Applying for a Visa!

[OrlandoMagic]

Has anyone had to do this to get in the US?

Looks like I have got to get a visa as I have been arrested a few years ago. Im a little scared about the whole thing, firstly going to the US embassy and then immigration at the airport.

Can anyone share there experiences with me? Do you get grilled at the embassy? It says on the website to allow 2-3hrs! Why would it take that long? Or is that just mainly waiting to be seen?

Whats it like when you arrive in the US with immigration? All I can imagine is being locked in an office with a light shining in my face!

Maybe I just worry too much!

 

[sarah_397]

Just sent you a PM

 

[mark123]

Has anyone had to do this to get in the US?

Looks like I have got to get a visa as I have been arrested a few years ago. Im a little scared about the whole thing, firstly going to the US embassy and then immigration at the airport.

Can anyone share there experiences with me? Do you get grilled at the embassy? It says on the website to allow 2-3hrs! Why would it take that long? Or is that just mainly waiting to be seen?

Whats it like when you arrive in the US with immigration? All I can imagine is being locked in an office with a light shining in my face!

Maybe I just worry too much!

I have a US visa on my passport.I had to provide details of convictions,financial details and not forgetting a fee of £30-£40 at the time.
There was no requirement to visit the the embassy then so I cant comment on that.
I always feel a tad nervous at immigration though Ive never had a problem with a customs officer prior to or after getting the visa.Ive only been asked twice why I had a visa,I explained and there was no problem.
I think its only natural to worry slightly but remember the US embassy will be
granting you a visa not refusing you one.
The main problem with customs is the desire to pass through as quickly as possible so you can get on and enjoy your holiday!

 

[OrlandoMagic]

I just worry because I have read that even if the embassy grant you a visa you can still be denied entry by immigration! Why would they do this?

Can anyone explain the whole process from after you get off the plane in the US? I assume there is a seperate line at immigration for people with Visas? Do they interview you in a room or just ask a few questions? I hear you should take proof with you that you have permanent residence in the UK and a permanent job too, is this true?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks!

 

[mark123]

Its correct that immigration has the power to refuse entry to anyone regardless of their visa status.But I think there would have to be other factors involved for the authorities to refuse entry-it wouldnt just be "youve been in trouble you cant come in"type of situation.
I(and I hope the US immigration people to) look at it like this- I knew I required a visa to continue visiting the USA and went through the neccessary procedures to obtain one.I was honest.
Im sure there are many people that should have a visa but dont.If someone had commited a terrible crime they would not be bothered about getting a visa.
The immigration hall is just a line of desks staffed by the officers.There is no seperate line for people with visas but you do have to fill out a different immigration form if you have a visa.They scan your index finger and eye,maybe ask the nature of your visit,if youve visited before or they might not!
We have never had or been asked for proof of residency or employment but you must give the address where you are staying on your first night

 

[jen_uk]

My dh has to use a visa as he is not British, last year it took over 5 hours at the embassy but that was because of the queues not bcos they asked him loads of questions. He has never had any problems going through immigration, they just ask him the same questions they ask me.

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Thanks for the replies guys, they have made me feel a lot less nervous about it all!

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Ok, now im worried again!

It says on the US Embassy website:

Drink Related Offenses

Applicants who have been arrested and/or convicted of a drink related offense may be referred to the Embassy's panel physician for evaluation. You will be advised further on the day of the interview. As we cannot pre-adjudicate a visa application we are unable to provide further guidance until you formally apply for the visa, at which time you will be given the opportunity to discuss your application with a consular officer.

As I was conviced of such an offence it now looks like I have to be checked over?! Is this to check im not some sort of alcoholic?!!

Dont suppose anyone else has been in the same boat?

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Ok, I hae spent a bit of time looking at info on visas and the Visa Waiver Program and after reading the following question:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or been controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?

am I correct in thinking you can not travel on the VWP if

a) You have ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance.

b) Been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more

c) Been a controlled substance trafficker or...

d) You are seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities.

Now what I am thinking is this... I have only ever been arrested once and this was for drink driving which is not a crime involving moral turpitude according to Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

So I can honestly answer no to the question which means I can travel on the VWP yes??

Maybe I am totally wrong!

Anyone?

 

[ManCityMickey]

It would seem that way to me, OrlandoMagic. Moral turpitude relates to fraudulent activities and although many in the UK would class a DUI offence as "immoral", I thimk that , as you were not imprisoned for a period of five years, you would be OK to enter via the VWP. I am sure others will either share or disagree with my opinion, but as I read the information on US embassy website, you will be OK.


GOOD LUCK

 

[oceanscape]

......but that article also states:

the US embassy's website in London advises that a visa is required for anyone who has ever been arrested or convicted for any offence.

 

[ManCityMickey]

Hmmmmmmmm!! Why isn't everything straight-forward????
Try this Wizard


http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/visa_wizard.html

If it says you will need one, best to be safe than sorry!

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Ok, say I am very ignorant. I dont look at the what the websites say, I just go by what it asks me on the VWP form. I can honestly say no to all the questions on it so I am not lying. If they were to stop me and do a check up on me they cant have me for lying on the form!

Also I was on the US Customs & Border Protection site and where someone asked the question:

Can I be admitted into the U.S. if I have either a misdemeanor or criminal record?

their answer to this was:

The U.S. does not deny entry to persons with a "Driving Under the Influence" conviction - although if there are multiple convictions for this and or other misdemeanors, you could be denied entry.

Generally, any convictions for drug possession can result in denial of entry. If the conviction was long ago, you might contact the U.S. Embassy, Office of Consular Affairs in your country to obtain a waiver. Other misdemeanors may result in denial if they were recent.

So I am hoping even if they did find out about my drink driving, I could still enter.

 

[ManCityMickey]

I honestly think that you would be OK... However, if I were you, I would get the visa anyway. The last thing you want when entering ANY country is that feeling in your stomach that maybe something is not quite right!! It makes you do and say some REALLY stupid things!!

 

[OrlandoMagic]

This part is scaring me though!

Ok, now im worried again!

It says on the US Embassy website:

Drink Related Offenses

Applicants who have been arrested and/or convicted of a drink related offense may be referred to the Embassy's panel physician for evaluation. You will be advised further on the day of the interview. As we cannot pre-adjudicate a visa application we are unable to provide further guidance until you formally apply for the visa, at which time you will be given the opportunity to discuss your application with a consular officer.


As I was conviced of such an offence it now looks like I have to be checked over?! Is this to check im not some sort of alcoholic?!!

Dont suppose anyone else has been in the same boat?

I swear the US Embassy are just trying to milk money from us!

 

[ManCityMickey]

Noooooooo!!!! Surely not!!!
A government body making money from the UK taxpayers? I've never heard of such a ridiculous idea!!! LOL

 

[jen_uk]

I would just travel on the visa waiver

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Noooooooo!!!! Surely not!!!
A government body making money from the UK taxpayers? I've never heard of such a ridiculous idea!!! LOL

Rather like the Man Citeh team playing Chelski and being paid for it eh?

 

[dc1964]

my sister in law has just been refused a visa, she has one conviction for a theft act offence, ( claiming disability benefit whilst receiving a pension.) She has had to camcel her trip and lost lots of money....What i am saying is that it is very likely you will be refused a visa if you have a criminal record of any sort

 

[OrlandoMagic]

my sister in law has just been refused a visa, she has one conviction for a theft act offence, ( claiming disability benefit whilst receiving a pension.) She has had to camcel her trip and lost lots of money....What i am saying is that it is very likely you will be refused a visa if you have a criminal record of any sort

I disagree that it is "very likely" that I would be refused a visa, it's most proberbly the other way round, I am very likely to walk right through immigration with no problems but there is the small risk I would not.

I have done so much reserch over the last few days on this subject and it really boils down to what I talked about earlier in this thread:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or been controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?

am I correct in thinking you can not travel on the VWP if

a) You have ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance.

b) Been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more

c) Been a controlled substance trafficker or...

d) You are seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities.

Now what I am thinking is this... I have only ever been arrested once and this was for drink driving which is not a crime involving moral turpitude according to Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

The vital issues that they will look at when proccessing a visa are two fold. Firstly, how big a threat you are to their country and secondly if they think you are likely to over stay there welcome.

The way they assess if you are a threat is if you have ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance.

If you look on the Wikipedia page I linked it will tell you what is classed as "Moral Turpitude". For a crime like mine which was drink related, this is not concidered a crime involving moral turpitude. For a crime which is theft related, this is seen as a crime that does involve moral turpitude.

This may be why your sister was not granted a visa.