Strict Criteria for UK Ancestry Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa, you need to meet these key criteria, and yes--they are enforced strictly with documentation to back everything up:


You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country


Be 17 years or older


Have at least one grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Republic of Ireland (if born before March 1922)


Be able to prove your ancestry with original birth certificates linking you to your UK-born grandparent


Intend to work in the UK


Have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents without public funds


Even a minor mistake or missing document can lead to rejection. I've seen people get denied because they submitted photocopies instead of certified copies or didn't clearly link the family line. They check thoroughly, especially regarding proof of ancestry and financial readiness.


If you're applying, triple-check that your documentation is clear, complete, and properly translated if needed. It's one of the more flexible UK visas, but definitely not one to take lightly.