It is used mainly by young Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans of British descent coming to the UK to work and as a base to explore Europe.
After acquiring indefinite leave to remain, it is possible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after meeting normal residence requirements.
However, there may also be an entitlement to register as an Irish citizen by descent which grants de facto permanent residency in the UK immediately.
On 26 October 2005, The Times published an article outlining possible plans by the British Home Office to abolish admission under UK ancestry in favour of a points-based migration system.
Scotland's First Minister, Jack McConnell, expressed his concern over the possible abolition of the UK Ancestry visa.