Airport immigration help and non gardening 'rant'

[vicky]

Totally non - gardening

Does anyone know how long it would take for a non British & a bit unusual person to get through immigration at the airport?


We've been trying for over 2 years to get my little bro's wife into this country. It's a genuine love marriage but the obstacles they have faced have been incredible (we had to go through MP's and solicitors).
They have been through hell (and I mean that in it's worst way) in the last few years.

The last step of the journey is today - they flew in to Heathrow.... I'm sitting here so tense waiting for a phone call to say if they are in or not....

So how long will it take?

[FionaH]

No idea I'm afraid. Fingers crossed though.

[vicky]

Thanks Fi, I'm sitting on my hands here I'm so stressed!

[rustylady]

Good luck, fingers (and everything else) crossed

[pipkins]

Hope all goes well

[Jeanied]

It will really depend on how much paperwork needs to be gone through and whether it is all in order. They are pretty efficient at Heathrow - but also they stick to the letter of the law.
Are they travelling together? That will speed things up.

[tiachica]

Keeping my fingers crossed too. Have had lots of experience with immigration at various airports due to our unusual family circumstances.

Sometimes it's really quick, other times it takes longer.
Sorry, this is no real answer, but wishing you all the best!

[vicky]

They are through. They were asked about infectious diseases and asked for certificates for them but otherwise ok.
Sorry but thank you so much for that... a very emotional evening

[kiwirach]

also depends on what terminal they arrive into.....if its terminal 4, for some reason they screen for TB if they think the person has come from a country with TB. when i arrive back here 7 yrs ago from NZ ( into t4) i was taken in a room and xrayed.....totally spooked me being taken away from the desk!.
if the paperwork is all in order it shouldnt be to bad....fingers crossed for you xx

[kiwirach]

ah ha!, excellent news!!

[vicky]

You's lot are fab - thanks!
They had all the paperwork (2 years of planning...).
They are home.

[tiachica]

Congrats! Well done!

[FionaH]

Wonderful news