Complete Freedom for Your Family.
Your partner and children don't just join you; they share your rights. Full work access and a unique path to immediate settlement.
The "Tag Along" Settlement Benefit.
This is the single biggest advantage of the Ancestry route.
The Rule: Dependents do not need to complete their own 5-year residence period to settle. The Scenario: If you (the Main Applicant) have lived here for 5 years, but your partner joins you in Year 4, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain at the same time as you, after just 1 year of residence. They bypass the standard 5-year clock.
Your Partner Can Work Anywhere.
Unlike other dependent visas that may have restrictions, UK Ancestry Dependents have total freedom:
Work: Any job, any salary, any employer.
Business: Set up a Limited Company or work as a freelancer.
Study: Access to schools and universities (though University fees may still be 'International' until settlement).
Not Married? Prove the "2-Year" Rule.
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, you must prove you have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application.
Our Audit: We compile 'official' cohabitation evidence (bills, council tax, bank statements) spread evenly over the 24 months to satisfy the caseworker.
Mandatory Integration Tests.
Unless exempt, you must pass two specific assessments to prove your integration into British society prior to submission.
Life in the UK Test
A 24-question digital exam covering British history, traditions, and law. You must score 75% to pass.
The Nuvora Standard: "The certificate has no expiry date, but the name on it must match your passport exactly. We verify your booking details to ensure the unique reference number (URN) is valid for settlement.
The Language Test (B1)
You must prove "intermediate" proficiency in Speaking and Listening. This is a step up from the A2 level required for visa extensions.
The Nuvora Standard: "Not all tests are valid. It must be a SELT (Secure English Language Test) with an approved provider. Alternatively, we can use your Degree (if Ecctis verified) or your National Passport (if from a majority English-speaking country).
Are you Exempt?
You do not need to take these tests if:
You are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from studying (requires a specific Medical Waiver).
Ancestry Dependent FAQs
-
No. Unmarried partners can apply if they have been in a relationship 'akin to marriage' for at least 2 years.
The Evidence: While the rules have softened to allow for couples who lived apart (e.g., for work), the Home Office still expects to see joint financial responsibilities or significant cohabitation evidence (tenancy agreements, joint bills) covering the 24-month period.
-
No. Your settlement is tied to the Ancestry holder. Even if you have been here for 5 years, you cannot apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) until the Main Applicant does.
The Good News: If the Main Applicant settles, you can usually settle at the same time, even if you have been in the UK for less than 5 years (e.g., you joined them in Year 3).
-
No. You have more freedom than the main applicant.
Main Applicant: Must seek work or be employed.
Dependent: You can work, be self-employed, or even not work at all. You are not tied to the 'Ancestry' condition of seeking employment.
Do You Meet the Requirements?
The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.