Here's one for you...I have to apply for a visa as I have had a couple of convictions in the past. I first applied to my local court for my memorandum of convictions, but as this court closed down a couple of years ago they hadn't any records. I was advised to apply to Scotland Yard for my records which theye hold on computer. Anyway, I got the print out from them today, it had my convictions from 1979 but not the one from 1993(drink driving). As they told me this is all they have on me on thier pc does this mean I can apply for my visa and not even mention the last conviction? If Scotland Yard have failed to put it on thier pc then it cant exist?
sorry,another visa post
- Thread starter bozzly
- Start date
marv
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2004
- Messages
- 426
this may help
ope this helps new and old members. I will give helpful links at the bottom of the page !!
Passports -
As from the 26 October 2004 ( this date has been extended till Oct 2005 )
All new British passports after that date must contain biometric data such as fingerprints. This will make passports harder to forge and identities easier to check.
Question- My passport expires after the deadline. What should I do?
Answer - The Association of British Travel Agents suggests that if your passport expires before 2006 (by which time biometric passports should definitely be available), you might want to bring forward your renewal to ensure that the new passport is valid from a date preceding October 26.
Also - very important the US requirement for all British visitors, including children, travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme to hold a valid machine-readable passport. This deadline will not be changed by the latest decision in Congress. ( so any child travelling after the 26th Oct this year 2004 MUST HAVE A PASSPORT - they can't travel on a parents passport )
Thats the easy bit over lol
Now Visa's and the Visa Waiver Programme ......................
As it stands at the minute most people can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme.
Under the VWP you can stay up to 90 days - after that you must leave the Country or else apply for extention.
If traveling under the VWP, the passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date on which the holder enters the United States. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport.
Travelers who qualify for visa free travel under the VWP do so by filling in a I-94W form provided by the airline.
.........................................................................................................
Now this part is for travellers who don't meet the VWP requirements
Under United States visa law people who have been arrested are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program(VWP); they are required to apply for visas before traveling. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the individual may require a special restricted visa in order to travel.
In other words a Visa will be required for entry into the US.
at this stage don't panic
If for any reason your not sure whether you fall into this category i would suggest you ring the Operator Assisted Visa Information: 09055 444 546 - Monday through Friday, 8.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.; £ 1.30/min; only available in the U.K
For travellers who fall under this category this is what happens
this might take a bit of time - but its fairly easy to do.
You must find your court records.
Court records, usually called a "Memorandum of Conviction" (MOC) in Great Britain and Certificates of Conviction in Northern Ireland are obtained from the clerk of the court(s) in which the individual was tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the MOC or Certificate of Conviction is not available from the court in which the individual was tried, he or she can still obtain the court record(s) from a division of New Scotland Yard at the address below, if convicted in the Great Britain, or the Royal Ulster Constabulary station, if convicted in Northern Ireland. In the event that the memorandum of conviction, or Certificate of Conviction is unavailable, the applicant MUST obtain a letter so stating from the Clerk of the Court.
What if I was convicted in the United States? If you were arrested and convicted of an offense in the United States, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, or you are unable to obtain a copy of the court record(s) relating to the charges against you, you may submit with your application a sworn statement which gives the location of the arrest, state and county, and the reason for the arrest. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the statement should discuss the nature of the offense committed, section of the law contravened and penalty imposed by the court(s).
Once you have done this, you will now be able to ring the help line 09055 444 546 to arrange for a Visa interview.
Once you've done this they will send you out a pack telling what all you need to do - and what info you'll need to bring with you for your interview.
But i will now included this info here.
The 3 forms i now list can be completed on the internet ( or all 3 can be printed off and completed )
1/ - a completed personal data sheet, form VCU1
2/ - DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
3/ - DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
These are other things that you'll need to bring along at the interview
1/ - A valid passport (must be valid for 6 months from your date of travel)
2/ - 1 black and white or colour photograph which must meet their stringient guidelines on size, distance from your head to your chin etc.
3/ - A stamped addressed Royal Mail special delivery envelope ( make sure you keep a recorded of the number on the Envelope - incase its lost )
4/ - Any old passports
5/ - Proof that you intend to return to the country - eg bank statements, mortgage statements and a letter from your employer
6/ - Visa application fee receipt which must be stamped by a bank as the Embassy don't accept cash. ( this will be sent in the pack - the Embassy gets the red copy )
By this stage you will be all set for you interview lol
One think i'll say is don't worry - i I found the consulate staff very helpful and courteous. I found the process from start to finish pretty much easy apart from finding the Memorandum of Convictions.
On the next page i'll try and answer any questions any one might have.
ope this helps new and old members. I will give helpful links at the bottom of the page !!
Passports -
As from the 26 October 2004 ( this date has been extended till Oct 2005 )
All new British passports after that date must contain biometric data such as fingerprints. This will make passports harder to forge and identities easier to check.
Question- My passport expires after the deadline. What should I do?
Answer - The Association of British Travel Agents suggests that if your passport expires before 2006 (by which time biometric passports should definitely be available), you might want to bring forward your renewal to ensure that the new passport is valid from a date preceding October 26.
Also - very important the US requirement for all British visitors, including children, travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme to hold a valid machine-readable passport. This deadline will not be changed by the latest decision in Congress. ( so any child travelling after the 26th Oct this year 2004 MUST HAVE A PASSPORT - they can't travel on a parents passport )
Thats the easy bit over lol
Now Visa's and the Visa Waiver Programme ......................
As it stands at the minute most people can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme.
Under the VWP you can stay up to 90 days - after that you must leave the Country or else apply for extention.
If traveling under the VWP, the passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date on which the holder enters the United States. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport.
Travelers who qualify for visa free travel under the VWP do so by filling in a I-94W form provided by the airline.
.........................................................................................................
Now this part is for travellers who don't meet the VWP requirements
Under United States visa law people who have been arrested are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program(VWP); they are required to apply for visas before traveling. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the individual may require a special restricted visa in order to travel.
In other words a Visa will be required for entry into the US.
at this stage don't panic
If for any reason your not sure whether you fall into this category i would suggest you ring the Operator Assisted Visa Information: 09055 444 546 - Monday through Friday, 8.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.; £ 1.30/min; only available in the U.K
For travellers who fall under this category this is what happens
this might take a bit of time - but its fairly easy to do.
You must find your court records.
Court records, usually called a "Memorandum of Conviction" (MOC) in Great Britain and Certificates of Conviction in Northern Ireland are obtained from the clerk of the court(s) in which the individual was tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the MOC or Certificate of Conviction is not available from the court in which the individual was tried, he or she can still obtain the court record(s) from a division of New Scotland Yard at the address below, if convicted in the Great Britain, or the Royal Ulster Constabulary station, if convicted in Northern Ireland. In the event that the memorandum of conviction, or Certificate of Conviction is unavailable, the applicant MUST obtain a letter so stating from the Clerk of the Court.
What if I was convicted in the United States? If you were arrested and convicted of an offense in the United States, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, or you are unable to obtain a copy of the court record(s) relating to the charges against you, you may submit with your application a sworn statement which gives the location of the arrest, state and county, and the reason for the arrest. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the statement should discuss the nature of the offense committed, section of the law contravened and penalty imposed by the court(s).
Once you have done this, you will now be able to ring the help line 09055 444 546 to arrange for a Visa interview.
Once you've done this they will send you out a pack telling what all you need to do - and what info you'll need to bring with you for your interview.
But i will now included this info here.
The 3 forms i now list can be completed on the internet ( or all 3 can be printed off and completed )
1/ - a completed personal data sheet, form VCU1
2/ - DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
3/ - DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
These are other things that you'll need to bring along at the interview
1/ - A valid passport (must be valid for 6 months from your date of travel)
2/ - 1 black and white or colour photograph which must meet their stringient guidelines on size, distance from your head to your chin etc.
3/ - A stamped addressed Royal Mail special delivery envelope ( make sure you keep a recorded of the number on the Envelope - incase its lost )
4/ - Any old passports
5/ - Proof that you intend to return to the country - eg bank statements, mortgage statements and a letter from your employer
6/ - Visa application fee receipt which must be stamped by a bank as the Embassy don't accept cash. ( this will be sent in the pack - the Embassy gets the red copy )
By this stage you will be all set for you interview lol
One think i'll say is don't worry - i I found the consulate staff very helpful and courteous. I found the process from start to finish pretty much easy apart from finding the Memorandum of Convictions.
On the next page i'll try and answer any questions any one might have.
alisonbestford
<font color=990066>Can cope with the dentist after
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2002
- Messages
- 4,048
My husband was in court about 20 years ago after having fought with a friend over a woman! 
We'd travelled to Florida on the visa waiver before without having given it any thought. What with the heightened security etc we decided to 'do the right thing' and duly wrote to the court etc. They came back with no convictions!
We then rang the Embassy who were very unhelpful (DH is registered disabled and would have found it difficult to travel to the Embassy and endure such a long day alone) The Embassy told him that, as he'd travelled on the visa waiver before, they would consider him to be dishonest and might not grant him a visa anyway!
As I remember another DIS member who actually went to the Embassy to apply for his visa successfully found that people were indeed being denied access for this very reason! And they wonder why people are deciding not to travel to the US!!
Anyway, to cut a long stroy short, we went along with the letter from the court and have just returned home from Florida. No problems
Good luck and have fun on your travels.
We'd travelled to Florida on the visa waiver before without having given it any thought. What with the heightened security etc we decided to 'do the right thing' and duly wrote to the court etc. They came back with no convictions!
We then rang the Embassy who were very unhelpful (DH is registered disabled and would have found it difficult to travel to the Embassy and endure such a long day alone) The Embassy told him that, as he'd travelled on the visa waiver before, they would consider him to be dishonest and might not grant him a visa anyway!
As I remember another DIS member who actually went to the Embassy to apply for his visa successfully found that people were indeed being denied access for this very reason! And they wonder why people are deciding not to travel to the US!!
Anyway, to cut a long stroy short, we went along with the letter from the court and have just returned home from Florida. No problems
Good luck and have fun on your travels.
bj-sailaway
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 31
Alison, do you mean that you didn't bother with a visa, and carried on with the waiver, or did you take the letter to the embassy and get a visa?
I was convicted of shop lifting with so called friends over 20 years ago, it did show up when we registered to be foster parents 12 years ago. I have paid a deposit on a holiday to florida in October, and am now wondering if they won't let me in, I don't know what I am going to tell the children, I can't stop crying over it.
Has anyone actually obtained a visa with a similar history?
I can't actually even remember the name of the court, it was in central london. Does anyone know how I can find my MOC?
Any help much appreciated, I'm in a real state over this.
I was convicted of shop lifting with so called friends over 20 years ago, it did show up when we registered to be foster parents 12 years ago. I have paid a deposit on a holiday to florida in October, and am now wondering if they won't let me in, I don't know what I am going to tell the children, I can't stop crying over it.
Has anyone actually obtained a visa with a similar history?
I can't actually even remember the name of the court, it was in central london. Does anyone know how I can find my MOC?
Any help much appreciated, I'm in a real state over this.
Stop worrying ! I know this visa question causes a lot of worry and stress and it did for me. I was arrested twice in my past, Once 25 years ago for car theft and once 9 years ago for common assualt. I went to the embassy fearing the worst but it was plain sailing and they didn't even mention my convictions when interviewing me. I got my visa.
I couldn't get my MOC because my local court had closed. All you have to do is contact Scotland Yard and for a fee (can't remember how much but think its £10 ) they will send you all the info they have on you from their records.
I cant see you having any problems if you go for a visa.
I couldn't get my MOC because my local court had closed. All you have to do is contact Scotland Yard and for a fee (can't remember how much but think its £10 ) they will send you all the info they have on you from their records.
I cant see you having any problems if you go for a visa.
marv
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2004
- Messages
- 426
Hi sailaway
Ime sorry to hear you had tears too, i had them too with worry on what i should do. I am the moment wating untill the end of this month and ime going to make an appointment for my husband, as we have to make sure if granted a visa it wont run out, as our holiday is not untill next year.
I started the ball rolling by contacting my local constabulary and they posted me a form to send onto Scotland Yard to find out what convictions are on your record. It came back and the embassy told me this was fine to take as proof of convictions, they do like MOC but a National Identification Service Authentic Document will do this is what they told me.
If you send of for this info your conviction should show if on record if it doesn't then i would,nt worry.
I personally could not have looked forward to our next holidy knowingly going on a visa waiver. Its better to be safe than sorry. If conviction shows get a visa.
Ime sorry to hear you had tears too, i had them too with worry on what i should do. I am the moment wating untill the end of this month and ime going to make an appointment for my husband, as we have to make sure if granted a visa it wont run out, as our holiday is not untill next year.
I started the ball rolling by contacting my local constabulary and they posted me a form to send onto Scotland Yard to find out what convictions are on your record. It came back and the embassy told me this was fine to take as proof of convictions, they do like MOC but a National Identification Service Authentic Document will do this is what they told me.
If you send of for this info your conviction should show if on record if it doesn't then i would,nt worry.
I personally could not have looked forward to our next holidy knowingly going on a visa waiver. Its better to be safe than sorry. If conviction shows get a visa.
I have a question, when people have talked about this sometimes they say you need a visa if you been arrested and other times if you have been convicted, which is it? I dont have any convictions but 5 years ago I was arrested but was never charged or convicted as it was mistaken identity, but if its if you have been arrested then do I need a visa???
Jen x
Jen x
bj-sailaway
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 31
The website does say if you have been arrested, even if not convicted. Don't know how they will manage this though.
bj-sailaway
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 31
You have all been so very kind, Bozzly, how long did it take you to get your records and then obtain the visa? We are supposed to be travelling on 22nd October. I shall contact the court tomorrow.
Marv, how long did it take for Scotland yard to send info to you? I do hope it all works out for you also. I've been silly and paid a deposit on a holiday before I knew all about this visa stuff.
Marv, how long did it take for Scotland yard to send info to you? I do hope it all works out for you also. I've been silly and paid a deposit on a holiday before I knew all about this visa stuff.
alisonbestford
<font color=990066>Can cope with the dentist after
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2002
- Messages
- 4,048
What a nightmare this extra security, green visa waiver form thing is turning out to be! 
We have American friends who say thay the number of UK visitors have dwindled as a result of the fears about the forms!
No, I didn't go to the embassy - DH managed to forget where he lived last week so I chose to take the word of the court who said they had no records of him
!
The time I did panic was on the plane, about 10 mins before landing, when the green form asks you to state that you are in good health! What?! If not, please go to the Embassy and apply for a visa......! I ticked that he had no health problems but what a loaded question - there can be few people who have no health worries - especially on a family flight full of parents, grandparents etc.
DH hasn't been in 'good health' for the last 14 years but, apparently this applies to 'communicable diseases-not made clear on the form!' Didn't stop me panicking til about 2 weeks after our return home - even though DH had a lengthy, friendly chat with the customs guy as to why he had so many facial scars!
I'm pretty certain that shop lifting isn't counted in the 'naughty' stuff anyway - from what I can gather it's if you caused harm to someone else -which is fair enough.
No slating at this end
Alison
We have American friends who say thay the number of UK visitors have dwindled as a result of the fears about the forms!
No, I didn't go to the embassy - DH managed to forget where he lived last week so I chose to take the word of the court who said they had no records of him
! The time I did panic was on the plane, about 10 mins before landing, when the green form asks you to state that you are in good health! What?! If not, please go to the Embassy and apply for a visa......! I ticked that he had no health problems but what a loaded question - there can be few people who have no health worries - especially on a family flight full of parents, grandparents etc.
DH hasn't been in 'good health' for the last 14 years but, apparently this applies to 'communicable diseases-not made clear on the form!' Didn't stop me panicking til about 2 weeks after our return home - even though DH had a lengthy, friendly chat with the customs guy as to why he had so many facial scars!
I'm pretty certain that shop lifting isn't counted in the 'naughty' stuff anyway - from what I can gather it's if you caused harm to someone else -which is fair enough.
No slating at this end
Alison
marv
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2004
- Messages
- 426
I say if no record of you being arrested how will anybody know. If you were convicted then yes apply but why should someone loose: a days pay, travel maybe 150-200 miles, find £60 for the visa, pay £20 for a photo, pay for fuel to get to London or travel expenses, wait in all weather outside embassy then another 3-4 hours in embassy, just becouse they were arrested but may have done nothing wrong and even if they were arrested for doing something wrong, it was obviously minor as they were not convicted.
marv
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2004
- Messages
- 426
Hi sailaway
it was just over a week of sending it off and getting it back. Its really awful how this visa thing is affecting so many people. I have paid are deposit too and will loose it if we dont get a visa. i think it would be possible to transfer a deposit onto another holiday. I would rather loose my deposit than all off holiday as looking at the small print on travel inss we wouldn't be able to get money back if we had to come back to uk for not having a visa.
good luck to you, you can PM me if you want to know anything else.
it was just over a week of sending it off and getting it back. Its really awful how this visa thing is affecting so many people. I have paid are deposit too and will loose it if we dont get a visa. i think it would be possible to transfer a deposit onto another holiday. I would rather loose my deposit than all off holiday as looking at the small print on travel inss we wouldn't be able to get money back if we had to come back to uk for not having a visa.
good luck to you, you can PM me if you want to know anything else.
bj-sailaway
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 31
Alison, just read your post! They give you a form 10 minutes before you land!!! What on earth are you supposed to do at that stage? Does it just ask about your health, or is that the waiver form?
Oh, I wish we were going to Brighton.
At least I live near London, why does the photo cost £20, isn't it just a normal passport photo?
Oh, I wish we were going to Brighton.
At least I live near London, why does the photo cost £20, isn't it just a normal passport photo?
alisonbestford
<font color=990066>Can cope with the dentist after
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2002
- Messages
- 4,048
I have to agree Marv - crikey, are we ready for the flaming?
I've spoken to US friends who feel it's all gotten totally out of hand and, am certain I've read on a legal website that customs officials in the US have been asked to be discretionary when it comes to tourists on entry.
It is a big worry though.
If the cost, and inconvenience, of getting a visa was more accessible it would limit the upset.
The line on disabled travellers is, to my mind (especially coming from my stance as a nurse), particularly silly as, unless you're under 14 or over 80, regardless of health, you have to visit the Embassy and spend hours hanging around! This was confirmed in a phonecall so not just my perception!
I've come across quite a few friends who have decided against travelling to the US as a result of 'daft things' they did in their youth.
There's little point in telling anyone not to worry but please do try and, above all, have fun 
Alison
I've spoken to US friends who feel it's all gotten totally out of hand and, am certain I've read on a legal website that customs officials in the US have been asked to be discretionary when it comes to tourists on entry.
It is a big worry though.
If the cost, and inconvenience, of getting a visa was more accessible it would limit the upset.
The line on disabled travellers is, to my mind (especially coming from my stance as a nurse), particularly silly as, unless you're under 14 or over 80, regardless of health, you have to visit the Embassy and spend hours hanging around! This was confirmed in a phonecall so not just my perception!
I've come across quite a few friends who have decided against travelling to the US as a result of 'daft things' they did in their youth.
There's little point in telling anyone not to worry but please do try
and, above all, have fun Alison
bj-sailaway
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2005
- Messages
- 31
Bozzly, have you actually got your visa now? Did they let you know at the interview if you were successful?
alisonbestford
<font color=990066>Can cope with the dentist after
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2002
- Messages
- 4,048
Nope the form was given at the beginning of the flight - just took me 8 hours to look at it - juggling DD (6) and DH (37, going on 6 
)
That's the waiver form.
From what you said earlier I really don't think the shoplifting thing matters to the US.
I know it's no good saying don't worry as I spent ages trying to work out how to get DH home and DD and I on holiday if he wasn't allowed in.......!
It was fine though.
)That's the waiver form.
From what you said earlier I really don't think the shoplifting thing matters to the US.
I know it's no good saying don't worry as I spent ages trying to work out how to get DH home and DD and I on holiday if he wasn't allowed in.......!
It was fine though.
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