Two special routes: the UK Ancestry visa for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, and the BN(O) visa for people from Hong Kong.
✓ Last checked against gov.uk: July 2026Commonwealth citizens (plus British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, BN(O)s and Zimbabwean citizens) who can prove a grandparent was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
£726 plus the healthcare surcharge, for a 5-year visa. Decisions usually arrive within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.
Work (paid or voluntary, full- or part-time, including self-employment), study, and bring your partner or child. After 5 years: extend, or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Source: gov.uk — UK Ancestry visa
British nationals (overseas) aged 18+ from Hong Kong — or their child born on or after 1 July 1979. You normally apply from Hong Kong or from inside the UK.
Choose 2 years 6 months or 5 years, extendable from inside the UK. Fees depend on the length — check current fees on gov.uk.
You can work (except as a professional sportsperson or coach) and study at any level. After 5 years in the UK you can apply to live here permanently.
Both routes let you study without a separate Student visa — we'll help you choose courses and apply.
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