When Keagan and I decided to emigrate to the United Kingdom, we explored various visa options. Since I already hold a British passport (thanks to my father being born in the UK), the ancestral visa was the most fitting route for Keagan, who is a South African citizen. It was a process that required patience, attention to detail, and guidance from immigration experts like Breytenbachs.

We will walk you through the necessary documents and steps we took, as well as the costs we incurred along the way. Please keep in mind that the details shared here are based on our personal experience, and some costs and requirements may vary depending on your specific situation.

Required Documents for the Ancestral Visa

To apply for the ancestral visa, we were told to provide the following essential documents:

1. Keagan’s Birth Certificate

2. His Father’s Birth Certificate

3. His Grandfather’s Birth Certificate

These were the primary documents needed to prove the ancestral link.

In addition, we also needed to submit the following:

● A TB Test: A tuberculosis test was a mandatory requirement.

● 3 Months of Payslips: These served as proof of financial stability.

● 3 Months Bank Statements: We were asked to provide recent bank statements as part of the financial checks.

● Proof of Employment: We needed to show that Keagan was either actively looking for work or had a job lined up in the UK.

● Proof of Current Employment: This was a critical document—a signed letter from Keagan’s employer in South Africa confirming that he was currently employed. Unfortunately in our circumstance a contract wasn't sufficient.

● Passports: We needed copies of Keagan’s current and past passports, as well as my British passport. This was to show that Keagan was emigrating with a British passport holder, which helped strengthen our application.

● Retention Letter from Home Affairs: This is not needed for your application, however you'll need this for when you apply for citizenship in the UK, rather get it done now than later.

● Proof of Accommodation: We had to show that we had a place to stay in the UK. For this, we needed:

○ The most recent utility bill for the accommodation.

○ The individual’s passport.

○ A signed letter confirming that there was enough space for us to reside there.

○ Proof that the individual either owns or rents the accommodation.

Another critical requirement was to have over 50,000 rand in a bank account that had not been touched for at least 3 months. This was to demonstrate that we had sufficient funds to support ourselves once we arrived in the UK.

Visa Fees and Additional Costs

When it comes to applying for a visa, it’s important to be aware of the costs you might face. Here’s a breakdown of what we personally paid:

● TB Test: 3,000 rand

● Visa Application Fee: 15,000 rand

● NHS Surcharge: 120,000 rand (this is required for healthcare access in the UK)

● Breytenbachs Assistance Fee: 11,000 rand – While this was an additional cost, we were more than happy to pay it. The expertise and assurance Breytenbachs provided were invaluable, ensuring that our application was as strong as possible.

These were the main costs we faced, but there were also some unexpected fees along the way due to missing or incorrect documentation. Fortunately, Breytenbachs helped us navigate these hurdles and ensured everything was corrected before submission. Their patience and professionalism were key to making the process as smooth as possible.

A Final Word of Caution

It's important to note that these costs and requirements may not be the same for everyone, as immigration processes can differ. While our experience was largely positive, we encourage you to consult with an immigration expert, like Breytenbachs, to ensure you’re fully prepared.

We hope that we have provided some insight into the ancestral visa process and helps ease the way for others going through a similar journey. With the right documentation, guidance, and a bit of patience, you’ll get there!