How can I sponsor my Kenyan friend to the UK?

So far I have gathered some documents together (bank statements, payslips, letter of employment, tenancy agreement, etc.)

She is employed but only has the equivalent of about of £200 in her account. Will this be a problem? Can anyone assist with a section of the application form.

visas uk nairobi

Best Answer

There is nothing in principle preventing your friend from making a successful application even if she is in reduced circumstances. What sometimes happens is that people will try to contrive something and that gets them in to trouble when they get caught (and then they blame it on lack of money).

The controlling reference is Paragraph V 4.3 of the rules, and most of these apply to you, the third party. If you do not think you can meet all of their requirements then you should advise your friend not to make an application at this time because something will go on her record which was your fault. Bad thing.

The most difficult hurdle will be establishing that your relationship is genuine. It means you met her before in real life and have an ongoing relationship that has endured for a while. If you didn't meet her in real life, then you should select a different country to meet her in before trying a UK application.

You would need to explain in a fairly detailed letter how you met her. If it was on a dating site, then list the site and the date you 'virtually' met and what you were doing that site. Then explain how you proceeded to get together in real life. Also, what you are doing to stay in touch. Evidence can be helpful, but they really do not want to see Skype logs or similar stuff. As examples, they like passport stamps and photos (max of 2 or 3) that are NOT selfies.

You'll need to submit your bank statements and employment contract and all of the other evidence that she is supposed to submit but cannot. She will have to explain her circumstances and why a visit is appropriate at this particular point in time. She also needs an abundance of "high quality" social and economic ties to Kenya.

Finally, if you are proposing to stay together (they like it better if you have stayed together previously), you should include your tenancy agreement or permission from your landlord that she can stay there. They will be minded to refuse otherwise.

Adding some generic advice about the British High Commission in Nairobi...

Nairobi isn't the worst issuing post on the Africa Desk, but it isn't the greatest either. The post was caught out fudging their performance stats and also losing people's documents. Make sure you send a self-addressed prepaid envelope and a request that your sensitive information is returned. Make sure your passport photo and visa(s) copies are certified by a solicitor. Send only original bank statements (not your own print outs).

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How do I invite someone from Kenya to UK?

If possible, you should write a letter of invitation for your visitor to provide with their application. Address the letter to the Entry Clearance Officer at the embassy/ high commission where your visitor is applying for their visa. You will need to include these details: Your visitor's full name and date of birth.

Can you sponsor a friend to come to the UK?

If you want to sponsor their visit to the UK you should produce an invitation letter and supporting documents. An applicant is the person who will apply for a visitor visa. A sponsor is the person inviting the applicant to visit the UK.

How do I get someone to sponsor me to the UK?

How to get a sponsor licence

Check your business is eligible.

Check if your job is suitable for sponsorship.

Choose the type of licence you want to apply for - this will depend on what type of worker you want to sponsor.

Decide who will manage sponsorship within your business.

Apply online and pay the fee.

How much does it cost to sponsor someone in the UK?

For a small or charitable sponsor, the Immigration Skills Charge is \xa3364 for the first year and \xa3182 for each additional six months. So the cost of sponsoring someone for five years would be \xa31,820. For a medium or large sponsor, the charge is \xa31,000 for the first year and \xa3500 for each additional six months.

UK Family Visit Visa for Parents, Brother, Sister, relatives Checklist to make Good Visa Application

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