply to extend or apply for settlement.
- British National (Overseas) visa: for people from Hong Kong who hold BNO status, aged 18 or over, or the child of a BNO born on or after 1 July 1979. Visas are granted for 2 years and 6 months or 5 years, and can be extended. After 5 years in the UK you can apply to settle.
- Right of abode: GOV.UK says it lets you live or work in the UK without immigration restrictions. All British citizens have it, and some Commonwealth citizens may also have it. If you do not have a passport showing it, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Your documents proving descent, such as birth and marriage certificates.
- Your exact BNO status and your permanent home, if applying as a BNO.
- Whether you may already hold right of abode, which would mean you need no visa.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.