Acouple who have been married for almost 50 years have finally won their UK visa battle after authorities questioned whether they had a genuine marriage.
British-born David Summers and Canadian wife Maria were separated last year when Mrs Summers was ordered to return to Canada at the end of her temporary via. The couple, who had been living in Canada, had decided to retire in the UK to be close to Mr Summers’ ill mother. He was then diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.
Mrs Summers has now been granted Right to Abode in the UK and will be able to remain in the country for the next 10 years.
Mr Summers, from Holme Lacy in Herefordshire, is planning to return to Canada in July to collect his wife.
He celebrated his 71st birthday in March without his wife and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for bladder cancer, then returning to his empty home.
The couple’s problems started when Mrs Summers was told she had to return to Canada because she had stayed in the UK for four days after her temporary UK visa expired. Once in Canada, she applied for a visa but was turned down. The authorities questioned whether the couple were in an affectionate relationship.
Mr Summers’ MP Jesse Norman took up the case on their behalf.
He told the Evesham Journal: "I’m delighted that David and Maria can carry on their lives in Herefordshire together. This has been a long and frustrating struggle, and it has gone on for far too long.
"But this decision now means Maria has the right to enter the country again and remain in the UK for at least 10 years. It's not yet a permanent solution, but it is a huge step forward."