Partner has waited several months to use visitor visa

[Jwana]

Hi there

My partner (a Kenyan national) was granted a 6 month UK visitor visa several months ago to visit me in the UK. One of the (true) reasons given was that I have been unwell & although have been to Kenya twice this year to see him, I was not able to make yet another trip this year.

We have been together for 4 years and used to live together in the UK. I have provided a sponsorship letter, proof of financial means etc etc.

The UK embassy in Nairobi took 4 months to issue the visa and around the time it was all completed, my partner's son became ill with a kidney condition. This resulted in him needing to be taken down to South Africa for specialist treatment on two occasions in the last few months.

My partner has now been told that he will find it difficult to enter the UK because he has waited so long to use his visa. However, he does have a letter from his son's doctor in SA verifying they attended there for treatment.

It does seem unfair to have gone through 4 months of waiting for a visa & then being prevented from entry because of a delay due to his son's health condition. On the other hand, there is no point attempting to enter the UK if it's going to turn into such a drama.

So, can anyone advise if they think this delay between the issuing of the visa & its use would be a problem when (if) he gets to UK border control?

[Jwana]

Could someone please respond?

I'd appreciate some advice as to his chances of getting through UKBA given the circumstances.

Thank you!

[INSIDER]

How long does he have left on his visa and how long does he intend to stay?

Not sure who told you he would have difficulty, because he shouldn't. An IO might ask why he has waited so long to use the visa, but so long as he has a true and reasonable explanation as to why this is the case and he has every intention of complying with the conditions of his visa there should be no problem.

[Jwana]

Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it.

His visa will expire in early April 2013 but he needs to return to Kenya by late Jan/early Feb & his ticket reflects this.

The person that told him that he would have problems was someone who used to work at the UK embassy that's why he became concerned.

[Jwana]

PS I think the concern is because when he first applied to come to the UK one of the reasons cited was that I had been ill & couldn't travel again to Kenya for a third time this year which was the case. So, I think my partner's contact feels that because he's waited so long to now come to see me that his reason for coming will be questioned. The reality is that I still am unwell but my partner has delayed his visit because of his son's health problems which were far more serious & had to be dealt with immediately.

[INSIDER]

I really can't see that he would have a problem and I speak as an IO.

[Jwana]

Ok - well thank you - I appreciate you taking the time to respond.