Dear Mr Bassie,

I am 22 years old and live in Jamaica. My mother's father was born in the United Kingdom (UK). Based on this, would I qualify for citizenship?

- G.B.

Dear G.B.,

Based on the fact your grandfather is British, it may be possible for you to obtain an ancestry visa. An application for this visa is considered on the grounds that you have a grandparent who was born in the UK. In addition to that qualification, you must be a Commonwealth citizen and be over the age of 17 years. This category of visa is officially known as the 'Five-year United Kingdom Ancestry Employment Visa'.

This avenue for eligibility for the Five-year United Kingdom Ancestry Employment Visa might still be available, even if you or your mother had been adopted, as long as you have reasonable proof. Also, an application might be considered through your British-born grandparent, whether he is alive or deceased. However, the visa is not considered for those applicants who had a great-grandparent born in the UK, the authorities view the relation as too far removed.

Entry clearance

Noting the criteria that have been outlined, if you feel that you are eligible for United Kingdom Ancestry Employment Visa then an application must be lodged for entry clearance from your home country which, in your case, is Jamaica. It is no longer possible to apply for an Ancestry Visa while in the UK, regardless of current visa status.

If your application is successful, the UK Ancestry Employment Visa will be issued for a period of five years. During that time, you are permitted to work, without restriction, whether as an employed person or self-employed. Also, you may travel freely, exiting and re-entering the UK as many times as you wish.

Furthermore, one month before the ancestry visa expires it may be possible for the holder to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This status is often referred to as permanent residency. ILR allows the holder to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a Supreme Court-appointed mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com