To qualify for this visa a migrant must satisfy two main requirements (i) that they be a Commonwealth citizen and (ii) that they have at least one grandparent born in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. The other requirements are more peripheral: that they are aged at least seventeen or will be when they arrive in the UK, that they are able to and intend to work in the UK and that they will be able to support themselves financially in the UK. There is no English language requirement.

The definition of “Commonwealth citizen” for the purposes of this visa includes citizens of Zimbabwe and several types of British national.

This visa permits, and indeed encourages, work and it is granted for five years. It is not possible to make an initial application from within the UK; initial applications must be made via entry clearance overseas.

The visa can be extended, and settlement is possible after five years.

For those who qualify this is a straightforward route to settlement.